Migration Overseas
Permanent residence visa for skilled workers nominated by an Australian employer. Direct PR pathway or transition from 482 temporary visa.
Choose the pathway that suits your situation and experience.
For applicants who may or may not have worked in Australia before.
Transition to permanent residence from Subclass 482 visa.
For employers with a specific government labour agreement.
Popular occupations eligible for employer nomination under the 186 visa.
ACS (Australian Computer Society) assessment required for Direct Entry stream.
8-12 weeks processingVETASSESS assessment required. Bachelor's degree + 1 year relevant experience.
10-12 weeks processingTRA (Trades Recognition Australia) assessment + Trade Test required in Australia.
Trade Test MandatoryEngineers Australia assessment via CDR (Competency Demonstration Report).
12-16 weeks processingCAANZ, CPA Australia, or IPA assessment. Must meet Australian accounting standards.
6-8 weeks processingANMAC assessment required. Must be eligible for AHPRA registration.
High DemandWhat you need to qualify for the 186 ENS visa.
How to apply for the Subclass 186 ENS visa.
If applying via Direct Entry stream, obtain a positive skills assessment from the relevant assessing authority for your occupation.
Your employer submits the nomination application and pays the Skilling Australians Fund (SAF) levy. This must be approved before or with your visa.
Lodge your visa application linked to the nomination. Include all supporting documents: passport, English test, qualifications, experience letters.
Complete medical examination and provide police clearance certificates from all countries lived in for 12+ months in the last 10 years.
Both nomination and visa must be approved. Once granted, you receive permanent residence immediately. No conditions apply - live and work anywhere in Australia.
Understanding the fees involved in 186 visa application.
Find answers to the most common questions about this visa category.
Subclass 186 (ENS - Employer Nomination Scheme) is a permanent residence visa sponsored by an Australian employer. It allows skilled workers to live and work permanently in Australia.
Three streams: Direct Entry (skilled workers overseas or on temporary visas), Temporary Residence Transition (for 482 holders), and Labour Agreement. Each has different requirements.
Direct Entry requires skills assessment and 3 years work experience. TRT requires 2-3 years on 482 visa with the same employer but no separate skills assessment.
The employer must be an approved Standard Business Sponsor operating a lawful business in Australia. They must demonstrate genuine need for the position.
You must be under 45 years old at time of application. Some exemptions apply for certain occupations, academics, and existing 482 holders under specific conditions.
Competent English (IELTS 6.0 each band or equivalent) is required for most applicants. Some exemptions exist for UK, US, Canada, NZ, and Ireland passport holders.
Processing times vary from 6-12 months. TRT stream may be faster due to existing sponsorship relationship and work history in Australia.
Yes, spouse/de facto partner and dependent children can be included. They receive the same permanent residence status upon visa grant.
Direct Entry stream requires positive skills assessment from the relevant assessing authority. TRT stream does not require skills assessment.
Employers must pay market salary, ensure position is genuine, comply with Australian workplace laws, and meet sponsorship obligations for the visa duration.
Get expert guidance on employer nomination and visa application. Our team has helped hundreds of skilled workers get PR through the ENS pathway.
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