Employer Nomination Scheme
Visa Subclass 186
Student Visa and get end to end expert guidance from us.
Learn everything you need to know about Australia Student Visa and get end to end expert guidance from us.
Fulfil your Futuristic Academic Goals with AECC
Employer Nomination Scheme Visa Subclass 186
Do you ever dream of living, studying, and working in Australia as long as you want? If so, the Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS) Visa is for you. Imagine that an Australian employer nominates you for a job as it recognises your skills, offering you the chance to settle down here for as long as you want. Will it not be an amazing and life-changing opportunity? From bustling cities like Sydney to stunning natural wonders like the Great Barrier Reef, Australia has it all.
Now, how do you turn this dream into a reality? Our guide is here to help. We will break down the ins and outs of the Employer Nomination Scheme Visa while explaining who is eligible for it, how to apply, and the perks that come with it.
What is the Employer Nomination Scheme Visa Subclass 186?
As the international market continues to evolve, many are seeking opportunities through the Employer Nomination Scheme Visa. This visa in Australia offers a direct pathway to work and potentially settle in the country. For skilled workers with nominations from eligible employers, this visa paves the way to start a new chapter of their lives in Australia. By obtaining this visa, individuals can settle down in Australia for the long haul and reap the rewards of permanent residency. It requires a bit more effort to secure compared to other visas in Australia. However, the end result is truly rewarding—a chance to call Australia home while pursuing your career aspirations.
Read on to learn about the various types of visa subclass 186, its costs, and the benefits of obtaining it.
Types of Employer Nomination Scheme Visa
The Employer Nomination Scheme Visa offers three distinct streams: Direct Entry, Temporary Residence Transition, and Labour Agreement.
In the Direct Entry stream, your employer nominates you if you have been working full-time for it for a minimum of three years in that role. The visa allows you to move directly from your home country to Australia and works as a pathway to permanent residency.
As for the Temporary Residence Transition stream, an Australian employer nominates you for a job you qualify for that features on the list of skilled occupations. Applying for it requires you to hold a valid bridging visa or substantive visa. Successfully transitioning through this stream grants you permanent residency in Australia, allowing you to continue your life in your current Australian abode.
The Labour Agreement stream is for employers who have a labour agreement. Your employer nominates you for an occupation that features on the so-called skilled occupation list in Australia. This stream grants you the opportunity to establish a permanent life in Australia.
The table below breaks down the various types, and it offers a succinct description while highlighting the permissible duration of stay for each.
Type of Employer Nomination Scheme Visa |
Who is it for |
Duration to Stay |
Direct Entry Stream |
For individuals with three years of work experience |
Indefinite |
Temporary Residence Transition stream |
For people with a TSS visa or another valid bridging visa |
Indefinite |
Labour Agreement Stream |
For people with a nomination from an employer involved in a labour agreement |
Indefinite |
How Much Does an Employer Nomination Scheme Visa Cost?
Visa costs can be a significant consideration for applicants. The table below outlines the average fees for an Employer Nomination Scheme Visa. Obtaining a visa in Australia involves a fee of $4,640 for the principal applicant. If any relative requests a visa to come with you to Australia, an additional charge applies, which differs depending on their English language proficiency. Beyond these charges, potential costs for health checks, police certificates, and biometrics may be necessary to complete the visa process.
Type of Employer Nomination Scheme Visa |
Average Fee (in AUD) |
Direct Entry Stream |
$4,640 |
Transition Stream |
$4,640 |
Agreement Stream |
$4,640 |
Employer Nomination Scheme Visa Requirements
To secure an Employer Nomination Scheme Visa, it is a must to meet certain requirements. These criteria ensure that applicants possess the necessary qualifications and attributes to contribute effectively to the Australian workforce. The ensuing list outlines the essential prerequisites that need to be fulfilled for a successful visa application.
- Receive a nomination from an eligible Australian employer
- Be below 45 years of age
- Meet the skills, qualifications, and English language requirements
- Satisfy the licensing, membership or registration requirements
- Meet the health and character requirements of the Department of Home Affairs
- Have experience working in the nominated role in Australia for at least 2 years
- Receive a positive skills assessment
- Sign the Australian Values Statement
It is important to note that the requirements for the visa differ slightly depending on the stream under which you apply. There are also possible exceptions to some of the above requirements for the visa in Australia.
Benefits of the Visa Subclass 186
Holding an Employer Nomination Scheme Visa brings forth a range of advantageous opportunities that enhance your experience in Australia. Below, you will discover a list of benefits that come with this visa in Australia:
- Stay as long as you want in Australia
- Permission to study and work in the country
- Eligibility to enrol in the national public healthcare scheme, Medicare
- Ability to sponsor deserving family members to join you in Australia
- Permission to travel in and out of the country for five years
- An opportunity to apply for citizenship, subject to meeting the eligibility criteria
Which Documents are Required for an Employer Nomination Scheme Visa?
