186Employer Nomination

The 186 visa belongs to the Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS) in Australia, which allows Australian employers or institutions to hire skilled professionals from overseas and sponsor them to work and live in Australia. It is a permanent residency visa that requires working for the employer for two years after obtaining permanent resident status.

The 186 visa has three application pathways:

1. 1. Temporary Residence Transition stream, which allows holders of the 482/457 visa to apply for the 186 permanent residency visa after working for two years.
2. 2. The second pathway is a direct application for the 186 permanent residency visa, suitable for applicants who already have three years of work experience.
3. 3. The Labour Agreement stream is applicable to applicants who have obtained employer sponsorship through a labour agreement or regional migration.

For the first two pathways, applicants need to meet the following requirements:

1. Direct Permanent Residence application category:

• Age below 45.
• Employer sponsorship and nomination approved for a position in Australia.
• Occupation skill assessment required (Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List + Short-term Skilled Occupation List).
• Must have at least three years of relevant full-time work experience (can be with different employers).
• IELTS score of at least 6 in each component.
• Applicant’s educational and employment background should be relevant to the nominated occupation.
• Minimum annual salary $70,000.

2. Temporary Residence Transition to Permanent Residence category:

• Age below 45.
• Currently holding a 482/457 visa.
• Nominated occupation on the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List + Short-term Skilled Occupation List.
• Must have worked full-time for the same employer for at least 2 years.
• IELTS score of at least 6 in each component.