Overview
The Employer Nomination Scheme (subclass 186) is a permanent residence visa for skilled workers. It is designed to help Australian employers fill genuine, ongoing full-time positions that they cannot fill from the local labour market. The visa has three main streams: Direct Entry, Temporary Residence Transition, and Labour Agreement.
Who qualifies
To qualify, you must be nominated by an approved Australian employer. You generally need to be under 45 years of age, have at least 3 years of relevant work experience, and possess a positive skills assessment for your nominated occupation. You must also meet minimum English language proficiency standards and satisfy health and character requirements.
Application steps
- 1
Step 1: Secure Nomination
Find an approved Australian employer willing to nominate you for a genuine, full-time position.
- 2
Step 2: Skills Assessment
Obtain a positive skills assessment from the relevant assessing authority for your occupation (unless exempt).
- 3
Step 3: Prepare Documentation
Gather all required personal, professional, and health/character documentation.
- 4
Step 4: Lodge Application
Submit your visa application through the Department of Home Affairs online portal, ensuring all fees are paid.
Required documents
- Valid passport
- Positive skills assessment
- Evidence of English language proficiency
- Employment contract/nomination details
- Police certificates
- Health examination results
PR, family, language & arrival
Path to longer stay / PR
This visa grants permanent residency immediately upon approval. After meeting residency requirements, you may be eligible to apply for Australian citizenship.
Family options
You may include your spouse, de facto partner, and dependent children in your application. They will also be granted permanent residency.
Language notes
Applicants must demonstrate 'Competent English' (e.g., IELTS 6.0 in each band or equivalent). Exemptions may apply to citizens of certain countries (UK, USA, Canada, NZ, Ireland).
After arrival
Once granted, you can live and work in Australia indefinitely, access Medicare, and travel to and from Australia for five years.
Common pitfalls
- Failing to meet the age requirement without a valid exemption
- Incomplete or insufficient documentation for the skills assessment
- Choosing the wrong stream (e.g., applying for Direct Entry when eligible for TRT)
- Nominated position not meeting the 'genuine and ongoing' requirement
FAQs about Employer Nomination Scheme (subclass 186)
Who is the Employer Nomination Scheme (subclass 186) for?+
Skilled workers with a genuine, full-time job offer from an approved Australian employer who meet specific age, skill, and English language requirements.
What are the eligibility requirements for Employer Nomination Scheme (subclass 186)?+
To qualify, you must be nominated by an approved Australian employer. You generally need to be under 45 years of age, have at least 3 years of relevant work experience, and possess a positive skills assessment for your nominated occupation. You must also meet minimum English language proficiency standards and satisfy health and character requirements.
How much does the Employer Nomination Scheme (subclass 186) cost?+
Typical fees listed for Employer Nomination Scheme (subclass 186): From AUD 6,140 for the main applicant (as of July 2026). Always confirm on the official government site.
How long does Employer Nomination Scheme (subclass 186) processing take?+
ImmigraPath currently lists processing time as: 8 to 15 months.
How long can I stay on the Employer Nomination Scheme (subclass 186)?+
Permanent residency (indefinite stay)
Can I work on the Employer Nomination Scheme (subclass 186)?+
Full work rights for the applicant and their family members included in the visa grant.
Does Employer Nomination Scheme (subclass 186) lead to permanent residence in Australia?+
This visa grants permanent residency immediately upon approval. After meeting residency requirements, you may be eligible to apply for Australian citizenship.
What are common mistakes with Employer Nomination Scheme (subclass 186)?+
Failing to meet the age requirement without a valid exemption Incomplete or insufficient documentation for the skills assessment Choosing the wrong stream (e.g., applying for Direct Entry when eligible for TRT)