Australia Subclass 186
Australia Subclass 186 – Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS) Overview
The Australia Subclass 186 Employer Nomination Scheme is a permanent residence visa that allows skilled foreign workers to live and work in Australia on a long term basis. It enables Australian employers to nominate overseas professionals to fill skilled positions where suitable local talent is not available.
The visa grants permanent residency from the outset and is designed to support Australia’s labor market by attracting qualified, experienced professionals who can contribute to the country’s economic growth and workforce stability.
WHY Choose Australia Subclass 186?
The Subclass 186 visa offers a direct pathway to permanent residence for skilled workers with employer support, providing permanent stability and full work rights in Australia. Unlike temporary work visas, it allows applicants and their families to settle permanently, access public services and build a future in Australia.
It is an ideal option for professionals seeking employer backed migration with the security of permanent residency and access to Australia’s strong economy, high quality of life and globally recognized work environment.
Program Benefits
- Permanent residence in Australia from day one.
- Freedom to live and work anywhere in Australia.
- Inclusion of spouse/partner and dependent children.
- Access to public healthcare and social benefits.
- Eligibility for Australian citizenship (subject to residence requirements).
- Employer supported pathway without points test requirement.
- Long term employment stability in a skilled occupation.
ELIGIBILITY & REQUIREMENTS
Applicant Requirements
- Must be nominated by an approved Australian employer.
- Must work in an occupation listed on the relevant skilled occupation list.
- Must meet the required skills assessment for the nominated occupation.
- Must have relevant work experience in the nominated role.
- Must meet English language requirements.
- Must satisfy health and character requirements.
Company /Business Requirements
- The employer must be actively operating and legally established in Australia.
- The nominated position must be genuine, full time and available for at least two years.
- The employer must meet market salary rate requirements and Australian employment laws.
- The business must demonstrate the capacity to employ and pay the nominated worker.
- The employer must obtain nomination approval before visa grant.
APPLICATION FEES
The overall cost of the C‑11 work permit includes Canadian government processing fees for the main applicant and eligible dependents. Additional costs such as biometrics, medical examinations, or police certificates may also apply. Professional advisory and legal service fees for preparing and submitting the application are payable upfront and are non refundable. Any translation, notarization, document authentication, or third party service costs are payable separately by the applicant
STEPS AND TIMELINE
- Assess employer and applicant eligibility under the Employer Nomination Scheme.
- Confirm that the nominated occupation is eligible and the position is genuine.
- Obtain a positive skills assessment for the nominated occupation, if required.
- Prepare employer nomination documents, including business legitimacy and salary evidence.
- Submit the employer nomination application to Australian immigration authorities.
- Prepare and lodge the Subclass 186 visa application with all personal and professional documentation.
- Complete medical examinations, police checks and English language testing as required.
- Undergo visa and nomination assessment by the Department of Home Affairs.
- Receive permanent residence visa approval.
- Relocate to Australia (if offshore) or continue employment (if onshore) as a permanent resident.
- Fulfil employment commitments with the sponsoring employer after visa grant.
