The Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS) visa, also known as the Subclass 186 visa, offers a valuable pathway for skilled workers to obtain permanent residency in Australia. This visa requires sponsorship by an Australian employer. In this post, we will outline the key steps to help you obtain your 186 visa and how our expertise can guide you through this process.
Understanding the 186 Visa:
The 186 visa is designed for skilled workers who are nominated by their employer to work in Australia. It has three streams: the Direct Entry stream, the Labour Agreement stream, and the Temporary Residence Transition stream. Each stream has specific requirements and caters to different applicant circumstances.
Navigating the Streams of the 186 Visa:
Temporary Residence Transition Stream: Ideal if you’ve held a 482 or 457 visa and worked for your employer for at least three years.
Direct Entry Stream: Suitable for applicants who haven’t worked in Australia or have only worked briefly.
Labour Agreement Stream: For those nominated by an employer under a labour agreement.
Eligibility Criteria:
Nomination by an Australian Employer: Your application must be nominated by an Australian employer.
Occupational Requirements: You should be qualified to work in an occupation listed on the relevant list of eligible skilled occupations.
Language Proficiency: You must know at least competent English.
(Labour agreement stream only) Labour Agreement: The employer must have a labour agreement with the Australian Government.
(Temporary Residence Transition stream only) Existing Visas: You must hold a Temporary Work (Skilled) visa (subclass 457), Temporary Skill Shortage visa (subclass 482) or related bridging visa A, B or C.
(Temporary Residence Transition stream only) Work Experience: Usually, you must have already worked for your employer full-time for at least two years.
Application Process:
Check Eligibility: Ensure you have selected the correct stream, and that you can fulfil the requirements of the visa.
Employer Sponsorship: The process begins with your employer lodging a sponsorship nomination with the Department of Home Affairs.
Visa Application: Once the nomination is approved, you can apply for the visa within 6 months of nomination.
Documentation and Evidence: Submit relevant documents, including a skills assessment, qualification documents, identity documents, and English language test results.
Health and Character Checks: Adhere to set health and character standards. You will likely be requested to complete medical/police checks to meet these standards.
Why Choose Skylark Migration?
At Skylark Migration, we specialize in simplifying complex immigration pathways. Our team's expertise in handling 186 employer sponsored visas means we can provide personalised advice, ensuring your application is comprehensive and meets all criteria. Our free employer sponsored consultation will ensure you're on the right path for your visa journey!