Your Guide to the Employer Nominated Scheme (Subclass 186) Visa!
Your Guide to the Employer Nominated Scheme (Subclass 186) Visa!
Embarking on a career in Australia is an exciting prospect. With its strong economy, diverse society, and excellent quality of life, Australia is a popular choice for skilled professionals worldwide. However, navigating the complex visa and immigration processes can be daunting.
One option is the Employer Nomination Scheme subclass 186 Visa. This visa allows employers to sponsor skilled workers to live and work in Australia, whether they are already temporary residents or living outside the country.
The ENS 186 subclass visa is specifically designed for skilled workers who are already working in Australia as temporary residents, offering them the opportunity to apply for permanent residency.
🔑 Key Highlights
- Offers skilled workers permanent residency and a path to citizenship in Australia.
- Options include Direct Entry, Temporary Residence Transition, and Labour Agreement.
- Grants permanent residency, work rights, access to education and healthcare, family sponsorship, and five-year travel flexibility.
- Ranges from 6 to 18 months, with recent changes easing the transition to permanent residency.
- Requires employer nomination, meeting age, skill, and English proficiency criteria, and submitting necessary documents.
What is an Employer Nominated Scheme Visa (Subclass 186)?
The Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS) 186 visa is a permanent resident visa in Australia aimed at skilled workers. It provides the opportunity to live and work in Australia indefinitely, with a pathway to Australian citizenship. To apply for the 186 visa, you must be nominated by an employer who acknowledges your skills and contribution to the Australian workforce.
What is the ENS Visa Streams?
The Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS) Visa, subclass 186, is a permanent residency visa for skilled workers in Australia.
There are three primary streams under the 186 visa that you can apply for:
Direct Entry Stream
The Direct Entry stream of the Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS) subclass 186 visa is for those applying from outside Australia. You need an Australian employer to nominate you, and you must provide an English language proficiency test score with your application.
Labour Agreement Stream
The Agreement stream is for those an employer has sponsored through a labor or regional migration agreement. This stream is designed for workers with specialized skills that may not align with the criteria of the other streams.
TRT Stream
The TRT Stream of the ENS subclass 186 visa is for 457 or 482 visa holders who have worked full-time for the same employer for at least three years. Those who applied before April 18, 2017, can apply without a skills assessment or competent English level. By early 2024, the TRT stream will also be available to TSS visa holders, with the eligibility period reduced to two years of employment with the sponsoring employer.
Requirements and Eligibility Criteria for ENS 186 Visa
To be eligible for the Employer Nomination Scheme Visa Subclass 186, you must have an Australian employer willing to sponsor you for work in Australia, as well as meet certain application requirements.
Age Requirements & Exemptions
For skilled workers applying for the Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS) visa subclass 186, the age limit is set at 45. However, there are certain circumstances under which individuals exceeding this age limit may still be eligible to apply for the 186 visa.
Skill Requirements & Exemptions
To be eligible for an ENS 186 visa, your occupation must be listed on the 186 Visa Occupations List (ANZSCO code list). Additionally, you must have:
- A minimum of 3 years of work experience in a relevant field.
- Demonstrated proficiency in English through an English proficiency test (IELTS/TOEFL/OET), with an exception for applicants applying through the Temporary Residence Transition (TRT) Stream.
Education Requirements & Exemptions
Applicants must provide:
- Academic certificates and transcripts.
- Professional registration or license certificates, if applicable.
- A comprehensive resume or CV detailing educational history, including dates and positions held within the last ten years.
Skills Assessment Requirement
One of the key requirements for the 186 Visa (Employer Nomination Scheme) is a skills assessment by a relevant assessing authority.
For example, Engineers Australia is the relevant assessing authority for engineers intending to migrate to Australia. Obtaining a positive skills assessment from Engineers Australia is crucial for eligibility for skilled migration to Australia through the ENS Subclass 186 Visa.
While the skills assessment validates your expertise and suitability for the nominated occupation, it is separate from National Engineering Register (NER) registration. While NER registration can enhance your professional profile, it is not mandatory for employer nomination or for the ENS 186 visa.
Important Note:
ENS visa applicants must submit their visa application within 6 months of nomination to avoid rejection. However, if the nomination and visa applications are submitted together, this time limit does not apply.
