Employer Nomination Scheme visa

Overview

The Employer Nomination Scheme visa (subclass 186) is a permanent visa for skilled workers whose employer nominates them. The Temporary Residence Transition stream suits people who have worked for their employer on an eligible temporary visa, while the Direct Entry stream suits those nominated directly, usually with a skills assessment and relevant experience.

How the pathway works

The flowchart below shows the journey and the key decision points along the way. Where the answer is “no”, we show how AuzRoo can help you find another way forward.

What this visa lets you do

• Stay in Australia permanently
• Work for your nominating employer
• Enrol in Medicare
• Include eligible family members
• Travel to and from Australia for five years from grant
• Apply for citizenship once eligible

Who can apply

To be granted this visa you generally need to meet all of the following. Every case is assessed on its own facts, so treat this as a guide rather than a checklist.

Employer nomination

An approved employer must nominate you for a genuine, ongoing position.

Age

You generally must be under the age limit at the time you apply, unless an exemption applies.

Skills and experience

You need a suitable skills assessment for the Direct Entry stream and relevant work experience, or a qualifying period with your employer for the Transition stream.

English language

You must meet the English requirement, unless exempt.

Health and character

You and any family members must meet health and character requirements.

How to apply, step by step

1. Confirm the right stream for your work history and skills.
2. Obtain a skills assessment if the Direct Entry stream applies.
3. Employer lodges the nomination for your position.
4. Prepare your evidence of skills, experience and English.
5. Lodge your visa application linked to the nomination.
6. Respond to requests and await the decision.

Costs and processing

A visa application charge applies, with employer nomination costs and the Skilling Australians Fund levy paid by the employer. Separate costs apply for skills assessments, English tests, health and police checks. Government charges and processing times change and depend on your circumstances, so we confirm the current figures for your case during your consultation.

When you have the visa

As a permanent resident you can live in Australia indefinitely. You are expected to work in the nominated position, and the five-year travel facility applies as with other permanent visas.