What is the 186 ENS visa of Australia?

Nomination by an Australian employer. Occupation of the worker must be on list of eligible skilled occupations. Language requirement is a minimum of competency in English.

The individual must be formally qualified in their occupation and have worked for a minimum of 3 years at a skilled level in their occupation.

Employer required to have a labour agreement.

Those already working, or due to work, for employer party to a labour agreement will have to apply through this stream.

The individual must have worked for employer full-time for a minimum of 3 years.

The work done by them in the past must have been in the same occupation with the nominating employer that wants to offer them a permanent position in that occupation.

They must hold a Temporary Work [Skilled] visa [subclass 457], Temporary Skilled Shortage [TSS] visa or a related bridging visa A, B, or C.

Generally, must be below 45 years of age.

Exemption in certain cases – researchers, scientists, academic lecturers etc.

Must be on the Skilled Occupation List.

The list is subject to change.

Not all occupations are eligible for subclass 186.

Employer / Sponsor requirements for subclass 186

Any business can nominate a skilled worker for subclass 186 provided they fulfil certain conditions.

• Business is operating actively as well as lawfully in Australia.
• The business has a genuine need for a paid employee for filling a skilled position with them.
• The position offered is full-time and ongoing for a minimum of 2 years.
• The skilled worker is to be paid a market salary rate.
• The nominating business complies with Australian immigration and workplace relations rules.
• No adverse information regarding the business or anyone associated with the same.
• The applicant must be nominated by the business under any of the 3 streams under subclass 186. The applicant must meet the requirements of that particular stream.