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186 Visa: Employer Nomination Scheme

Are you a temporary skilled worker wanting to obtain permanent resident status in Australia? Apply for the Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS) visa or subclass 186 visa with the professional legal assistance of Parish Patience Immigration Lawyers!

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    Overview of 186 Visa Australia

    The employer-sponsored visa program allows employers to sponsor highly skilled foreign workers for permanent residence. They can be either currently in Australia on a temporary basis or located outside the country. Australian employers nominate and sponsor skilled migrant workers if there is a genuine need to fill vacancies in their business, and that they can’t find available Australians to do the work they require.

    One of these employer-sponsored visa programs is the Employer Nomination Scheme (Subclass 186). This provides the holder with Australian permanent residency with no conditions. Dependent family members may be included. The holder can reside and work wherever they like in Australia. While the visa is granted based on the holder being skilled in a specific occupation, once granted, the visa doesn’t require you to seek and/or maintain employment in that particular occupation.

    Streams Under Subclass 186

    There are three streams under 186 visa that our immigration law experts can help you process without delay or hassle, which are as follows:

    Temporary Residence Transition (TRT) Stream

    For applicants who have already held a Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) visa (Subclass 482) or the abolished 457 visa, the TRT stream under visa subclass 186 will enable them to obtain their PR after working for their Australian employer for at least 3 years.

    Direct Entry (DE) Stream

    As opposed to the TRT stream, a direct entry stream is for applicants who have never before worked in Australia but has been nominated by a sponsoring employer. Applicants also need to undergo a mandatory skills assessment to gauge their suitability and qualifications for the occupation they are applying for.

    Labour Agreement Stream

    Finally, the Labour Agreement Stream is for applicants sponsored and/or nominated by an employer using a labour agreement, and provided that the conditions under it are met. This is usually the case for industries that are experiencing labour shortages. This becomes necessary if no workers are available from the local labour market.

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    Eligibility Criteria for Applicant

    The ENS visa subclass 186 can be the best option for temporary skilled workers looking to secure permanent residency in Australia. All you need are the right skills, experience, and employer sponsorship that will lead you toward a bright and stable future. 

    As for the eligibility criteria for applicant, here’s what you will need:

    • Skilled workers nominated by an Australian employer.
    • Holders of a subclass 482 or 457 visa.
    • Direct entry candidates with relevant experience.
    • Under 45 years old at the time of application.
    • Exemptions apply for high-salary earners and regional applicants.
    • Occupation must be on the 186 Visa Occupations List with at least three years of full-time experience in your nominated field.
    • Obtain a skills assessment (if required).
    • IELTS/PTE score of at least 6 in each component (or provide an accepted exemption).

    Criteria for Nominating Employers

    If you are an Australian employer planning to sponsor skilled workers in your business so they can be granted permanent residency, look into the 186 visa Employer Nomination Scheme. Here are the eligibility criteria for nominating employers:

    • Any business or government agency actively operating in Australia and offering a full-time, permanent position in an eligible occupation.
    • Pay a market salary rate that’s equivalent to Australian workers.
    • Contribute to the Skilling Australians Fund (SAF) levy.
    • Comply with Australian workplace laws and Fair Work regulations.
    • Show genuine efforts to recruit an Australian worker before nominating an overseas applicant.

    186 Visa General Requirements

    Here are the 186 visa general requirements you need to take note of if you are a skilled worker who wants to make Australia their permanent home.

    • For employer sponsors, an Australian business willing to nominate a foreign employee
    • At least 3 years of work experience in your nominated occupation is required. Part-time experience may count, but casual work won’t be considered.
    • Must be under 45 years old unless you qualify for an exemption.

    Exemptions Apply If You Are:

    • A university lecturer, researcher, or scientist nominated by an Australian institution.
    • A medical practitioner who has worked in a regional area for at least two years.
    • A 457 or 482 visa holder who has worked for the same employer for at least two years and met the Fair Work High-Income Threshold.
    • If you held (or applied for) a 457 visa on 18 April 2017, you can apply if under 50.
    • From 1 July 2022 to 30 June 2024, eligible legacy 457 visa holders may qualify for an age exemption if they:
    • Held a 457 visa on or after 18 April 2017.
    • Lived in Australia for at least one year between 1 Feb 2020 – 14 Dec 2021.
    • Met medical and police clearance requirements.

    Processing Time for Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS) Subclass 186

    186 Visa processing times can vary depending on the stream you apply under. For Direct Entry Stream, it would usually takes several months to process. For Temporary Residence Transition, it depends on employer nomination approval and document completeness. For Labour Agreement Stream, it may take longer due to additional agreements with the Australian government.

