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Eligibility assessment
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Employer Nomination Scheme
Visa (Subclass 186)
The Employer Nomination Scheme Visa (Subclass 186) is a permanent residency visa that allows skilled overseas workers to live and work permanently in Australia through employer sponsorship. Eligible applicants may qualify through the Direct Entry, Temporary Residence Transition (TRT), or Labour Agreement stream, depending on their individual circumstances.
Our Australian registered migration agents assist employers and skilled workers with employer nominations, eligibility assessments, document preparation, permanent residency applications, and compliance throughout the Subclass 186 process.
Prefer to talk first? +61 414 996 546·info@realmigration.com.au
ENS
PR Visa
Subclass 186
Direct Entry
Employer Nomination Scheme Visa
(Subclass 186) Overview
The Subclass 186 visa provides a pathway to Australian permanent residency through employer sponsorship. It is designed for skilled workers who have the qualifications, experience, and employer support required to fill genuine positions in Australia.
The visa offers three application streams:
- - Direct Entry Stream
- - Temporary Residence Transition (TRT) Stream
- - Labour Agreement Stream
Successful applicants receive:
- - Live and work anywhere in Australia after grant
- - Permanent residency
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Eligibility Criteria for Visa 186
Applicants generally require:
- - An approved employer nomination
- - An eligible occupation
- - Relevant qualifications and work experience
- - Competent English language ability
- - Health and character clearance
- - Compliance with the selected visa stream requirements
- - Supporting evidence for all claims
Who Can Apply for Subclass 186
Approved Australian employers with eligible nominations and skilled workers who meet stream requirements for Direct Entry, TRT, or Labour Agreement pathways may pursue Subclass 186 when nomination, eligibility, and documentation align for permanent residency.
Queensland Employer Sponsored PR Support
Employers and skilled workers across Queensland and Australia can plan employer nomination and permanent residency through employer-sponsored pathways with structured Subclass 186 application support.
Application process
Application Process for Subclass 186
We manage a structured pathway from employer nomination through to permanent residency grant, with compliance checks at every stage.
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Employer nomination preparation
3
Skills assessment where required
4
Document preparation
5
Visa application lodgement
6
Health and character requirements
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Department assessment
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Permanent residency grant
Employer Nomination
Skills Assessment
English Language
Visa Lodgement
PR Grant
Planning and compliance
Subclass 186 Planning and Compliance Guidance
Plan timelines, costs, and evidence consistency before lodgement to reduce avoidable delays and refusal risks.
Indicative Timeline
- Employer nomination assessment
- Visa application processing
- Health and character assessment
- Additional information requests where required
Cost Planning
- - Visa application charges
- - Skills assessment fees where applicable
- - English testing costs
- - Health examinations
- - Police clearances
- - Professional migration assistance
Compliance Module
- - Employer obligations
- - Nomination compliance
- - Document verification
- - Department communication
- - Permanent residency planning
Trust and delivery
Why Clients Trust Our Employer Sponsored PR Team
Permanent residency specialists
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Subclass 186 delivery focus
Critical document review stages
10+
Structured evidence checkpoints
Employer nomination checkpoints
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Nomination and visa review
Migration compliance aligned
AU
Gov source aligned strategy
Documents
Employer Sponsored PR Checklist
- Passport
- Employer nomination documents
- Employment contract
- Qualifications
- Skills assessment where applicable
- Employment references
- English language test results
- Curriculum Vitae
- Police clearances
- Health examinations
- Identity documents
Risk review
Common Refusal Risks for Subclass 186 Applications
- Employer nomination issues
- Occupation eligibility concerns
- Insufficient work experience
- Weak employment evidence
- English language deficiencies
- Skills assessment issues
- Health or character concerns
- Incomplete documentation
Related Employer Sponsored & Skilled Visas
Our approach
Our Process: How We Manage Your Employer Sponsored PR Application
Step 1: Eligibility assessment
Stream, nomination, and applicant profile review against occupation, eligibility, and timing requirements.
Step 2: Employer nomination strategy
We align employer nominations, role documentation, and business evidence for a consistent permanent residency file.
Step 3: Document preparation
Skills, English, employment history, and dependant documentation structured for decision-ready lodgement.
Step 4: Permanent residency application management
Decision-ready lodgement support, condition briefing, and post-grant settlement planning for permanent residents.
Ready to start your employer sponsored PR application?
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Agents and Visa Consultants Now.
Contact UsFAQ
Frequently Asked Questions About Employer Nomination Scheme Visa (Subclass 186)
What is the Employer Nomination Scheme Visa (Subclass 186)?
The Subclass 186 visa is a permanent residency visa that allows skilled workers to obtain Australian permanent residency through employer sponsorship.
What are the three streams of the Subclass 186 visa?
The three streams are the Direct Entry Stream, Temporary Residence Transition (TRT) Stream, and Labour Agreement Stream.
Can offshore applicants apply for the Subclass 186 visa?
Yes. Eligible applicants outside Australia may apply through the appropriate stream if they meet the legislative requirements.
Can a Subclass 482 visa lead to a Subclass 186 permanent residency visa?
Yes. Many eligible Subclass 482 visa holders may transition to permanent residency through the Temporary Residence Transition (TRT) Stream.
Is a skills assessment required for the Subclass 186 visa?
Some applicants, particularly under the Direct Entry Stream, may require a positive skills assessment depending on their occupation and circumstances.
Can I include my spouse and children in my Subclass 186 application?
Yes. Eligible family members may generally be included in the visa application.
Does the Subclass 186 visa provide permanent residency?
Yes. Successful applicants receive Australian permanent residency from the date the visa is granted.
Can I change employers after my Subclass 186 visa is granted?
Once permanent residency is granted, visa holders generally have the freedom to work for any employer in Australia.
How long does the Subclass 186 visa take to process?
Processing times vary depending on the application stream, document quality, employer nomination assessment, and Department processing.
Can a registered migration agent assist with a Subclass 186 application?
Yes. A registered migration agent can assist employers and applicants with eligibility, employer nomination, document preparation, compliance, and visa lodgement.
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Next step
Ready to Apply for Employer Nomination Scheme Visa (Subclass 186)?
Whether you are an Australian employer seeking to nominate a skilled worker for permanent residency or a skilled professional exploring Direct Entry, TRT, or Labour Agreement pathways, our registered migration agents can guide you through every stage of the Subclass 186 process.
Questions? Call +61 414 996 546 or email info@realmigration.com.au.