Employer Nomination Scheme Visa (Subclass 186)
Permanent Residency Through Employer Sponsorship
The Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS) Visa (Subclass 186) allows skilled workers to obtain Australian Permanent Residency through employer sponsorship.
Our Registered Migration Agents in Melbourne assist both employers and employees with eligibility assessment, nomination preparation, and PR visa lodgement, ensuring full compliance with Australian migration law.
This visa is a direct PR pathway, but only when occupation, experience, salary, and employment history meet strict requirements.
What Is the Employer Nomination Scheme (Subclass 186)?
The Subclass 186 visa is a permanent residency visa for skilled workers who are nominated by an approved Australian employer for a genuine, full-time position.
This visa allows you to:
- Live in Australia permanently
- Work full-time for your sponsoring employer
- Access Medicare
- Sponsor eligible family members
- Apply for Australian citizenship (when eligible)
Streams Under the Subclass 186 Visa
1) Temporary Residence Transition (TRT) Stream
For applicants who:
- Hold a SID Visa (Subclass 482)
- Have worked for the same employer for the required period
- Are nominated in the same occupation
This is the most common and safest 186 pathway.
2) Direct Entry (DE) Stream
For applicants who:
- Have at least 3 years of relevant skilled work experience
- Meet skills assessment requirements
- Are nominated directly for permanent residence
Higher scrutiny applies under this stream.
3) Labour Agreement Stream
For applicants sponsored under a labour agreement between the employer and the Australian Government.
Conditions and concessions depend on the specific agreement.
Eligibility Requirements – Subclass 186
For the Applicant
- Nominated in an eligible occupation
- Meet age requirement (generally under 45, unless exempt)
- Meet English language requirement
- Have relevant skills and work experience
- Satisfy health and character requirements
For the Employer
- Actively operating Australian business
- Genuine full-time position available for at least 2 years
- Market salary rate compliance
- Meet all sponsorship and nomination obligations
Critical Conditions You Must Understand
- ❌ PR is not automatic just because you are on a 482 visa
- ❌ Occupation and role must not change before nomination
- ❌ Salary manipulation or fake roles lead to refusal or cancellation
- ❌ Poor documentation history can block PR permanently
This visa demands precision and long-term planning, not shortcuts.
Key Benefits of the ENS Visa (Subclass 186)
- Australian Permanent Residency
No provisional period. PR is granted directly.
- Full Work Rights
Work indefinitely for your sponsoring employer.
- Family Inclusion
Include spouse and dependent children with full PR rights.
- Citizenship Pathway
Eligible to apply for Australian citizenship after meeting residency requirements.
How V CAN Migration Services Helps
We manage both employer and employee strategy, which is essential for success.
Our structured process:
- PR Eligibility & Stream Assessment
- Employer Nomination Compliance Review
- Occupation, Salary & Role Verification
- Document & Evidence Strategy
- Visa Lodgement with Home Affairs
- Post-Grant Compliance Guidance
We focus on approval certainty and risk elimination.
Why Choose V CAN Migration Services?
- Registered Migration Agent-led PR strategy
- Melbourne-based employer sponsorship specialists
- Strong experience with 482 → 186 transitions
- Compliance-first, no false PR guarantees
Need Help With an Employer Nomination Scheme (Subclass 186) Visa?
Speak with Registered Migration Agents at V CAN Migration Services – Melbourne for accurate PR planning and compliant employer sponsorship support.
FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. It grants Australian PR directly.
Yes, in most Direct Entry cases.
Yes. Eligible dependents receive PR.
Yes. Generally under 45, with limited exemptions.
Your PR application may fail. Employer commitment is critical.