Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS) Subclass 186 Visa
The Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS) Subclass 186 visa is a permanent residency visa that allows skilled workers, nominated by their employer, to live and work in Australia permanently. The application process involves two steps: nomination by an approved Australian employer and a visa application by the skilled worker. This visa is divided into three streams: Direct Entry, Temporary Residence Transition, and Labour Agreement.
Direct Entry Stream
This stream is for applicants who:
- Have not worked for the nominating employer for at least two years on a subclass 457 visa or subclass 482 visa.
- Are formally qualified in their occupation.
- Have at least three years of relevant work experience at a skilled level in their occupation.
- Have an occupation on the relevant skilled occupation list.
Eligibility Criteria
- Occupation: Must be on the relevant skilled occupation list.
- Work Experience: At least three years of relevant work experience, unless exempt.
- Skills Assessment: A positive skills assessment, unless exempt.
- Licensing or Registration: If mandatory in the state or territory of intended work, must hold the necessary license or registration.
- Age: Under 45 years at the time of application, unless exempt.
- English Proficiency: Competent English, evidenced by an International English Language Testing System (IELTS) score of at least 6 in each component or equivalent test score, unless exempt.
- Nomination: Must have been nominated by an Australian employer, with the nomination approved within six months before applying.
Temporary Residence Transition Stream
This stream is for applicants who:
- Hold a subclass 457, SID, or related bridging visa.
- Have worked for their employer for at least two years on a 482 visa.
- Are nominated by their employer for a permanent position in the same occupation.
Eligibility Criteria
- Visa Status: Must hold a subclass 457, SID, or related bridging visa A, B, or C.
- Work Experience: Generally, have worked for the nominating employer for at least two years on a subclass 457 visa or three years on a SID subclass 482 visa (Medium-Term stream).
- Age: Under 45 years at the time of application, unless exempt. Applicants who held (or had applied for and were later granted) a subclass 457 visa on 18 April 2017 can apply if under 50 years old at the time of application.
- English Proficiency: Competent English, evidenced by an IELTS score of at least 6 in each component or equivalent test score, unless exempt.
- Licensing or Registration: If mandatory in the state or territory of intended work, must hold the necessary license or registration.
- Nomination: Must have been nominated by the current employer, with the nomination approved within six months before applying.
Labour Agreement Stream
This stream is for applicants sponsored by an employer who has a labour agreement with the Australian government.
Eligibility Criteria
- Visa Status: If in Australia, must hold a subclass 457 or SID visa issued under a labour agreement.
- Employment: Currently work, or be preparing to work, for the nominating employer who is party to a labour agreement.
- Age: Under 45 years at the time of application, unless otherwise specified in the labour agreement.
- Skills and Experience: Meet the skills, experience, and other requirements specified in the labour agreement.
- English Proficiency: Meet the English language skills specified in the labour agreement.
- Licensing or Registration: If mandatory in the state or territory of intended work, must hold the necessary license or registration.