Document Checklist for Employer Nomination Scheme Subclass 186 Visa
To apply for the Employer Nomination Scheme subclass 186 visa, applicants must provide certain documents to demonstrate their eligibility and suitability for the visa. Below is a checklist of the documents required for the visa application:
- Passport: Provide a copy of your valid passport.
- Identification Document: Include a copy of your identification document.
- Character Documents: Submit relevant documents proving your good character.
- Name Change Documents: If applicable, provide documents supporting any name changes.
- English Language Proficiency: Include evidence of your English language proficiency.
- Skill Assessment: If required for your occupation, provide a valid skill assessment.
- Qualifications and Work Experience: Submit documents verifying your qualifications and work experience.
- Licensing, Membership, Professional Registration Documents: Include relevant documents if applicable to your occupation.
- Additional Forms: 📄 Form 956a
📄 Form 956
For Your Partner, Include:
- Identification documents
- Marriage certificate
- Proof of relationship
- Evidence of English language proficiency
For Your Children Under 18, Include:
- Birth certificate
- Identity documents
- Parental consent 📄 Form 1229
- Statutory declaration
For Your Dependent Children Over 18, Include:
- Identity documents
- Proof of other relationships
- Proof of dependency
- Evidence of current enrollment in studies
- 📄 Form 47a
- Evidence of financial support provided to family member(s) in the last year.
Please ensure that all documents are provided in color PDF format.
This checklist ensures that all necessary documentation is provided for the Employer Nomination Scheme subclass 186 visa application.
Two Crucial Stages for Employer Nominated Scheme Visa in Australia
Stage 1: Employer Nomination
To initiate the process, your Australian employer must nominate you for a position within their business. This nomination serves to demonstrate the genuine need for a paid employee in the specified role. The position must offer terms and conditions of employment that are equivalent to those offered to Australian workers, and the employment contract must comply with Fair Work Australia regulations. Upon approval, the nomination confirms the availability of the position for the next two years.
Stage 2: Visa Application
Once your employer’s nomination is approved, you can proceed with your visa application. In this stage, you must satisfy the specific criteria of the visa stream under which you are applying. This typically involves demonstrating that you possess the necessary skills for the job, meeting health and character requirements, and fulfilling the required English language proficiency standards.
ENS 186 Visa Application Process
-
Obtain a valid nomination
Your employer must nominate you for the visa 186. They need to apply to sponsor you for this visa. Once your employer’s nomination application is approved, you can proceed to the next step.
-
Get your Transaction Reference Number (TRN)
After your employer’s nomination is approved, they will receive a Transaction Reference Number (TRN). This number is crucial for your visa application.
-
Apply for the visa
Once you have the TRN, you can apply for the visa 186. Here’s what you need to do:
• Create an account on the ImmiAccount website.
• Fill out the online application form for visa 186.
• Attach your passport and proof of English language Proficiency.
• Attach health and character documents.
• Pay the visa application fee through the payment section on the online platform.
• Submit your application.
ENS Visa Application Fee and 186 Visa processing Time
When applying for the Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS) visa (subclass 186), applicants are required to pay a visa application charge. The cost for a 186 subclass visa application is AUD $4240, typically paid at the time of visa lodgement. Depending on the applicant’s circumstances, such as the position applied for, an additional second installment payment may be required.
The processing time for a subclass 186 visa varies depending on several factors including the priorities of the Australian Department of Home Affairs and whether the application is decision-ready. Other factors influencing processing time include the duration of health examinations.
The processing time for an ENS visa (subclass 186) also varies based on the stream chosen for the Australia PR application. Generally, the visa 186 application process takes between 4 to 14 months.
Once granted, the Employer Nomination Scheme Visa (subclass 186) allows travel to and from Australia for up to 5 years. After this period, a Resident Return Visa is required to re-enter Australia as a permanent resident.
| Visa Stream | Timeline |
| Direct Entry Stream-subclass 186 | From 6 up to 11 months |
| Labour Agreement Stream- subclass 186 | From 7 up to 11 months |
| Temporary Residence Transition Stream- subclass 186 | From 14 up to 18 months |
ENS Visa 186 Application Rejections and Travel Restrictions
From July 1, 2023, the Australian government has increased the income requirement for skilled migrants from $53,900 to $70,000. This adjustment is applicable to certain visa categories, and new applicants must meet the higher income threshold to be eligible for these visas.
