The 186 Employer Nominated Scheme (ENS) visa might be your best shot at permanent residency if you’re a skilled worker with a job in Australia or an offer from an approved company. This option connects temporary work to becoming a permanent resident—perfect for people who want to live in Australia for good with an Australian employer backing them up.
At Ezy Immigration, we help workers and employers navigate the tricky landscape of Australian immigration. This blog will tell you all you need to know about the Subclass 186 Visa, including its streams, who can apply how to apply, and how it stacks up against other skilled visas.
What Is the 186 Employer Nominated Scheme visa?
The 186 Visa also called the Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS) Visa Subclass 186, gives skilled workers permanent residency. To get this visa, an Australian employer must nominate you. It’s part of Australia’s program to bring in skilled migrants. Unlike short-term visas, the 186 visa lets you stay and work in Australia for as long as you want. You also get access to Medicare and can apply to become a citizen later on.
The ENS 186 visa has three streams:
- Direct Entry Stream – skilled workers outside Australia or those who’ve never had a 482 visa can apply through this route.
- Temporary Residence Transition (TRT) Stream – 482 visa holders who’ve worked for their sponsoring employer for a set time can use this path.
- Labour Agreement Stream – workers employed under an agreement between their employer and the Australian Government can take this route.
This post covers the Direct Entry and TRT streams. These two options are what most skilled migrants sponsored by Australian employers use.
Who Can Apply for the ENS 186 Visa?
To qualify for the 186 visa, applicants need to meet specific requirements based on their chosen stream.
✅ General Eligibility Includes:
- An Australian employer who runs a legal and active business must nominate you.
- Your job must appear on the relevant skilled occupation list.
- You need a skills assessment (if necessary) to show your qualifications and work experience.
- You should have competent English (for example, an IELTS score of 6 or something similar).
- You should be under 45 years old in most cases, but there are some exceptions (like high-income earners or people who held 457/482 visas before).
To qualify for the Temporary Residence Transition Stream, you need to:
- Have a 457, 482, or related bridging visa.
- Have worked at least two years (based on recent policy changes) in the nominated job with your sponsoring employer.
For the Direct Entry Stream, you need:
- A formal skills assessment in your job.
At least three years of relevant work experience.
How the Application Process Works
The ENS 186 visa involves two steps:
- Employer Nomination: The business hands in a nomination application. This application describes the job, pay, and your part in the company.
- Visa Application: After the nomination gets the green light, you turn in your visa application. This includes your personal papers, English test scores, health checks, and character checks.
Processing times aren’t fixed, but the Department of Home Affairs says it takes 5 to 9 months. This depends on the stream and how complex your case is.
Want to know more about timelines? Check out our full guide on Partner Visa Timelines in 2025.
Benefits of the 186 Visa
Going for the 186 visa has several plus points:
- Permanent Residency from the start
- Path to Australian Citizenship
- Complete access to Medicare
- Liberty to live and work anywhere in Australia
Option to sponsor eligible relatives for other visas
Main Differences: 186 Visa vs 482 Visa
Many skilled workers come to Australia on a Skills in Demand – Subclass 482 visa, which can lead to the 186 through the TRT stream.
Feature | 482 Visa | 186 ENS Visa |
Duration | Up to 4 years | Permanent |
Sponsorship | Needed | Needed |
PR Path | Yes, via TRT | Immediate (Direct Entry) |
Work Rights | Restricted to sponsor | Full work rights |
If you’re on a 482 visa already, check out how the Employer Sponsored Visa Process works to move to PR.
Common Challenges and How to Overcome Them
Applying for the 186 visa comes with its fair share of problems. Common issues include:
- Skills Assessment Delays: Check if your job needs assessment and apply early.
- Changing Employers: A job switch during the application can make the nomination invalid.
- Age Limitations: Apply before you turn 45 unless exemptions apply to you.
- Health & Character Checks: Talk to a registered migration agent before applying if you have any history of medical or criminal issues.
At Ezy Immigration, we provide Registered Migration Agent assistance to guide you through these obstacles and turn in a proper, worry-free application.
When Should You Apply for the 186 Visa?
If you now work in Australia on a 482 visa and your employer wants to sponsor you putting in for the TRT stream of the 186 visa after 2 years of full-time work makes sense as your next move.
But if you live overseas or have never had a 482 visa, the Direct Entry stream might suit you better—if you meet the skill and experience needs.
Need Help with the ENS 186 Visa?
At Ezy Immigration, our team of skilled and certified Australian migration agents assists clients:
- To check their eligibility
- To handle employer nominations
- To get the visa application ready and submit it
- To steer clear of common errors and holdups
If you’re a worker or an employer wanting to back international talent, we’re here to make the process easier.
Check out our services or get in touch with us today to start your journey towards permanent residency in Australia.
Conclusion
The Subclass 186 Employer Nomination Scheme Visa is still one of the most attainable and beneficial permanent residency choices for skilled workers in Australia. With direct support from an employer, a solid occupation, and expert help, you could soon call Australia your forever home.
Ready to chase your Australian dream?
Talk to our migration team and we’ll begin your 186 visa process today.
Common questions about the Employer Nomination Scheme (Subclass 186)
No. You need an Australian employer to nominate you to apply for the ENS 186 visa.
Yes, you should be younger than 45 years, but some exceptions exist (e.g. high-salary earners or legacy visa holders).
The time to process a 186 visa ranges from 5 to 9 months. This depends on your stream and personal situation.
Direct Entry applies to skilled workers who submit their application from overseas or don’t have prior work experience on a 482 visa. TRT applies to 482 visa holders who have worked for their sponsor for at least two years.
Most Direct Entry applicants must undergo a skills assessment. TRT applicants might not need one unless stated otherwise.
Yes. Your application can include family members like your partner and kids.
Yes. After you’ve had PR for a while and lived here long enough, you might be able to apply to become an Australian citizen.
