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186 Visa
Employer Sponsored Visa (ENS Subclass 186)
The Employer Sponsored Visa (ENS Subclass 186) is a permanent residence visa for skilled workers who are sponsored by an Australian employer. This visa provides a pathway to live and work in Australia permanently, access Medicare, include family members in your application, and eventually pursue Australian citizenship.
Employer Sponsored Visa (ENS Subclass 186)
The Employer Sponsored Visa (ENS Subclass 186) is a permanent residence visa for skilled workers who are sponsored by an Australian employer. This visa provides a pathway to live and work in Australia permanently, access Medicare, include family members in your application, and eventually pursue Australian citizenship.
There are two main streams under the Subclass 186 visa:
Temporary Residence Transition Stream (TRT Stream)
The Temporary Residence Transition Stream allows workers who have held a temporary 457 or TSS visa (Temporary Skill Shortage) to transition to permanent residency.
- Eligibility Criteria:
- Work Experience: Applicants must have worked in their nominated occupation for at least 2 years out of the last 3 years while holding a temporary visa (457 or TSS).
- Occupation List: Your nominated occupation must be on one of the following occupation lists:
- MLTSSL (Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List)
- STSOL (Short-term Skilled Occupation List)
- ROL (Regional Occupation List)
- The TRT stream is ideal for workers who have already been in Australia on a temporary visa and now wish to transition to permanent residency after gaining sufficient experience in their nominated occupation.
Direct Entry Stream
The Direct Entry Stream allows you to apply for the Employer Sponsored Visa directly without the need for prior temporary visa experience in Australia.
- Eligibility Criteria:
- Occupation List: Your occupation must be listed on the MLTSSL (Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List).
- Skills Assessment: You must have passed a skills assessment through the relevant skills assessing authority for your occupation. This is an important requirement to ensure your qualifications and experience meet Australian standards.
- Work Experience: Applicants must have worked in their nominated occupation for at least 3 years at the required skill level.
- This stream is suitable for skilled workers who have not worked in Australia on a temporary visa but have the necessary qualifications and work experience to apply directly for permanent residency.
- The visa holder must be nominated by an employer and the nomination must be approved within 6 months before application
- The employee has the qualifications and skills required to fill the position
- The employee holds the required licenses and requirements for the occupation
- The employee has health insurance for the duration of their time in Australia
- The employee meets the required level of English language
- The employee is of good health and character
- You must be under 45 years of age
The time taken to process a visa application can vary depending on whether or not the employer must apply for business sponsorship approval or not. The visa application can either be lodged at the same time as the sponsorship or nomination or afterwards. The Immigration website listed the processing time for a subclass ENS visa between 4 – 16 months.
In order to apply for this visa you must be nominated by an employer in Australia. Applicants need to apply for the visa no later than six months of the nomination being approved. In order to have a nomination approved employers must:
- Offer a full-time employment agreement for at least two years
- Have a genuine need for the Applicant to work in the nominated position
- Meet the training benchmark requirements
- Offer a salary to the Applicant that is equal to the Australian Market Salary
The current visa application charge is $4,770 AUD for the main applicant, $2,385 AUD for the secondary applicant and $1,190 AUD for children.
Any Queries regarding 186 Visa?
Book an appointment with our Registered Migraton Agent
Santosh Karna
Registered Migration Agent- 1791162
Frequently Asked Question
Addressing your top concerns about Education, Visa & Migration
What services does Danfe Consulting offer in Melbourne and Sydney?
Danfe provides education counselling, student visa support, migration services, PR guidance, college transfers, GTE/SOP preparation, OSHC, and skills assessments.
Why is Danfe Consulting considered the best migration agent in Melbourne?
We are MARA-registered, community-trusted, and have helped over 10,000 students and migrants achieve visa and PR success.
How can Danfe Consulting help international students in Australia?
We assist with admissions, student visa applications, visa extensions, course changes, and PR pathway planning.
Do I need a registered migration agent to apply for a visa in Australia?
While not compulsory, using a registered agent like Danfe ensures your application is accurate, compliant, and has a higher success rate.
Is Danfe Consulting registered with MARA?
