Registered Migration Team | MARN 1911875 | MARN 2418424 | MARN 2518812
Employer Nomination Scheme Subclass 186 | Permanent Residency Through Your
Employer
The Subclass 186 Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS) is a permanent visa. If your Australian employer wants to keep you long-term and you meet the requirements, this is the visa that gives you permanent residency through the employment you have already built.
Registered Migration Team | MARN 1911875 | MARN 2418424 | MARN 2518812
Employer Nomination Scheme Subclass 186 | Permanent Residency Through Your Employer
The Subclass 186 Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS) is a permanent visa. If your Australian employer wants to keep you long-term and you meet the requirements, this is the visa that gives you permanent residency through the employment you have already built.
VISA STREAMS
Temporary Residence Transition vs Direct Entry
Already working in Australia or applying from overseas? Discover whether the Temporary Residence Transition or Direct Entry stream is right for you.
Temporary Residence Transition Stream
For workers who have held a Subclass 482 visa in the Medium-Term Stream and have been employed by the different employer in the same occupation for at least 3 years. The most common pathway to permanent residency via employer sponsorship.
Direct Entry Stream
For workers who have not previously held a 482 visa but have been nominated by an approved Australian employer and meet the occupation's skills and experience requirements. A skills assessment is required for most occupations.
REQUIREMENTS
What You and Your Employer Need to Qualify
Employer must be an approved standard business sponsor
Occupation must be on an eligible occupation list
TRT stream: 3 years employment with different employer
Skills assessment required for Direct Entry stream
Competent English: IELTS 6 or equivalent
Age requirement: generally under 45 at time of nomination
Health and character requirements
Salary must meet Temporary Skilled Migration Income Threshold
BENEFITS OF PR
What Changes When You Get Permanent Residency
Live and Work Anywhere in Australia
Access to
Subsidised Education
Access
to Medicare
Pathway to
Australian Citizenship
Live and Work Anywhere in Australia
Access to Subsidised Education
Access to Medicare
Pathway to Australian Citizenship
EVIDENCE FRAMEWORK
Four Categories of Relationship Evidence
The Department of Home Affairs assesses partner visa applications across four distinct categories. A strong application presents compelling material in all four. A weak application in any single category creates doubt that can delay or refuse the entire application.
Eligibility assessment for employer and employee
Standard Business Sponsor application if employer is not yet approved
Skills assessment coordination where required
Nomination and visa application preparation and lodgement
Monitoring and response to Department information requests
Age requirement: generally under 45 at time of nomination
COMMON QUESTIONS
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there an age limit for the Subclass 186?
Yes. In most cases, you must be under 45 years of age at the time your employer lodges the nomination application. There are limited exemptions for certain high-earning or high-skilled occupations. Career Launchers advises on whether any exemptions apply to your situation.
What English test score do I need?
You need to demonstrate at least Competent English, which corresponds to an IELTS overall score of 6.0 with no band below 6.0, or equivalent scores on PTE, TOEFL, Cambridge, or OET.
How long does a Subclass 186 take to process?
Processing times for the TRT stream are generally faster than the Direct Entry stream because the employer relationship and work history are already established. Current median processing times range from 6 to 18 months
Can my family be included in the 186 application?
Yes. Your spouse and dependent children can be included as secondary applicants and will receive permanent residency at the same time as you.
What happens if my employment ends after the 186 is lodged but before it is granted?
This is a critical situation. If your employment with your sponsoring employer ends after the nomination has been approved but before the visa is granted, you must notify the Department immediately. Contact Career Launchers immediately if your employment status changes.
Ready to Start Your Journey?
Book a free, no-obligation consultation with our registered migration agent. We will assess your situation, explain your options, and give you an honest picture of your prospects.