What is the Subclass 186 Visa?

The Subclass 186 Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS) visa is a direct pathway to Australian Permanent Residency for skilled professionals sponsored by an approved Australian employer. Designed for workers with in-demand skills, this visa allows you to live, work, and settle in Australia permanently with full work rights and access to long-term benefits. It includes multiple streams for overseas applicants, temporary visa holders, and workers under labour agreements, making it one of Australia’s most reliable employer-sponsored PR visas.


Who is Eligible?

1

Must be nominated by an approved Australian employer

2

Occupation should be listed on the Core Skills Occupation List (CSOL)

3

Minimum 3 years of relevant skilled work experience required

4

Applicants must generally be under 45 years of age

5

Competent English required (IELTS 6.0 or equivalent)

6

Must meet stream-specific, health, character, and employer sponsorship requirements

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Step-by-Step Application Process

1

Check Your Eligibility

Meet age, English, health, character, and employer nomination requirements.

2

Choose Your Stream

Select the suitable stream — Direct Entry, TRT, or Labour Agreement.

3

Get a Skills Assessment

Obtain a positive skills assessment for your nominated occupation.

4

Employer Lodges the Nomination

Your Australian employer submits the nomination application for your position.

5

Meet English Language Requirements

Provide proof of competent English such as IELTS or equivalent test scores.

6

Gather Your Documents

Prepare identity, employment, education, and supporting documents.

7

Lodge Your Visa Application Online

Submit your visa application through the Department of Home Affairs portal.

8

Pay the Visa Application Fee

Pay the applicable government visa charges for all applicants included.

9

Undergo Health & Character Checks

Complete medical examinations and police clearance requirements.

10

Wait for Processing

Processing times vary depending on stream, profile, and application completeness.

11

Receive Visa Grant & Permanent Residency

Once approved, you receive Australian Permanent Residency status.

12

Travel & Work Rights

Enjoy full work rights and multiple travel access to Australia for 5 years.

Required Documents

  • Valid passport and travel document

  • Skills assessment from the relevant assessing body (Direct Entry)

  • Employment references and evidence of work experience (minimum 3 years)

  • English language test results (IELTS 6.0 overall, or equivalent PTE/TOEFL/OET)

  • Medical examination results from a panel physician

  • Police clearance certificates from all countries of residence

  • Employer nomination documentation and evidence of salary arrangements

  • Academic qualifications and transcripts

  • Form 80 (Personal Particulars) if required

Note : Additional documents may be requested based on profile assessment

Processing Time

Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS) Visa

Processing Time typically takes 12–18 months for most streams

12–18 months

Visa Application Fees

Applicant TypeFees
PRIMARY APPLICANT
AUD - $4,910
ADDITIONAL ADULT
$2,455 per person
ADDITIONAL CHILD
$1,230 per child
EMPLOYER NOMINATION FEE
$540 (paid by employer)
SKILLS ASSESSMENT
AUD - $300–$1,000+ (varies by body)
MEDICAL EXAM
~AUD $300–$450 per person

Note : Fees are subject to change as per government updates.



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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Australia Subclass 186 ENS visa?

The Subclass 186 Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS) visa is a permanent residency visa for skilled workers nominated by an approved Australian employer.

Can I apply for Australian citizenship after getting the 186 visa?

Can family members be included in the 186 visa application?

How long does the Subclass 186 visa take to process?

Can I apply for the 186 visa from outside Australia?

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