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Subclass 186 – Employer Sponsored PR Visa
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1Question 1 of 5 — Do you have a job offer from an approved Australian employer?
2Question 2 of 5 — Under 45 at the time of nomination?
3Question 3 of 5 — Have 3+ years of skilled experience and required qualifications?
4Question 4 of 5 — Competent English (IELTS 6 each band or equivalent)?
5Question 5 of 5 — Occupation listed on the MLTSSL?

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Typical timeline

10 months

Indicative end-to-end processing; varies by case.

Job offer

Requirement

Required

A qualifying offer is needed for this route.

Language requirements

Language requirements

Minimum level: Competent
Accepted tests
IELTS (or PTE/OET equivalents)

Higher language scores can improve competitiveness in points-based or invitation-driven pathways.

Occupation lists

Eligible occupations(4/4)

  • 1Common eligible occupations (examples)(4)
    Software Engineer (ANZSCO 261313)Civil Engineer (ANZSCO 233512)Registered Nurse (ANZSCO 254499)Secondary School Teacher (ANZSCO 241411)

Program overview

Overview

The Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS) Visa – Subclass 186 is an Australia skilled migration program that allows qualified professionals to gain permanent residency through employer sponsorship.
This visa provides a direct PR pathway for those with a valid job offer from an approved Australian employer, allowing them to live, work, and include family members in their application.
It supports Australia’s critical skill needs and helps employers fill long-term skilled positions across industries.

Official

Government fees

Total (AUD): A$4,640
  • Subclass 186 — primary applicant VAC (from)

    —

    A$4,640
  • Nomination charge (employer) — from AUD 540

    —

    —
  • Training Levy (Skilling Australians Fund) — AUD 1,200–1,800 per year

    —

    —

Eligibility

  • Nominated by an approved Australian employer.
  • Have an occupation on the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL).
  • Be under 45 years of age (unless exempt).
  • Possess at least 3 years of relevant skilled experience.
  • Meet the English, health, and character requirements.
  • Hold skills and licensing (if required) for the nominated occupation.

Key benefits

  • Direct pathway to Australian permanent residency.
  • No points test — based on employer sponsorship.
  • Family members can be included in the same application.
  • Access to Medicare, education, and PR rights upon grant.
  • Faster processing under employer nomination stream.
Checklist

Document checklist

9 total items

Documents vary by profile; we’ll tailor your list.

Identity & Civil
2 items
  • Passport, national ID, and birth certificate
  • Marriage or name change documents
Employer & Nomination
2 items
  • Approved nomination from employer
  • Employment contract and job offer letter
Skills & Experience
2 items
  • Qualification certificates and transcripts
  • Reference letters proving 3+ years of relevant experience
English & Tests
1 item
  • IELTS/PTE results showing Competent English
Health & Character
2 items
  • Panel medical examination results
  • Police clearances from countries lived in (12+ months)
Snapshot

Eligible dependents

3 of 4 categories included

3 of 4 categories eligible. Children up to 23. Parents from 0+ years. Spouse included. Siblings not included.

IncludedNot included
Spouse
Included
Yes
Children
Up to 23 years23
Yes
Parents
From 0+ years0+
Yes
Siblings
Not included
No

Application process

Process

How it works

  1. Step 1: Employer nomination

    Your employer applies to nominate your position under the ENS program.

    GuidedAvg. 2–4 weeks

  2. Step 2: Skills and experience verification

    Ensure you meet qualifications, licensing, and experience requirements.

    GuidedAvg. 2–4 weeks

  3. Step 3: Visa application

    Submit Subclass 186 visa application within 6 months of approved nomination.

    GuidedAvg. 2–4 weeks

  4. Step 4: Health and character checks

    Complete medicals and police clearances as requested.

    GuidedAvg. 2–4 weeks

  5. Step 5: Decision and grant

    Upon approval, receive permanent residency status.

    GuidedAvg. 2–4 weeks

Who this program is NOT for

  • No employer sponsorship or unapproved sponsor.
  • Occupation not on the MLTSSL.
  • Over 45 years old without exemption.
  • Failure to meet skills or experience criteria.

Not a match? Explore other programs in Australia.

Frequently asked questions

Direct Entry, Temporary Residence Transition, and Labour Agreement streams.

Yes, but you must have fulfilled the minimum work obligation period with your sponsoring employer.

No — this visa is employer-nominated and not points-based.

Yes — partner and dependent children can be added to your application.

Average timelines range between 8–12 months, depending on stream and caseload.

Client testimonials

“Seamless employer-sponsor coordination and PR plan.”
TL
Tech Lead, Toronto
1/2Auto

Why work with us

A private-client approach to second citizenship: transparent costs, rigorous compliance, and execution without friction.

  1. Dedicated due-diligence desk and source-of-funds guidance.
  2. Government-approved project vetting and exit planning.
  3. End-to-end execution: strategy, documentation, submission, oath & passports.
  4. Confidential handling and white-glove concierge for families.
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