When applying for an Employer Nomination Scheme Visa in Australia, specific documentation plays a crucial role in validating your eligibility. These documents serve as evidence of your qualifications and background, supporting your application for a smooth and successful process. The subsequent list outlines the documentation you need to gather and submit to apply for this Australian work visa.
- Valid passport
- Skill assessment report
- English language proficiency test results
- Employment references and employment history
- Educational qualifications
- Health and character certificates
- The Australian Values Statement with your signature
How to apply for an Employer Nomination Scheme Visa?
The process of applying for the Employer Nomination Scheme Visa in Australia is straightforward but requires meticulous attention. Initiating the application online through the Department of Home Affairs website is the easy route, but you can also seek the help of a study-abroad counsellor as well. For instance, our AECC counsellor will help you ensure that all your documents are in place and that you follow the guidelines. The next step involves paying for the visa charges and waiting for the Australian immigration department to assess your application.
The Steps in Applying for an ENS Visa in Australia
Applying for an Employer Nomination Scheme Visa in Australia involves a series of clear and straightforward steps. These steps guide you through the application process, ensuring that you provide the necessary information and meet the requirements accurately. The subsequent list outlines the sequential actions you need to take to initiate your application and move closer to the exciting prospect of living and working in Australia under this visa category.
- Gather all the necessary documents: Firstly, gather all the necessary documents meticulously. These documents, ranging from qualifications to work experience records, substantiate your eligibility for this esteemed visa category.
- Find an eligible Australian employer: Next, your pathway to success lies in finding an employer that is willing to nominate you. Its endorsement is a testament to your potential contributions to the Australian workforce.
- Complete the application: With your documents and employer nomination in hand, it is time to fill out the application. This is possible directly through the Department of Home Affairs or with the guidance of an AECC counsellor. Either way, be sure to accurately submit your application.
- Pay the visa application charge: Upon submitting your application, the final touch is paying the visa application charge. This financial commitment underlines your dedication to obtaining this visa.
- Wait for a decision: Now, the anticipation begins. Await a decision from the Department of Home Affairs. While this phase requires patience, your potential new beginning in Australia is well worth the wait.
Upon receiving approval from the DHA, your dream of living and working permanently in Australia becomes a reality. This marks the moment to start planning your exciting transition to your Australian workplace, where new experiences and opportunities await.
Processing Time for the Employer Nomination Scheme Visa
The processing time for the Employer Nomination Scheme Visa varies depending on a multitude of factors that influence the evaluation of your application. These factors include the thoroughness and accuracy of your application, as well as the timely payment of the fee. To provide you with a comprehensive overview of the potential processing times, here is a table below that outlines the general ranges. Keep in mind that your individual processing time may differ based on your unique circumstances and the efficiency of your application.
Stream |
50% of Applications Finalised Within |
75% of Applications Finalised Within |
90% of Applications Finalised Within |
Direct Entry Stream |
9 months |
11 months |
12 months |
Temporary Residence Transition Stream |
9 months |
11 months |
12 months |
Labour Agreement Stream |
6 months |
12 months |
13 months |
Employer Nomination Scheme Visa Rejection
The DHA is likely to reject Employer Nomination Scheme Visa applications for a number of reasons. The common reasons include a failure to meet the eligibility criteria, insufficient or incorrect documentation, and adverse health and character assessments. It is crucial to adhere to every detail of the application process to prevent such setbacks.
Renewal of Employer Nomination Scheme Visa
The visa in Australia does not require renewal. However, there is a component in the visa that allows for travelling in and out of Australia for five years. You can stay in Australia for an indefinite period with the visa, but it does not allow you to travel to your home country afterwards. To enter Australia again after five years, it is necessary to obtain another appropriate visa.
How Can AECC Help in Your Visa Application?
Navigating the path to an Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS) Visa can be a complex journey, but you do not have to go it alone. Our dedicated team of educational counsellors and migration agents can serve as your guiding light, streamlining the entire application process for a smoother transition to the Australian workforce.
Seeking expert guidance is essential when applying for a visa in Australia, including the one we talk about here. Our experts are well-versed in the immigration intricacies and ever-changing nature of the Australian workforce. This allows them to help you ensure your application is accurate, complete, and ready to go out on time. Moreover, our experts offer invaluable insights and advice, helping you make informed decisions every step of the way. They can provide guidance on choosing the right visa stream for you by assessing your eligibility and help address any potential challenges that may arise during the application process.
By entrusting this task to capable and reliable expert professionals like AECC, you free yourself from the intricacies of paperwork and procedures. You can focus on the more significant aspects of your journey.
Frequently Asked Questions
It is a visa that allows eligible foreigners with nominations from select employers to permanently live and work in Australia.