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Employer Nomination Scheme Visa (Subclass 186)

What is this Visa?

The Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS) Visa (Subclass 186) is a permanent residency visa for skilled workers who are nominated by an approved Australian employer. This visa allows skilled foreign workers to live and work permanently in Australia. The Employer Nomination Scheme is designed to address labour shortages in Australia by enabling employers to sponsor foreign workers for permanent positions.

Overview:

The ENS Visa (Subclass 186) allows overseas workers to apply for permanent residency once they have been nominated by an Australian employer. There are three main streams within this visa:

  1. Temporary Residence Transition (TRT) Stream

    • For individuals who have worked for the sponsoring employer on a Temporary Skills Shortage (TSS) 482 Visa or Skilled Worker Visa (457 Visa) for at least three years.
    • The worker must be employed in the same position that they were originally nominated for and meet all skill and salary requirements.
  2. Direct Entry Stream

    • For individuals who have not worked with the employer for three years or who are applying directly from overseas.
    • The worker must meet the skill level and qualifications required for the nominated occupation.
  3. Agreement Stream

    • For workers nominated under a labour agreement between the employer and the Australian government, which is usually for specific sectors or industries.

Eligibility Requirements for Employees (Workers):

  1. Nomination by an Approved Employer: The worker must be nominated by an Australian employer who is approved to sponsor skilled workers.
  2. Skilled Occupation: The applicant’s occupation must be listed on the Medium and Long-Term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL).
  3. Age: Applicants generally must be under 45 years old at the time of application (there are some exceptions for certain occupations).
  4. Skills and Qualifications: Applicants must have the necessary qualifications and experience for the nominated occupation, often proven through skills assessments.
  5. English Proficiency: Applicants must meet the required level of English language skills, which can be proven by an accepted English language test (e.g., IELTS, PTE, or TOEFL).
  6. Health and Character: Applicants must meet health and character requirements through medical exams and police clearances.

How It Works:

  1. Employer Nomination: The employer nominates a skilled worker for a permanent position and submits an application to the Australian government.
  2. Visa Application: Once the nomination is approved, the worker can apply for the ENS Visa (Subclass 186).
  3. Permanent Residency: If the visa application is successful, the worker will be granted permanent residency in Australia, along with the ability to live, work, and access benefits such as Medicare.

The ENS Visa (Subclass 186) is an excellent option for skilled workers who have an Australian employer willing to sponsor them for permanent residency, offering a pathway to settle and build a future in Australia.