Employer Nomination Scheme (Subclass 186)

Looking to live and work in Australia permanently? The Employer Nomination Scheme (Subclass 186) might be the perfect option for you. This visa allows skilled workers nominated by Australian employers to secure permanent residency while contributing to the country’s workforce.

At CIA Lawyers, we’re here to make your application process smooth and stress-free.

Costs & Details of the Employer Nomination Scheme (Subclass 186)

The costs and key details of the Employer Nomination Scheme (Subclass 186) is vital for skilled workers and employers. This permanent visa has three streams tailored to different situations, offering flexibility and security for eligible applicants.

Below is a streamlined overview of each stream, its duration, cost, and processing times:

Visa Stream	Stay Duration	Cost (AUD)	Processing Time
Direct Entry Stream	Permanent	From $4,770	Varies (Check the guide tool)
Labour Agreement Stream	Permanent	From $4,770	Varies (Check the guide tool)
Temporary Residence Transition	Permanent	From $4,770	Varies (Check the guide tool)

Key Features Across All Streams:

Permanent Residency: Stay, work, and study in Australia indefinitely.
Family Sponsorship: Sponsor eligible family members to join you in Australia.
Citizenship Pathway: Apply for Australian citizenship if you meet the eligibility criteria.

Important Notes:

Processing Times: Times can vary due to application volume and individual circumstances. Check the visa processing time guide for updates.
Cost Variations: The fees listed are indicative. Additional costs may apply depending on your application, such as health checks and police certificates.

This visa is a significant step towards permanent residency and offers a stable future in Australia for skilled workers and their families.

Detailed Breakdown of Each Stream

The Employer Nomination Scheme (Subclass 186) offers three distinct streams designed to address the various needs of skilled workers and employers. Here’s how each stream operates:

Stream	Description
Direct Entry Stream	For workers nominated directly by their employer with skills that match Australia’s eligible occupation list.
Labour Agreement Stream	For workers employed under a formal labour agreement between the employer and the Australian Government.
Temporary Residence Transition Stream	For skilled workers transitioning from a 457 or TSS visa, who have worked for their employer for at least two years.

#1. Direct Entry Stream

This stream is designed for skilled workers whose occupations are on the eligible skilled occupation list.

Eligibility: Applicants need at least three years of relevant work experience and a positive skills assessment unless exempt.
Stay Duration: Permanent.
Benefits: Provides a pathway to permanent residency, the ability to work and study indefinitely, and the option to sponsor family members.

This is ideal for skilled professionals ready to make Australia their long-term home.

#2. Labour Agreement Stream

This stream supports workers employed under a labour agreement tailored to specific workforce shortages.

Eligibility: Workers must meet the age, skills, and English language requirements specified in the agreement.
Stay Duration: Permanent.
Benefits: Offers flexibility for niche industries or roles where local talent is unavailable, ensuring employers access specialised skills.

For employers facing unique challenges, this stream fills workforce gaps effectively.

#3. Temporary Residence Transition Stream

This stream is for skilled workers who have been working in Australia on a 457 or TSS visa and wish to transition to permanent residency.

Eligibility: Applicants must have worked full-time with their sponsoring employer for at least two years. The employer’s nomination should be approved within six months of applying.
Stay Duration: Permanent.
Benefits: Enables continuity for employees and businesses, allowing applicants to live and work permanently while reuniting with family.

This stream is perfect for workers already contributing to Australian industries who wish to stay permanently.

Each stream under the Employer Nomination Scheme (Subclass 186) offers clear pathways for skilled professionals and their families to settle in Australia while providing employers with reliable access to global talent.

Benefits of the Employer Nomination Scheme (Subclass 186)

The Employer Nomination Scheme (Subclass 186) visa offers substantial advantages, making it a popular choice for skilled professionals and their families. Here’s why this visa could be a game-changer for your future:

Permanent Residency: This visa grants you the right to live and work in Australia permanently. It’s your ticket to security and long-term stability in one of the world’s most desirable countries.
Work and Study Freedom: Enjoy unrestricted access to employment and educational opportunities across Australia. Whether advancing your career or pursuing higher education, the possibilities are limitless.
Access to Medicare: Visa holders gain enrolment in Medicare, Australia’s public healthcare system, which provides access to essential medical services and subsidised treatments.
Pathway to Citizenship: After meeting residency and other requirements, this visa allows you to apply for Australian citizenship, offering you full rights and privileges as an Australian.
Family Sponsorship: You can sponsor eligible family members to join you in Australia, allowing you to create a stable and fulfilling life together.
Stability for Employers and Employees: For businesses, this visa ensures access to skilled professionals committed to contributing long-term. For workers, it provides security to grow professionally and personally.

This visa is more than just a document—it’s an opportunity to build a life full of possibilities in Australia for you and your loved ones.

