Business sponsored visas

Employer Nomination Scheme (subclass 186)

Overview

Subclass 186 is for skilled workers who want to work in Australia. This visa involves a two-step process, firstly, nomination by an approved Australian employer and then an application under the nominated stream. This visa is a permanent residence visa. You can​ be in or outside Australia when you apply. If you are in Australia, you must hold a substantive visa or a bridging visa A, B or C. The visa has three streams:

The Temporary Residence Transition stream is for subclass 482 visa holders who have worked for three years, while holding a subclass 482 visa, in the same occupation with their nominating employer (who has lodged a valid nomination with us under the Temporary Residence Transition stream), who wants to offer them a permanent position in that occupation.

The Direct Entry stream is for

• people who have been nominated by their employer under the Direct Entry stream
• people who have never, or only briefly, worked in Australia, or
• temporary residents who do not qualify for the Temporary Residence Transition stream

The Agreement stream is for people sponsored by an employer through a labour agreement.

Who could get this visa?

1. Temporary Residence Transition stream

You might be able to get this visa under the Temporary Residence Transition stream if you:

• hold a Temporary Skill Shortage visa ​​(subclass 482)
• have at least competent English 
• worked for three years in the same position your employer nominated you for while you held your subclass 482 visa as the primary visa holder, your employer has nominated you for a permanent position under this stream, and the nomination has been approved
• case officer may request former skill assessment at discretion

2. Direct Entry stream

You might be able to get this visa under the Direct Entry stream if one of the following apply:

• Have been nominated for a position under this stream and that nomination has been approved
• Have never, or only briefly, worked in Australia

At time of application lodgement, you must have:

• have at least competent English
• have at least three years of relevant work experience
• have a positive valid skills assessment in your nominated occupation

3. Agreement stream

You might be able to get this visa under the Agreement stream if you are being sponsored by an employer through a labour agreement. Your employer can advise you if such an agreement is in place for your industry or occupation. You must meet the age, skills and English language requirements stated in the agreement.​