    Among factors that could affect 186 visa processing time include:

    • Complete documentation by submitting all required documents upfront speeds up the process.
    • Your employer must have an approved nomination before your visa can be granted.
    • Health, character, and security screenings may take additional time.
    • Application volume.

    Benefits of 186 Visa

    The 186 visa will allow you to live and work permanently in Australia and secure a more stable future. Other benefits of 186 visa include:

    • The opportunity to bring family members (as long as eligible) and join you in Australia.
    • Eligibility to become an Australian citizen once you meet residency requirements.
    • Access to quality healthcare, education, and other mandatory government benefits.

    So if you want to secure your future in Australia, make sure to contact Parish Patience Immigration Lawyers today!

    Why Choose Parish Patience for the Processing of Your 186 Visa Requirements?

    Whether you’re an employer finding the nomination process too stressful to handle or a skilled migrant worker wanting a hassle-free 186 visa application process, Parish Patience Immigration Lawyers are here to support you every step of the way.

    Faster Application Processes

    Visa application processes typically take more than a few months, and it doesn’t have to be. While visa requirements and applications vary by scope and stream, our skilled visa experts can help you obtain your visa in less than the average 186 visa processing time possible.

    Long History of Immigration Law Practice

    Since its founding by Walter Parish in 1888 and John Patience joining the company in 1937, Parish Patience was a leading commercial law firm in Sydney. In 1976, David Bitel joined the team and specialised in immigration law. Nearly 50 years since, Parish Patience stands as a reputable immigration law firm in Sydney.

    Countless Success Stories

    With our long years of experience comes countless stories of success from clients whose dream of permanent residence to Australia came true with our professional legal help. We take pride in these stories of success and take it as inspiration to always provide high-quality legal services.

    How Can A Parish Patience Lawyer Help You With Your 186 Visa?

    You need an immigration expert to help you understand the complexities of immigration law. Here’s how a migration lawyer from Parish Patience can help you with your Australia 186 visa requirements.

    Initial Consultation


    The first major step is consulting with one of our registered migration lawyers to conduct an initial assessment on your background. We may also get in touch with your employer for questions you or they may have regarding your application.

    Eligibility and Skills Assessment


    If you’re applying under the 186 visa Direct Entry stream, skills assessment is mandatory. Apart from that, we will assess your overall eligibility, including language proficiency, work experience, and other qualifying factors, such as health and character checks.

    Visa Application


    Once we’re confident you’re qualified in all eligibility criteria, we will submit your application on your behalf within six months after your employer’s nomination application in a 186 visa occupation list. We make sure you have all the necessary and correct documents.

    Ongoing Support


    It doesn’t stop after your visa grant. We will provide further guidance on what you need to do next, advise you on 186 visa conditions, and other relevant information to ensure you remain a lawful visa holder throughout your stay in Australia.

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    Success Stories of 500+ Highly Rated Reviews


    Our customers are always happy to share their thoughts with us.
    Here is what some of them have said!

    Haroon Parvez

    The team at parish Patience Immigration Lawyers were incredibly helpful throughout the application process. Their assistance made our lives so much less stressful and their expertise cleared up any confusion we had. They remained engaged with us the whole time and quickly responded to any questions with thoughtful, detailed answers. Special thanks to Usman Ali and Shan . We highly recommend the team at Parish patience immigration lawyer for anyone considering help regarding any kind of visa .

    W. A.

    Highly recommended lawyers! Extremely professional and reliable service, with outstanding outcomes. A special thanks to Mr Thong and Marlene, for helping us with our difficult case. Not only did they ensure that everything was ready to go, but their professionalism came in favor when we were granted our visa within just under 6 months!

    J P

    Thong and Marlene helped my partner gain permanent residency in Australia. We did the application ourselves but it turned out lots of information we needed to provide was missing. Thong and Marlene picked our case up and helped amend it. I really appreciate their help and guidance and look forward to contacting them again in the future. I am pleased by their efforts and professionalism.

    Alaa Omer

    Successfully handled my case. He had been prompt, caring and very professional in dealing with my case. I am glad to have received very strong support, guidance and service from them. I would highly recommend Parish patience immigration lawyers. I wish the best for their future prospects.

    Jabir Ibna Mohammad

    I’m really thankful for the guidance and assistance I’ve received regarding my Partner visa from Shan and his assistance Asha at Parish Patience. They handled my matter professionally and there were clear instructions from the beginning till end. I got my partner visa 820 granted in less than 7 months, thanks to their knowledge and expertise. I wish them all the best and highly recommend Parish Patience Immigration Lawyers for any sort of immigration matters.

    Need assistance with your 186 visa requirements?


