Employer Nomination Scheme 186

Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS) Visa (Subclass 186)

The Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS) Visa (Subclass 186) allows skilled workers to live and work in Australia permanently after being nominated by an Australian employer. This visa is suitable for workers who possess skills and qualifications that are in demand in Australia and are sponsored by an employer for permanent residency.

Key Features of the ENS Visa (Subclass 186)

  • Permanent Residency: This visa grants permanent residency in Australia, allowing you to live, work, and study in Australia indefinitely.
  • Work Rights: You can work for the sponsoring employer and eventually for any employer after obtaining the visa.
  • Family Members: You can include eligible family members in your visa application.
  • Pathway to Citizenship: After meeting residency and other requirements, the ENS visa offers a pathway to Australian citizenship.

Streams of the ENS Visa

There are three main streams under the Employer Nomination Scheme (Subclass 186) visa, each catering to different circumstances for skilled workers:

  1. Temporary Residence Transition Stream

This stream is for individuals who already hold a Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) Visa (Subclass 482) or a similar temporary visa (including visa holders from both the Short-Term Skilled Occupation List (STSOL) and the Medium and Long-Term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL)) and have worked for their nominating employer in the same occupation for at least 2 years.

  • Eligibility: You must have worked for the sponsoring employer for at least 2 years on a valid TSS visa or a bridging visa. The position can be on either the STSOL or the MLTSSL.
  • Permanent Residency: Grants permanent residency upon visa approval.
  • Employer Nomination Required: Your employer must nominate you for this visa.

  1. Direct Entry Stream

This stream is for skilled workers who have never worked in Australia or have only briefly worked in Australia but are nominated by an employer. This stream is also suitable for those who do not meet the Temporary Residence Transition Stream requirements.

  • Eligibility: You must be nominated by an approved Australian employer, meet the skill level requirements, and have a positive skills assessment.
  • Work Experience: At least 3 years of relevant work experience is required in your nominated occupation.
  • Permanent Residency: Grants permanent residency upon visa approval.

  1. Labour Agreement Stream

This stream is for skilled workers who are sponsored by an employer under a labour agreement with the Australian Government.

  • Eligibility: You must be nominated by an employer who has a labour agreement in place with the Australian Government.
  • Permanent Residency: Grants permanent residency upon visa approval.

Eligibility Requirements for the ENS Visa

To be eligible for the Employer Nomination Scheme (Subclass 186) visa, both the employer and the applicant must meet specific requirements.

For the Employer:

  1. Nomination Approval: The employer must be an approved sponsor and nominate the position for a skilled worker.
  2. Labour Market Testing: The employer must demonstrate that they have tried to find a suitably qualified Australian worker to fill the position.

For the Applicant:

  1. Nominated Occupation: Your occupation must be on the Medium and Long-Term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL) (For Direct Entry Stream applicants) or the Short-Term Skilled Occupation List (STSOL) (For Transition Stream Applicants only).
  2. Skills and Qualifications: You must have at least 3 years of relevant work experience in your nominated occupation. For the Direct Entry Stream, you also need to provide a positive skills assessment from the relevant assessing authority.
  3. English Language Proficiency: You must meet the English language requirements, which typically require an IELTS score of 6.0 (with at least 6.0 in each component) or equivalent.
  4. Health and Character Requirements: You must meet the health and character criteria, which include undergoing a medical examination and providing police clearance certificates.
  5. Age Limit: You must be under 45 years of age at the time of application unless you are exempt due to certain circumstances (e.g., holding certain visa streams or occupations with exemptions).

Required Documentation for the ENS Visa

The application process for the Employer Nomination Scheme (Subclass 186) visa generally involves the following steps:

  1. Employer Nomination

Your employer must submit a nomination application to the Department of Home Affairs. For Direct Entry Stream applicants - The position must be listed on the Medium and Long-Term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL), and the employer must show evidence that they have tried to fill the position locally.

For Transition Stream applicants - The position can be listed either on the Medium and Long-Term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL) or Short Term Skilled Occupation List.

  1. Lodge Your Visa Application

Once the employer nomination is approved, you can apply for the ENS visa. Submit your visa application along with all the necessary documents, including your skills assessment (if required), qualifications, work experience, English proficiency, and health and character documents.

  1. Await Processing

The Department of Home Affairs will assess both the employer’s nomination and the visa application. Processing times may vary depending on individual circumstances and the stream under which the visa is being applied for.

  1. Visa Decision

If the visa is approved, you will be granted permanent residency in Australia, allowing you to live and work in Australia indefinitely.

ENS Visa Costs

The application fee for the Employer Nomination Scheme (Subclass 186) visa starts at AUD 4,770 for the main applicant. Additional charges may apply for family members included in the application. Other costs may include:

  • Skills assessment fees (if applicable): Varies based on the occupation and assessing authority.
  • English language test: Fees vary depending on the testing provider (IELTS, TOEFL, or PTE).
  • Health examinations and police checks: Costs vary based on location and provider.

How We Can Help

At A Square Migration Services, we offer expert guidance and support throughout the entire ENS visa application process. Our services include:

  • Employer Nomination Assistance: We assist your employer in preparing and lodging the nomination application.
  • Skills Assessment Guidance: If required, we help you obtain a positive skills assessment from the relevant authority.
  • Visa Application Support: We handle your visa application, ensuring all required documents are complete and submitted on time.
  • Health and Character Documentation: We assist you with obtaining medical examinations and police clearance certificates.
  • Ongoing Support: We provide continuous updates on your visa application status and offer assistance at every stage of the process.

Secure Your Future with the ENS Visa

The Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS) Visa (Subclass 186) offers skilled workers an excellent opportunity to gain permanent residency in Australia while contributing to the workforce. At A Square Migration Services, we are here to make your visa application smooth and successful.

Contact us today to start your ENS visa application and take the next step toward permanent residency in Australia.