SC186 Visa

Overview

The Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS) is a permanent, employer-sponsored visa. It allows a potential employer to nominate a skilled person for a position which meet their business needs where a labour market shortage might otherwise exist. The Subclass 186 Visa has 3 streams:

Direct Entry Stream
For applicants who are qualified or have sufficient experience in an eligible occupation. Additional requirements, in the form of ‘caveats’ may apply to the occupations under this stream.
Transition Stream
For 457 visa or 482 TSS Visa holders who have worked for their nominating employer for a minimum of two or three years. This stream provides a transition pathway to permanent residence for Subclass 457 or Subclass 482 (TSS) visa holders who can demonstrate these requirements.
Agreement Stream
For applicants who are sponsored by an employer under a labour agreement.

186 Visa holders can:

work in Australia indefinitely
study in Australia
travel to and from Australia for 5 years
enrol in Medicare (Australia’s public healthcare system)
sponsor your relatives to come to Australia
apply for Australian citizenship, if eligible

SC186 – General Eligibility

You might be eligible to apply for the 186 Permanent Visa if you have an Australian employer who is willing to sponsor you and meet the following requirements:

Sponsor
You must be nominated by a business in Australia before lodging your visa.

Experience
Applicants must have at least 3 years of work experience in the nominated occupation. Part-time work may be considered but Casual work will not be considered.

If applying under the TRT stream – have completed 3 years full time employment with the nominating employer on a relevant Subclass 457 or Subclass 482(TSS) visa
If applying under the DE stream – have a positive skills assessment in an eligible skilled occupation

Age
The age limit is 45, unless exempt.

Health & Character
Must meet relevant health and character requirements.

Employer Nomination

Applicants must be nominated by an Australian employer before applying for this visa and must apply within 6 months of the nomination being approved if the applications aren’t lodged together.

The visa cannot be granted if: