Permanent Employment Nomination Scheme (subclass 186)

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The Subclass 186 visa, also known as the Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS), is a pathway for skilled workers who have been nominated by their employer to live and work in Australia permanently. This visa offers a range of benefits to successful applicants, including the ability to stay in Australia indefinitely, work and study in the country, access Australia's public healthcare system (Medicare), and sponsor eligible relatives to come to Australia. Moreover, holders of this visa can travel to and from Australia for a period of five years and are eligible to apply for Australian citizenship after living in the country for four years.

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The Subclass 186 visa has three main streams to cater to different situations. The Temporary Residence Transition stream is for skilled workers already in Australia on a Subclass 457 or Subclass 482 visa, who have worked for three years in the same occupation and have the ongoing support of their employer.

 

The Direct Entry stream is for applicants with an occupation listed on the Medium to Long-term Occupations List, competent English language skills, and three years of relevant work experience. This stream allows applicants to directly apply for permanent residence in Australia.

 

Lastly, the Labour Agreement stream is for workers employed by an employer who has a Labour Agreement with the Australian Government, subject to specific age, skills, and English language requirements.

 

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