Yes, our migration agents are MARA-registered and fully compliant.
Can Danfe assist with GTE and SOP writing?
Yes, we craft genuine, high-quality statements aligned with DHA guidelines.
What are the requirements for a student visa in Australia?
You need a valid CoE, financials, English proficiency, OSHC, and GTE documentation.
How do I change my course or education provider with Danfe’s help?
We assess your eligibility and guide you through the new enrolment and visa update process.
How can Danfe assist with the points test for PR?
We calculate your points and help boost them with experience, study, NAATI, and partner skills.
What is a skills assessment and who needs it?
It’s an evaluation by an assessing authority confirming your qualification and experience match your occupation.
Which occupations are in demand for skilled migration in 2025?
IT, engineering, nursing, trades, social work, early childhood education, and community services.
How do I apply for a 190 visa with state nomination?
We guide you through occupation selection, ROI/EOI submission, and application with the sponsoring state.
Can I apply for the 491 visa while living in a metropolitan area?
Generally no, unless you’ve studied or worked in a designated regional area or meet specific state criteria.
Does Danfe help with Expression of Interest (EOI) submissions?
Yes, we prepare and lodge EOIs and monitor invitations for skilled visas.
Who pays for the SAF levy in a 482 sponsorship?
The employer must pay the SAF levy by law.
What is the easiest way to get PR in Australia?
Study in-demand courses, gain skilled experience, and apply through 189, 190, or 491 pathways.
Which PR pathway is best for international students?
It depends on your background. Most use 485 → skills assessment → 190/491 nomination → PR.
Can I apply for PR after 2 years of study in Australia?
Not directly. You need work experience, skills assessment, and to meet visa points.
Does Danfe help with state nomination applications?
Yes, we prepare and lodge all required documents and guide your ROI and EOI process.
What makes Danfe Consulting different from other migration agencies?
We provide culturally inclusive support with a focus on long-term success, not just visa approvals.
Can Danfe help me transition from a student visa to PR?
Yes, we specialize in student-to-PR planning, including skill assessment, EOI, and state nomination.
How can Danfe Consulting help international students in Australia?
We assist with admissions, student visa applications, visa extensions, course changes, and PR pathway planning.
Does Danfe offer online consultations for interstate and offshore clients?
Absolutely! We offer virtual consultations for clients across Australia and overseas.
What languages does the Danfe Consulting team speak?
Our team can communicate in English, Nepali, Hindi, Tagalog, and more.
How can Danfe help with my student visa application?
We guide you through course selection, GTE writing, document prep, and visa lodgement.
What is the Temporary Graduate Visa (485) and who is eligible?
It allows recent graduates to live, work, and study in Australia temporarily after completing a CRICOS course.
Can Danfe help me apply for the 485 visa after graduation?
Yes, we assist with application preparation, skills assessment, and future PR planning.
What documents are needed for the 485 visa application?
Passport, transcript, IELTS/PTE, AFP clearance, health check, insurance, and skills assessment if applicable.
What are the differences between the 189, 190, and 491 visas?
189 is independent, 190 is state-nominated PR, and 491 is regional (5-year visa with PR pathway).
What is a 482 Temporary Skill Shortage Visa and who can apply?
It allows skilled workers to work for an approved sponsor in Australia. Requires job offer and relevant skills.
Can Danfe help find employers willing to sponsor 482 or 186 visas?
We assist with preparing documents and guidance, though job search is the applicant’s responsibility.
What are the costs involved in applying for a 482 visa?
Employer pays sponsorship/nomination fees and SAF levy; applicant pays visa fee and optional agent fee.
How do I transition from 482 to PR through a 186 visa?
After 2+ years with the employer, you may apply for a 186 TRT stream PR with skills, English, and age criteria.
What is the PR points calculator and how is it used?
It determines your eligibility for skilled visas based on age, English, education, experience, and more.
What is the PR points calculator and how is it used?
It determines your eligibility for skilled visas based on age, English, education, experience, and more.
How can I increase my chances of getting PR in 2025?
Improve English scores, gain work experience, study in-demand courses, and lodge early.
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