    Parish Patience is here to assist you if you wish to move to Australia as a skilled worker and require professional advice. Because of our more than ten years of experience in the domains of education and migration counselling, we are able to offer comprehensive solutions to the candidates and support them throughout the entire process.

    Since 1888, we have been offering assistance and support for all types of Visas in Australia. We’ll make sure your application is processed correctly and quickly – so that it meets the requirements necessary to enter this great country!

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      Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)


      Have other questions about this type of visa? We gathered and answered some of the most
      frequently asked questions about ENS 186 visa below.

      What is 186 visa?

      The Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS) visa or subclass 186 visa is a migrant skilled worker’s ticket to permanent residency in Australia. Both temporary residents who are living and working in Australia as well as those living outside Australia can apply for 186 visas.

      Is 186 visa hard to get?

      Obtaining a 186 visa can be considered hard because, before you can apply for a visa, your employer’s nomination of you to work in Australia must first be approved. However, with the recent amendments made in November 2023 in the TRT stream of subclass 186, every skilled migrant worker’s dream of permanent residency in Australia is more attainable, as the Australian government itself is making it easier for workers to be approved for an employer-sponsored visa, provided that certain requirements are met.

      Who is eligible for 186?

      You must first be nominated by an Australian employer. Once that is approved, you can apply for visa 186 Australia. To be eligible, you must at least have relevant work experience for three years in the skilled occupation you’re applying for, and meet other requirements such as being younger than 45 years of age, excellent health, good moral character, etc.

      How much does 186 visa cost?

      According to the Department of Home Affairs, the cost for Australia 186 visa applications starts from AUD4,640.00. Note that 186 visa fees and others are always subject to change. Speak to an expert migration lawyer for the most updated information.

      Can I leave my employer after getting 186 visa?

      There is no legal restriction that will prevent you from changing employers or occupation. However, if it’s found that you provided dishonest information in your application papers, your visa may be revoked.

      How long does it take to get a PR with 186 visa?

      According to a forum held about 186 visa processing time 2023, approximately 25 percent of 186 visa applications take within 3 months; 50 percent of applications, 8 months; 75 percent of applications, 12 months; and 90 percent, 13 months.

      What is the difference between 186 and 482 visa?

      The main difference between these two types of visas is duration. 482 visas are temporary visas that allow qualified migrant workers to live and work in Australia for up to four years, while subclass 186visa is an employer-sponsored permanent resident visa.

      Can 186 be rejected?

      Your visa application might be rejected for the following reasons: you’re over the maximum age requirement, your skills don’t align with any of the skilled occupations list, or your English proficiency level is below-average. For employers, their nomination of a skilled worker may be rejected if they fail to demonstrate the legality of their business operations and/or the genuine need to fill vacancies in their company.  

      Can I add my partner to my 186 visa?

      Not only can you add your partner, you can also include your children and other family members, provided that they also meet the standard requirements.