Eligibility Criteria for the Employer Nomination Scheme (Subclass 186)

The Employer Nomination Scheme (Subclass 186) visa allows skilled workers to live and work in Australia permanently. Depending on your circumstances, there are three streams under which you can apply. Each has specific requirements:

#1. Direct Entry Stream

This stream is suitable for skilled workers with relevant qualifications and work experience who are nominated by an Australian employer.

Occupation: Your occupation must be on the relevant list of eligible skilled occupations.
Work Experience: You must have at least three years of relevant work experience, unless exempt.
Skills Assessment: A positive skills assessment in your nominated occupation is mandatory unless exempt.
Nomination: An Australian employer must nominate you for a position that aligns with your skills.
English Proficiency: You must demonstrate competent English language skills.
Age Limit: You must be under 45 years old unless an exemption applies.
Health and Character Requirements: You need to meet Australia’s health and character standards.

#2. Labour Agreement Stream

Designed for skilled workers employed under a labour agreement between their employer and the Australian Government.

Labour Agreement: You must work for an employer who is a party to a labour agreement.
Nomination: Your employer must nominate you for a role specified in the labour agreement.
Skills and Age Requirements: These depend on the conditions outlined in the labour agreement.
English Language: You need to meet the language requirements specified in the labour agreement.
Health and Character Standards: Fulfil the required standards for health and character.

#3. Temporary Residence Transition Stream

This stream is for workers already in Australia on specific temporary visas, such as the 457 or TSS visa, who have worked for their nominating employer for a specified period.

Visa Status: You must hold a Subclass 457, TSS, or related Bridging visa A, B, or C.
Work Duration: You must usually have worked for your employer full-time for at least two years while holding your temporary visa.
Nomination Approval: Your employer’s nomination must be approved within six months before lodging your visa application.
English Proficiency: Competent English skills are required unless exempt.
Health and Character Requirements: You must meet Australia’s health and character standards.

Each stream caters to different pathways, so it’s essential to understand which one applies to your situation. If you’re unsure about the requirements, seeking professional advice can help clarify the process and ensure your application is accurate.

How CIA Lawyers Will Help You Get the Employer Nomination Scheme (Subclass 186)

At CIA Lawyers, we make the process of applying for the Employer Nomination Scheme (Subclass 186) visa as simple and hassle-free as possible. Here’s how we can assist you every step of the way:

Expert Guidance: We’ll assess your situation and recommend the best visa stream, whether it’s the Direct Entry, Labour Agreement, or Temporary Residence Transition stream. Our team ensures you’re on the right track from the beginning.
Eligibility Assessment: We’ll help you understand the requirements and ensure you meet all the necessary criteria, including the correct occupation, skills, work experience, and English proficiency.
Documentation Assistance: Our experienced team will guide you through collecting and preparing all the necessary documents, ensuring everything is complete, accurate, and in line with Home Affairs requirements.
Employer Nomination Support: If your employer is involved in the nomination process, we’ll provide the guidance needed to ensure they meet the nomination criteria, including compliance with salary and job requirements.
Application Submission: We’ll take care of submitting your application, reducing the chance of errors or delays and ensuring that everything is in place for a smooth process.
Ongoing Communication: Stay informed every step of the way with our regular updates. We’ll keep you in the loop, so you’re always aware of where your application stands.
Tailored Solutions: No two applications are the same. We offer personalised support that’s specific to your unique circumstances, helping you achieve the best possible outcome.

We’re here to make sure your pathway to living and working in Australia permanently is as smooth and successful as possible. Let us handle the complexities, so you can focus on building your future in Australia.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: What are the three streams of the Subclass 186 visa?

A: The three streams are Direct Entry, Labour Agreement, and Temporary Residence Transition. Each has unique requirements tailored to different circumstances.

Q: How much does the Subclass 186 visa cost?

A: The application fee starts at AUD 4,770. Additional costs may apply for health checks, police certificates, or dependents.

Q: Can I include my family members in this visa?

A: Yes, you can include eligible family members in your application, providing them with permanent residency as well.

Q: Is this visa permanent?

A: Yes, the Subclass 186 visa grants permanent residency, allowing you to stay in Australia indefinitely.

Q: Do I need an employer nomination for this visa?

A: Yes, nomination by an eligible Australian employer is a mandatory requirement for all streams of this visa.

Q: How long does the visa processing take?

A: Processing times vary based on factors like the stream and the volume of applications. Check the visa processing time guide for estimates.

Our Process

1. Consultation

Connect with a qualified solicitor to discuss your immigration needs and determine the best strategy for securing your visa under Australian immigration law.

2. Application

Our legal consultants will guide you through the preparation of all required documentation, including any necessary written or oral submissions.

3. Approval

We stand by your side throughout the entire process, advocating on your behalf and supporting you until your visa application is successfully approved.