For applicants of the Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS) Visa subclass 186, it’s crucial to note that if you haven’t submitted your visa application within six months of your nomination being approved, there is a risk of visa rejection. However, if you submit both the nomination and visa application together, this time limit won’t apply.
In an effort to facilitate the transition of temporary skilled visa holders to permanent residency, the government has revised the eligibility criteria. As of the end of 2023, temporary skilled visa holders will have the opportunity to apply for permanent residency after two years of work, as opposed to the previous requirement of three years. This change aims to create more pathways for skilled migration visa workers in Australia.
Furthermore, the government will eliminate the restrictions on the number of visa applications that can be made within Australia. This change will particularly benefit those already in the country who wish to extend their stay or apply for a different visa. These adjustments are aimed at enhancing the fairness of the immigration system and providing more settlement options for skilled workers in Australia.
Benefits of ENS 186 Visa
- Permanent Residency: ENS 186 visa grants you permanent residency status in Australia.
- Unrestricted Work Rights: Holders of this visa enjoy unrestricted work rights across Australia.
- Access to Education: You have access to all educational opportunities provided by Australian institutions, without any barriers.
- Travel Flexibility: You can travel to and from Australia for up to five years from the date your visa is granted.
- Family Sponsorship: Once you hold an ENS 186 visa, you can sponsor your family members to join you in Australia.
- Access to Social Benefits: This visa allows you to access Australia’s national healthcare scheme and other social benefits.
The ENS 186 visa not only enables you to work and live in Australia but also provides a pathway to permanent residency and citizenship.
Competent Level of English for 186 Visa
To demonstrate a competent level of English proficiency, you must provide one of the following:
1. Proof of citizenship or passport from one of the following countries:
- United Kingdom
- United States of America
- Canada
- New Zealand
- Republic of Ireland
2. Achieve the following scores in recognized international English proficiency tests:
| Test | Score |
|---|---|
| IELTS | 6 points in each of the four test parts |
| TOEFL | Listening – 12 points |
| Reading – 13 points | |
| Writing – 21 points | |
| Speaking – 18 points | |
| PTE Academic | 50 points in each test part |
| OET (Occupational English Test) | Grade B or higher in each test part |
| Cambridge C1 Advanced | 169 points or higher in each test part |
Get free consultation about ENS Subclass 186 Visa from our Expert Team💪🚀✔
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS) subclass 186 visa offers skilled workers a pathway to permanent residency and citizenship in Australia. With three streams available, applicants have various options to choose from depending on their circumstances.
The visa provides benefits such as unrestricted work rights, access to education, healthcare, and the ability to sponsor family members.
Recent changes to the visa program aim to facilitate the transition of skilled workers to permanent residency in Australia, making it an excellent opportunity for those looking to build a career and enjoy a high quality of life in Australia.
FAQs
1. Who is eligible to apply for the Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS) subclass 186 visa?
The Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS) subclass 186 visa is available to skilled workers who have been sponsored by an Australian employer. Applicants must meet the specific requirements of one of the three streams: Direct Entry, Temporary Residence Transition, or Labour Agreement.
2. What are the key benefits of the ENS 186 visa?
- Permanent residency in Australia.
- Unrestricted work rights.
- Access to education and social benefits.
- Ability to sponsor family members to join you in Australia.
- Travel flexibility with multiple entries to and from Australia.
3. What are the different streams under the ENS 186 visa, and how do they differ?
- Direct Entry Stream: For applicants outside Australia.
- Temporary Residence Transition (TRT) Stream: For 457 or 482 visa holders with at least two or three years of work experience with the same employer.
- Labour Agreement Stream: For workers sponsored through a labor or regional migration agreement.
4. What is the processing time for the ENS 186 visa application?
The processing time varies depending on several factors, including the stream chosen and whether the application is decision-ready. Generally, the processing time ranges from 6 to 18 months.
5. What are the English language proficiency requirements for the ENS 186 visa?
Applicants must demonstrate a competent level of English proficiency through recognized international English tests such as IELTS, TOEFL, PTE Academic, OET, or Cambridge C1 Advanced. Alternatively, citizens of certain countries are exempt from English proficiency tests.
