Understanding Empolyer Nomination Scheme
Ensuring Nominated Skilled Workers Live and Work in Australia Permanently: Empolyer Nomination Scheme
The Employer Nomination Scheme visa (subclass 186) allows skilled workers who are nominated by an approved Australian employer to live and work in Australia permanently. This visa is designed for experienced professionals whose skills are needed long term by Australian businesses and provides a direct pathway to permanent residency, with eligibility requirements varying depending on the stream applied for.
Employer Nomination Scheme (Subclass 186)
Visa Overview
The Subclass 186 visa is a permanent residence visa that allows holders to:
Live, work, and study in Australia indefinitely
Enrol in Australia’s public healthcare system (Medicare)
Sponsor eligible family members
Travel to and from Australia for up to 5 years
Apply for Australian citizenship, if eligible
Visa Cost
Main applicant: from AUD 4,910
Additional charges apply for each family member
A second instalment may apply for family members aged 18 or over who do not have Functional English.
You become a permanent resident on the day the visa is granted.
Available Streams
The Employer Nomination Scheme visa has three streams, each designed for different employment and sponsorship situations.
Direct Entry Stream
The Direct Entry stream is for skilled workers who are nominated by an Australian employer but have not previously worked for that employer on a temporary sponsored visa, or who do not meet the requirements for the Temporary Residence Transition stream.
To be eligible, applicants generally must:
Be nominated by an Australian employer
Have an occupation on the Core Skills Occupation List
Have at least 3 years of relevant work experience (unless exempt)
Hold a positive skills assessment (unless exempt)
Have at least Competent English
Be under 45 years of age at the time of application (unless exempt)
This stream grants permanent residence.
Temporary Residence Transition (TRT) Stream:
The Temporary Residence Transition stream is for skilled workers who are already working in Australia on an eligible employer-sponsored visa and are nominated by their current employer for permanent residence.
To be eligible, applicants usually must:
Hold a subclass 457, 482, or eligible bridging visa
Have worked full-time in eligible sponsored employment for at least 2 years
Be nominated by their employer within the required timeframe
This stream provides a pathway from temporary employment to permanent residency.
Labour Agreement Stream:
The Labour Agreement stream is for skilled workers nominated by an employer who is a party to an approved labour agreement with the Australian Government.
Eligibility requirements are set out in the specific labour agreement and may vary. Applicants must:
Work, or be intending to work, for an employer with a labour agreement
Meet the age, skills, and English language requirements specified in that agreement
This stream also grants permanent residence.
