Australia•OceaniaEmployer Nomination Scheme visa (subclass 186)
At a Glance
Processing Time
90-180 days
Application Fee
3,955 AUD
Stay Duration
Indefinite
Renewable
Varies
Job Offer
Not Required
Dependents
Not Specified
PR Pathway
Available
This visa can lead to permanent residency — the right to live and work here indefinitely without renewing your visa.Remote Work
Not Required
Overview
Permanent visa for skilled workers nominated by an Australian employer. Allows immediate permanent residency for positions on skilled occupation list. Requires employer sponsorship.
The Employer Nomination Scheme (subclass 186) allows Australian employers to nominate skilled workers from overseas for permanent residence. This direct pathway to permanent residency makes it attractive for employers and skilled workers alike.
Annual Visa Allocation
44,000 visas per year
The quota represents the total planning level for the Employer Sponsored category within the 2024-25 Migration Program. Planning levels are reviewed and set annually by the Australian Government.
No lottery system
Check Your Eligibility
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Requirements
Financial
Minimum Income
73,150 AUD
per year
Professional
Experience
3+ years
Language
English
Intermediate
Documentation
Applicant Documents
Valid passport
With sufficient validity
Passport photo
Recent digital photo
Skills assessment
If required by occupation
OptionalEnglish language evidence
If required
OptionalQualifications
Educational certificates and transcripts
Work experience evidence
Reference letters, contracts, payslips
Health certificate
If requested
OptionalPolice clearance
From all countries lived in 12+ months
OptionalSponsor Documents
Nomination form
Employer nomination for the position
Position details
Job description and duties
Salary documentation
Offer letter, contract, award or agreement
Business documents
Company registration, ABN, financial statements
Track your documents or upload them for AI-powered review
Advantages
- Direct pathway to permanent residency
- No points test required
- Employer sponsored
- Can include family members
Considerations
- Requires employer sponsorship
- Employer must meet obligations
- Limited to skilled occupation list
- Salary requirements must be met
Application Process
Secure nomination from employer
Employer nominates you for a skilled position
Check occupation on skilled list
Verify position is on skilled occupation list
Get skills assessment
Obtain positive skills assessment if required
Create ImmiAccount
Register on immigration portal
Lodgevis application
Submit complete visa application with all documents
Pay visa fee
Pay AUD 3,955 application fee
Await decision
Monitor application status
Application Forms
Employer Nomination Scheme application
Ready to Apply?
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