Subclass 186 is an Australian permanent residence visa sponsored by an employer, granting permanent residence from the outset. This is a suitable option for those who already have a job in Australia or a long-term job offer from an Australian company.
Subclass 186 là gì
Subclass 186 (Employer Nomination Scheme – ENS) is a permanent residence visa for skilled workers nominated by an Australian business. Unlike the independent points-tested categories, here the employer plays the central role.
The visa has two main streams: Direct Entry for those applying directly, and Temporary Residence Transition for those who have already been working on a prior work visa.
Basic conditions
To be considered, you generally need to meet the following conditions:
- Hold an occupation on the relevant list and be nominated by the business;
- Be under 45 years old at the time of application (except where an exemption applies);
- Meet at least the Competent English level;
- Have a positive skills assessment result and relevant experience.
The employer’s role
Theo the Australian Department of Home Affairs, the business must submit a nomination application and prove the position is genuine and reflects actual need.
The nominated occupation must match Core Skills Occupation List currently in force.
Who is Subclass 186 suited to
This category suits those who already have an employment relationship with an Australian business, or who currently hold a work visa and want to transition to permanent residence. Compared with Subclass 190, ENS does not depend on the points test but relies on employer sponsorship.
You should discuss the sponsorship plan with the employer early. The M2W team will advise on the specific conditions and process.
Read more: Overview of Australian migration · What is Subclass 190? Australia’s state-nominated skilled visa in 2026
