Employer Nomination Scheme (subclass 186)
- Employer Sponsored Visas
- Employer Nomination Scheme (subclass 186)
Who is this Visa for?
You (the applicant) are a skilled worker who has been nominated by an approved Australian employer for a permanent position.
You have the skills, qualifications, and work experience required for the nominated role.
Your occupation is on the eligible skilled occupation list, and you have a positive skills assessment (where required).
You want to live and work in Australia permanently with employer sponsorship.
Employer Sponsored Visas
Everything you need to know about this visa
The Employer Nomination Scheme Visa (subclass 186) is a permanent residency visa for skilled workers who are nominated by an Australian employer. It allows Australian businesses to fill genuine skill shortages with overseas workers on a permanent basis. Depending on the stream, applicants may be required to meet specific work experience, skills assessment, and English language requirements. Once granted, the 186 visa gives you and your eligible family members the right to live, work, and study in Australia indefinitely, with full access to permanent resident benefits.
Key Points at a Glance – Subclass 186
- Permanent residency – Live, work, and study in Australia indefinitely.
- Employer nomination required – You must be sponsored by an approved Australian employer.
- Three visa streams available – Choose from the Temporary Residence Transition (TRT), Direct Entry (DE), or Labour Agreement streams, depending on your skills, occupation, experience, and employer needs.
- Occupation requirements – Your occupation must be on the eligible skilled occupation list.
- Skills and experience needed – A positive skills assessment and relevant work experience are usually required, depending on the stream and occupation.
- Family included – Eligible family members can be included for permanent residency.
- Pathway to citizenship – You may apply for Australian citizenship once residency requirements are met.
You can read more about the Employer Nomination Scheme Visa (subclass 186) on the Department of Home Affairs website
