Subclass 186 Visa Australia: Complete Guide To The Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS) & PR Through Employer Sponsorship

The Subclass 186 visa is a permanent employer-sponsored visa that allows skilled workers nominated by an Australian employer to live and work in Australia indefinitely. As part of the Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS), it enables businesses to sponsor overseas professionals for roles that require specialised skills.

For many professionals, the Subclass 186 visa in Australia provides a direct pathway to an Australian permanent residency visa and long-term career opportunities in Australia. This guide explains how the 186 visa works, including its streams, key requirements and the application process.

What is the Subclass 186 visa?

The Subclass 186 employer-sponsored visa allows skilled workers nominated by an Australian employer to obtain permanent residency in Australia. It operates under the ENS and is administered by the Department of Home Affairs.

Employers use this visa to fill skilled positions when suitable local candidates are unavailable, while employees gain a pathway to permanent residency through employer sponsorship.

With the ENS visa in Australia, successful applicants can:

• Work and live in Australia with eligible family members
• Access Medicare and public services
• Study in Australia
• Apply for Australian citizenship if eligible
  
  

Because it grants permanent residency, the visa is often considered one of the most direct employer-sponsored pathways to a permanent residency visa in Australia.

What are the streams under the 186 visa?

The Subclass 186 visa includes three streams designed for different employment situations:

Each stream provides permanent residency but applies to different employment situations.

186 visa requirements

Eligibility for the Subclass 186 visa in Australia involves requirements for both the applicant and the sponsoring employer:

Employee requirements

Applicants typically must:

• Have an occupation on the relevant skilled occupation list
• Demonstrate at least three years of relevant work experience
• Meet Competent English requirements
• Be under 45 years of age at the time of application unless exempt
• Meet health and character requirements

Employer requirements

Employers nominating a worker must:

• Be an actively operating and lawful Australian business
• Offer a genuine full-time position
• Ensure the salary meets the market salary rate for the occupation

Both the employer nomination and the visa application are assessed by the Department of Home Affairs.

How to apply for the 186 visa

Applying for the Subclass 186 employer-sponsored visa usually follows this structured process:

1. Employer lodges nomination 
   The Australian employer nominates the worker for a skilled role under the Employer Nomination Scheme.
2. Nomination approval 
   The Department of Home Affairs assesses whether the position and employer meet the nomination requirements.
3. Visa application submission 
   The applicant submits the visa application along with supporting documents.
4. Health and character checks 
   Applicants complete medical examinations and provide police clearance certificates.
5. Visa decision 
   If approved, the applicant receives permanent residency under the 186 visa.

What are common reasons for 186 visa refusal?

Although many applicants meet the basic requirements, some 186 visa applications are refused due to issues in the nomination or supporting documents.

Common reasons include:

• Incorrect or mismatched ANZSCO occupation
• Employers failing to meet nomination requirements
• Salary offered below the market salary rate
• Insufficient or poorly documented work experience

Ensuring that both the nomination and visa application are carefully prepared can help reduce the risk of refusal.

Obtain guidance on securing a Subclass 186 visa with Ten Heads Immigration

Employer-sponsored migration pathways can be complex, particularly when determining eligibility or preparing nomination documentation. If you would like professional guidance, contact Ten Heads Immigration to discuss your situation. Our team provides expert visa services across employer-sponsored visas and other migration pathways, including the National Innovation Visa.

This information is provided by Ten Heads Immigration. Programs and policy settings may change. Eligibility and visa duration depend on individual circumstances and requirements in force at the time of application.

Registered Migration Agents: MARN 1575911 & MARN 2318052.