Employer Nomination Visa (Subclass 186)

Overview

The Employer Nomination Scheme Subclass 186 is a permanent residence visa that allows skilled workers to live and work in Australia indefinitely through employer sponsorship.

This visa is suitable for professionals who have been nominated by an approved Australian employer for a genuine full-time position.

Visa Aid assists employers and applicants with eligibility assessment, nomination preparation, and compliant visa lodgement.

Streams Under Subclass 186

There are three main streams available:

• Direct Entry Stream
• Temporary Residence Transition Stream
• Labour Agreement Stream

The correct stream depends on your work history, visa status, occupation, and employer eligibility.

Key Benefits

With this visa, you may:

• Live and work in Australia permanently
• Enrol in Medicare
• Sponsor eligible family members
• Travel to and from Australia freely
• Apply for Australian citizenship when eligible

Employer Requirements

The nominating employer must:

• Be actively and lawfully operating in Australia
• Offer a genuine full-time position for at least two years
• Pay salary at or above the market rate
• Meet Australian workplace and employment laws
• Demonstrate a genuine need for the nominated position

Position Requirements

The nominated role must:

• Be on the relevant skilled occupation list
• Be full-time and ongoing
• Match the applicant’s skills and experience
• Meet market salary rate requirements
• Be available for at least two years

Applicant Requirements

The visa applicant must generally:

• Have relevant qualifications and work experience
• Meet English language requirements
• Meet health and character requirements
• Be under 45 years of age at the time of application unless exemptions apply

Requirements vary depending on the stream.

Application Process

The process involves two main stages:

Stage 1: Employer Nomination
The employer submits a nomination application to the Department of Home Affairs.

Stage 2: Visa Application
Once nominated, the applicant submits their visa application with supporting documents.

Both stages must meet legislative requirements for approval.

How Visa Aid Can Assist

Visa Aid provides end-to-end support including:

• Eligibility assessment for employer and applicant
• Stream selection and strategy advice
• Nomination and visa application preparation
• Document checking and compliance review
• Ongoing communication until decision

Visa outcomes are determined by the Department of Home Affairs. Approval is not guaranteed.

Need Professional Advice

If you are an employer planning to sponsor a skilled worker or an applicant seeking permanent residence through Subclass 186, professional guidance is recommended.

Book a consultation with Visa Aid to assess your eligibility and next steps.