Employer Nomination Scheme - Subclass 186 visa
The Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS) enables employers to nominate employees for a permanent residence or 186 visa to Australia. Generally an employer can nominate an employee to fill a skilled position that is on the 186-eligible occupation list, however it is also possible to secure a 186 visa pathway for employees working in positions that are not on the eligible list of occupations through a bespoke labour agreement with the Department of Home Affairs.
There are three streams under which a 186 visa application can be made:
This stream is for applicants who have worked with an employer on a TSS visa for the last three years in their nominated occupation (or two years for some TSS visa holders). No skills assessment is required for a TRT stream application, and an English level of IELTS Band 6 or equivalent is required. Applicants must be under 45 years of age.
Under the direct entry stream, applicants who have sufficient skill and experience to pass a formal skills assessment in their occupation, are nominated in an occupation on the relevant skills list. They must also demonstrate and have worked in their occupation for at least three years. The required English level is IELTS Band 6 or equivalent. Applicants must be under 45 years of age.
The Agreement Stream is applicable when an employer has a Labour Agreement with the Australian Government and the terms of that Agreement permit the nomination of 186 visa applicants.
Our approach to 186 visa applications is to take an end-to-end case management approach. Commencing with an initial eligibility assessment and strategic planning, we will review and provide advice in relation to supporting evidence, preparing the application submission, and liaising with the skills assessment body and Department of Home Affairs until the final decision.