      Parish Patience Immigration Lawyers Sydney
      Parish Patience Immigration Lawyers Sydney
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      Sunny Ray
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      On 13 July, I had an appointment with Mr. Usman and Mr. Billah at their Dhaka branch. I was satisfied with the advice they provided regarding my situation, and I was told to contact Mr. Usman once he returned to Sydney from Dhaka, which was expected to be in early August. On 10 August, I followed up by email, asking Mr. Usman and Mr. Billah CC’d, whether they were still interested in taking on my case. However, from 10 August until now (about 2 months later), I have received no response from Parish Immigration. For anyone considering seeking legal advice from Parish, I would highly recommend confirming upfront whether they are interested in handling your case. Otherwise you’ll be wasting a significant amount of valuable time chasing them. The communication after my initial consultation was extremely confusing. During the consultation, they seemed eager to assist me with my case. However, later they did not respond to my follow up emails or even let me know whether or not they were interested in proceeding with my case
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      Ishtiak Bin Habib
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      I highly recommend Parish Patience Immigration Lawyers. They're professional, knowledgeable, patient and genuinely caring. They take the time to explain everything clearly and provide honest, practical advice throughout the process. What I appreciate most is their dedication, transparency and willingness to help. A trustworthy and approachable team that I wouldn't hesitate to recommend to anyone seeking immigration assistance.
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      Parish Patience made a long and stressful process feel manageable. Diana, Vicky, Connie and the team were professional, patient, and always clear about what came next, and they responded quickly whenever we had questions. We’re very grateful for their support and would happily recommend them.
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      Bismah Faez
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      I am extremely satisfied with the professional services provided by the team especially Usman Bhai in managing my visa application. Their exceptional professionalism, thorough attention to detail, and comprehensive understanding of the immigration process were evident throughout every stage of the application. They demonstrated outstanding commitment, maintained clear and timely communication, and provided valuable guidance with efficiency and diligence. I sincerely appreciate their expertise, dedication, and meticulous approach, which made the entire process considerably smoother and more reassuring. I would highly recommend their services to anyone seeking reliable, professional, and competent immigration assistance.
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      Sathiyakumar Chandrakumar
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      🌟 Heartfelt Thanks to Mr. Mahalingam Sutharshan (Shan) and His Team! 🇦🇺 I am delighted and truly grateful to have been granted Australian citizenship. My sincere thanks to Shan and his team for their professional guidance, dedicated support, and excellent service throughout this journey. I highly appreciate their assistance and would happily recommend their services to anyone seeking reliable and professional support. Thank you for helping make this milestone possible! 🙏❤️
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      Al Rafi
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      One of the most disappointing experiences I have had when seeking professional legal assistance. My experience with Mahalingam Sutharshan (Shan) was absolutely unacceptable. His arrogant attitude, dismissive manner, and apparent unwillingness to provide advice left me extremely frustrated. When someone approaches a lawyer/agent , they expect professionalism, respect, and proper guidance—not an arrogant attitude that makes them feel as though their concerns are beneath consideration. Unfortunately, I felt that I received none of the professionalism or courtesy I expected. What disappointed me most was his attitude towards someone who was simply seeking legal advice. Basic respect and professional communication should be the bare minimum for anyone working in the legal profession. In my experience, the interaction fell well below that standard. I left the interaction feeling that my time had been wasted and my concerns had not been given proper consideration. A professional title means very little if the person behind it cannot communicate respectfully with people seeking assistance. Based on my personal experience, I would not choose to deal with Mahalingam Sutharshan (Shan) again. This experience has left me with a very negative impression, and I sincerely hope the firm takes complaints about client treatment seriously. People seeking legal help deserve respect, courtesy, and clear communication—not an experience that leaves them feeling dismissed and disrespected.
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      I am normally very hesitant to write Google reviews, but in this case, I genuinely feel that a review is well deserved. Mr Usman looked after my SC 186 visa application and successfully guided me through the process until my visa was granted. Before meeting Usman, I sought advice from one of the well-known immigration agents on social media. Unfortunately, rather than taking the time to understand my circumstances, they immediately advised me to pursue a student visa. Usman, however, took the time to properly understand my situation and confidently recommended that I proceed with the SC 186 visa application. He not only recommended the right pathway for my circumstances but also remained highly professional throughout the entire process. He consistently kept me updated and ensured that I understood the key information and requirements at every stage of the application. My nomination was approved without receiving any S56 request, which made the process even smoother and less stressful. Usman's advice has not only helped me avoid future stress and significant financial pressure, but it also ultimately allowed me to obtain permanent residency rather than continue paying tuition fees and living with the uncertainty associated with temporary visas. What impressed me most about Usman is his sincerity, honesty, professionalism, experience, and genuine passion for what he does. He truly cares about his clients and uses his knowledge and experience to make a meaningful difference in people's lives. I would like to sincerely thank Usman once again for his guidance, support, and professionalism throughout my journey. I am genuinely grateful for everything you have done for me. May God bless you and your family, Usman. You are truly a gem. 💎
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      Kawser Bhuiyan
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      Parish Patience took care my mother, sisters and all of my family’s visa situation since 2012. After David Bitel passed away he left his amazing lawyers who are not only knowledgeable but also efficient and professional. After many years got my PR sorted by Usman, he was onto it in every single documents and Thanks to Golam as well who always been kind. I’m sure all immigrant knows how difficult these days to get PR, but highly recommend their service who can assist you in all situation.
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      Shovro Sharif
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      I am very happy and grateful to have received my 186 visa. It was a long journey, and I sincerely appreciate the excellent support from Parish Patience Immigration Lawyers. A special thank you to Usman Ali, Senior Associate, and Motasim Billah, Case Manager, for their professionalism, guidance, and continuous support throughout the process. Highly recommended! Thank you again for helping me achieve this important milestone.
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      6 years ago I found myself in a very difficult immigration situation where I was risking immigration detention, and Parish Patience were the only light of hope in a nightmare immigration loophole. I had consulted with other lawyers who just took thousands of dollars and were misleading and dishonest. When I met with Thong and his amazing team they welcomed me with the upmost care and provided me with clear explanations and guidance. All throughout the process they were available for any questions and support. They anticipated all possibilities, and completed the work in compliance with the immigration laws and I had zero issues with any of the submissions they’ve done on my behalf. I received a double grant two years ago and I am now awaiting for my citizenship ceremony. Parish Patience provides the reliable and professional service you need. Thank you Thong, Marlene, Zinnia for your incredible work.