Subclass 186 Visa: Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS)

Looking for a pathway to Australian permanent residency through your employer?

The Subclass 186 Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS) visa allows skilled workers to live and work in Australia permanently. Eligible family members can also be included in your application.

We support two main streams of this visa – Temporary Residence Transition and Direct Entry.

Do You Qualify for a 186 Visa?

Take our free online visa assessment, and we’ll let you know if you’re eligible and which stream suits you best.

Temporary Residence Transition (TRT) Stream

This stream is for workers who already hold an eligible Subclass 482 Skills in Demand (SID) visa.

You may be eligible if:

  • You've worked for your sponsoring employer for at least 2 years while holding an eligible Subclass 482 visa.

  • You have worked in the nominated occupation (or a related occupation) during that period.

  • You have Competent English (unless exempt).

  • Your employer offers a salary that meets the applicable Core Skills Income Threshold (CSIT) or the Annual Market Salary Rate (AMSR), whichever is higher. (Since 1 July 2026, the CSIT is AUD $79,499)

  • You're generally under 45 years of age at the time of application (unless an age exemption applies).

  • Your employer nominates you for the Subclass 186 visa.

You cannot apply independently – your employer must nominate you.

Direct Entry Stream

The Direct Entry stream is for skilled workers who may not have held a Subclass 482 visa but have the qualifications and experience required for permanent employer sponsorship.

This includes people on:

  • Student visas

  • Working Holiday (Subclass 417) or Work and Holiday (Subclass 462) visas

  • Other temporary visas

  • Offshore (outside Australia) applicants

To qualify, you generally must:

  • Have an occupation on the Core Skills Occupation List (CSOL) (or otherwise be eligible under the legislation).

  • Be under 45 years of age (unless an exemption applies).

  • Have Competent English.

  • Have a positive skills assessment, if required.

  • Have at least 1 year of relevant work experience in the nominated occupation or a related field.

  • Be nominated by an approved Australian employer.

This stream provides a direct pathway to permanent residency without first holding a Subclass 482 visa.

Let’s Help You Get Started

Not sure which stream is right for you?
We’ll assess your circumstances and let you know the best option – completely free.

Free Assessment

Skill Assessment for the 186 Visa (Direct Entry Stream)

If you're applying for the Subclass 186 Direct Entry stream, you'll generally need a positive skills assessment for your nominated occupation (unless an exemption applies).

We’re here to help throughout the process:

  • Provide a personalised document checklist

  • Review and advise on your supporting documents

  • Prepare and lodge your skills assessment application.

  • Liaise with the relevant assessing authority on your behalf

Important to note:

Skills assessment requirements and work experience criteria vary between occupations. A positive skills assessment does not automatically mean you meet all Subclass 186 visa requirements. Our Registered Migration Agent can assess your individual circumstances and advise on your eligibility.

Employer Sponsorship for a 186 Visa

To apply for a Subclass 186 visa, you must be nominated by an approved Australian employer.

Your employer must:

  • Nominate you for a full-time position

  • Offer ongoing employment in the nominated occupation

  • Pay at least the Annual Market Salary Rate (AMSR) and meet the applicable income threshold.

  • Meet all nomination and sponsorship requirements set by the Department of Home Affairs.

We don't just support you—we also guide your employer through the entire nomination process, including:

  • Preparing and lodging the nomination application.

  • Ensuring compliance with Department of Home Affairs requirements.

  • Assisting with the required business documentation.

  • Managing communication with the Department throughout the process.