Subclass 186 Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS)

Are you looking for a reliable pathway to Australian permanent residency? Look no further than the Subclass 186 Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS). This visa program enables Australian employers to sponsor skilled professionals for permanent residence. In this blog, we’ll provide a detailed breakdown of the 186 ENS application process from both the employer’s and employee’s perspective, including eligibility criteria, required documents, costs, and crucial tips for success.

Table of Contents

1. What is the Subclass 186 Visa?

2. Who Can Apply? (Employers & Employees)

3. Step-by-Step Process for Employers

4. Step-by-Step Process for Employees

5. Essential Documents Checklist

6. Costs and Processing Times

7. Top Tips for a Seamless Application

8. In Conclusion

1. What is the Subclass 186 Visa?

The Subclass 186 Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS) is a permanent residency visa designed to address skill shortages in the Australian labour market. It allows eligible Australian businesses to sponsor overseas skilled workers, granting them and their families the right to live, work, and study in Australia indefinitely.

There are three main streams within the 186 visa program:

• Direct Entry Stream

• Temporary Residence Transition Stream

• Labour Agreement Stream

Most people apply under the Direct Entry Stream, particularly if their occupation is listed on the Medium and Long-Term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL) and they can meet the relevant qualification, skills, and English language requirements.

2. Who Can Apply? (Employers & Employees)

Employers:

• Must be a legally operating entity in Australia.

• Must have a genuine need for the nominated position.

• Must offer a market-rate salary (at or above the Temporary Skilled Migration Income Threshold, TSMIT).

• Must have a history of compliance with Australian workplace and immigration laws.

Employees:

• Must be nominated for an occupation on the CSOL (for Direct Entry).

• Must demonstrate the necessary qualifications, skills, and work experience.

• Must meet English language requirements (IELTS, PTE, etc.).

• Must satisfy health and character checks.

3. Step-by-Step Process for Employers

3.1 Confirm the Role and Your Business Eligibility

Check the CSOL:
Ensure the occupation you need to fill is listed on the CSOL for the Direct Entry stream. (LINK CSOL LIST)

Assess Business Viability:
Verify that your organisation is financially sound, complies with local laws, and genuinely requires this skilled role.

3.2 Lodge the Nomination

Create an ImmiAccount:
Use the Department of Home Affairs’ online portal to lodge the nomination.

Complete Nomination Forms:
Include detailed information about the business, the position, and the candidate.

Pay the SAF Levy & Nomination Fee:

• Skilling Australians Fund (SAF) Levy:

  • AUD 3,000 if your business has an annual turnover of less than AUD 10 million.

  • AUD 5,000 if your turnover is AUD 10 million or more.

• Nomination Application Fee: Approximately AUD 540.

Upload Supporting Documents:
Attach financial statements, your organisational chart, evidence of market salary, and the employment contract.

3.3 Await the Nomination Outcome

The Department of Home Affairs will review the submission. If approved, your employee can proceed to lodge their Subclass 186 visa application.

4. Step-by-Step Process for Employees

4.1 Verify Occupation & Skill Requirements

Check the MLTSSL:
Confirm your occupation appears on the MLTSSL (for the Direct Entry route).

Obtain a Skills Assessment (If Required):
Some roles demand a formal skills assessment from a relevant Australian authority.

4.2 Prepare Your Supporting Documents

Qualifications & References:
Gather certified copies of educational certificates, training records, and work references.

English Language Test:
Ensure you have valid test results (IELTS, PTE, or equivalent) that meet the minimum score requirements.

Health & Character Checks:
You may be asked to complete medical examinations and submit police clearances.

4.3 Lodge the Visa Application

Log into ImmiAccount:
Complete and submit the Subclass 186 Direct Entry visa forms.

Pay the Visa Application Charge:
The exact fee varies based on individual circumstances (e.g. secondary applicants).

Attach Documents:
Upload all relevant certificates, assessments, and identity documents.

4.4 Await Your Visa Decision

• You might be asked to provide further information.

• Once granted, you’ll receive Australian permanent residency.

5. Essential Documents Checklist

For Employers:

• Business Registration Documents (ABN, ACN)

• Recent Financial Statements (Profit & Loss, Balance Sheet)

• Employment Contract / Letter of Offer

• Market Salary Evidence (Salary surveys, industry benchmarks)

• Organisational Chart

For Employees:

• Skills Assessment Report (if required)

• Certified Copies of Qualifications

• English Test Results (IELTS or PTE)

• Reference Letters from previous employers

• Police Clearances & Health Checks (if requested)

6. Costs and Processing Times

Nomination Application Fee:
AUD 540

SAF Levy:

• AUD 3,000 for businesses with annual turnover < AUD 10 million

• AUD 5,000 for businesses ≥ AUD 10 million

Visa Application Charge:
Varies (starting from around AUD 4,240 for the main applicant)

Skills Assessment Fee:
Approximately AUD 300–1,500

English Test Fee:
Generally AUD 300–400

Processing Times can span anywhere from a few months to over a year, subject to the Department of Home Affairs’ workload and the completeness of the application.

7. Top Tips for a Seamless Application

• Be thorough with documentation: Missing or incorrect information can cause delays or refusals.

• Check English test validity: Test scores usually remain valid for a specified period. Ensure they haven’t expired.

• Engage professional help (if needed): Migration agents or solicitors can assist with complex or time-sensitive applications.

• Respond quickly to requests for information: Prompt responses can speed up the process.

• Maintain organised records: Keep all documents – such as references, skills assessments, and qualification certificates – neatly filed and up to date.

8. In Conclusion

The Subclass 186 Employer Nomination Scheme is an excellent option for both Australian employers seeking to fill key skill gaps and skilled workers pursuing permanent residence in Australia. By thoroughly understanding the nomination process, meeting eligibility requirements, and submitting well-prepared documents, you can significantly boost your chances of a successful outcome.

Need More Help?

If you have questions or need personalised advice on your Subclass 186 nomination and visa application, [contact our expert team]. We’re committed to guiding you every step of the way as you embark on your journey towards permanent residency in Australia.