EMPLOYER-SPONSORED VISAS
The Employer Nomination Scheme subclass 186 visa provides a permanent residence pathway for eligible skilled workers nominated by an Australian employer. Get personalised support with stream selection, employer nomination and visa application preparation.
The Employer Nomination Scheme visa has three streams. The appropriate stream depends on your visa history, employment, occupation, experience and the arrangements available to your nominating employer.
TRT Stream
For eligible temporary skilled visa holders who are nominated for permanent residence by their sponsoring employer after completing the required period of sponsored employment.
Direct Entry Stream
For skilled workers nominated directly by an Australian employer. Applicants generally need an eligible occupation, relevant work experience and a positive skills assessment unless an exemption applies.
Labour Agreement Stream
For skilled workers nominated by an employer operating under an applicable labour agreement. Eligibility requirements and available concessions depend on the terms of that agreement.
A subclass 186 application involves both the employer nomination and the skilled worker’s visa application. Borderless Migration coordinates the requirements of both stages to help prepare a complete and consistent submission.
We assess the worker’s visa history, occupation, experience, age, English ability and skills requirements, together with the employer’s proposed position and circumstances.
We guide the employer through the nomination requirements and help organise evidence relating to the business, nominated position, employment arrangements and relevant stream.
We provide a tailored checklist and review the applicant’s identity, qualifications, employment history, English, skills assessment, health, character and family documents.
We coordinate the nomination and visa application, monitor progress, assist with information requests and keep the employer and applicant informed until a decision is received.
A temporary employer-sponsored pathway for eligible skilled workers nominated to work in an approved occupation for an Australian business.
A provisional visa for eligible skilled workers sponsored by an employer in a designated regional area of Australia.
A temporary visa for eligible applicants undertaking structured occupational training or professional development with an approved sponsor.
Yes. The Employer Nomination Scheme subclass 186 visa is a permanent visa. It allows successful applicants to live, work and study in Australia indefinitely, enrol in Medicare, sponsor eligible relatives and apply for Australian citizenship if they later meet the citizenship requirements.
The three streams are Temporary Residence Transition, Direct Entry and Labour Agreement. The appropriate stream depends on the applicant’s visa and employment history, occupation, skills and experience, as well as the arrangements available to the nominating employer.
Applicants generally need at least two years of eligible full-time sponsored employment during the three years immediately before applying. Employment must have been undertaken while holding an eligible subclass 457, subclass 482 or associated bridging visa. Changes of employer, occupation, leave or visa status should be assessed carefully before applying.
Processing times vary by stream and individual circumstances. They can also be affected by the completeness of the nomination and visa application, required checks and requests for additional information. The Department of Home Affairs processing-time guide provides general estimates based on recently decided applications, but it does not guarantee the timeframe for an individual case.
There are many other reasons why Australian visa applications get refused including:
The subclass 186 visa is permanent, but the application is based on a genuine nominated position and the intention that the employment will continue. Home Affairs states that visa holders are expected to work for their nominating employer for at least two years. If employment circumstances change before or after the visa decision, obtain advice about the possible implications.
Subclass 186 eligibility depends on both the skilled worker and the nominating employer. Book a consultation with Fatima El-Kheir for personalised guidance about the appropriate stream, nomination requirements and supporting evidence.
