Your complete guide to Permanent Work Visas through Sponsorship
Many skilled workers around the world dream of living and working in Australia. If you’re one of them, then the Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS) might be your path to permanent residency. Through this visa, Australian employers can sponsor foreign workers for permanent jobs in Australia. It’s a great way to secure long-term work and build a life in the country.
In this post, I’ll explain what the Employer Nomination Scheme is, how it works, who is eligible, and how you can apply step-by-step.
What Is the Employer Nomination Scheme?
The Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS) is a type of Australian permanent visa known officially as subclass 186. This visa allows skilled workers from overseas to live and work in Australia permanently if they are nominated by an approved Australian employer.
This means:
- You must have a job offer in Australia
- The employer must be approved to sponsor workers
- The job must be in a skilled occupation
- You must meet health, character, and skill requirements
Types of Streams Under Subclass 186
There are three main streams under the ENS (Employer Nomination Scheme):
1. Direct Entry Stream
This is for workers outside Australia or those who haven’t worked much for their Australian employer. You need:
- A nomination from an approved employer
- At least 3 years of experience in your occupation
- Positive skills assessment
- Competent English (IELTS 6 or equivalent)
2. Temporary Residence Transition Stream
This is for people already in Australia on a Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) 482 visa or 457 visa and who have worked for their employer for at least 2 years. You need:
- Employer nomination for the same job
- Evidence of consistent work
- English language skills
- Good character and health
3. Labour Agreement Stream
This is for workers nominated by an employer under a Labour Agreement between the Australian Government and the business. These are special cases for industries with big labor shortages.
Who Can Apply for the Employer Nomination Scheme?
To be eligible, you must meet a few key requirements. These include:
- Be under 45 years old (some exceptions apply)
- Have competent English (IELTS 6 or higher)
- Be nominated by an approved Australian employer
- Your job must be on the Medium to Long-Term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL)
- Have at least 3 years of work experience
- Meet health and character requirements
You will also need to pass a skills assessment for your profession unless exempted.
What Jobs Are Eligible?
The Australian Government updates the skills list regularly. Here are some common jobs that qualify:
- Registered Nurses
- Software Engineers
- Electricians
- Civil Engineers
- Accountants
- Chefs
- Construction Managers
- ICT Specialists
- Welders
- Carpenters
Step-by-Step: How to Apply for the Employer Nomination Scheme
Step 1: Find a Sponsor
Search for Australian companies or job listings that offer visa sponsorship. You can use platforms like:
- Seek.com.au
- Jobsearch.gov.au
- LinkedIn Australia
- Employer websites
Make sure the employer is registered to sponsor workers.
Step 2: Get a Nomination
The employer must submit a nomination application to the Department of Home Affairs. This includes:
- Proof that the job is genuine
- Proof that the salary meets the market rate
- Labour Market Testing (LMT), to show no local worker was found
- Proof of business registration and good standing
Step 3: Apply for the Visa
Once your nomination is approved, you can apply for the subclass 186 visa. You’ll need to:
- Fill out the online visa application
- Upload all necessary documents (ID, passport, qualifications, etc.)
- Pay the visa fee (around AUD $4,640 for main applicants)
Step 4: Health and Character Checks
You’ll be asked to take a medical exam and provide police clearance from every country you’ve lived in for over 12 months in the past 10 years.
Step 5: Wait for Decision
Visa processing times may vary, but on average:
- Direct Entry: 5 to 8 months
- TRT Stream: 4 to 6 months
Step 6: Get Your Visa and Move to Australia
Once approved, you’ll get permanent residency status. You can:
- Live and work in Australia indefinitely
- Enroll in Medicare (public health)
- Apply for citizenship after a few years
- Include your partner and children in your visa
Benefits of the Employer Nomination Scheme
There are many advantages to applying for this visa:
- Permanent Residency from the start
- Ability to live and work anywhere in Australia
- Bring family members
- Access to Medicare
- Pathway to Australian citizenship
- No need to leave the country if already in Australia
Tips to Improve Your Chances
- Focus on jobs on the MLTSSL list
- Get your documents ready early (education, experience, passport)
- Prepare for English tests
- Get a positive skills assessment
- Apply for jobs through trusted platforms
- Be patient—processing takes time
FAQs About the Employer Nomination Scheme
1. What is the age limit for subclass 186?
You must be under 45 years old, unless you qualify for an exemption (for example, high salary or special agreement).
2. Can I bring my family with me?
Yes, you can include your spouse and children in your application. They will also receive permanent residency.
3. Do I need a job offer before applying?
Yes, an Australian employer must nominate you before you can apply for this visa.
4. Is the subclass 186 visa permanent?
Yes, it is a permanent resident visa, and you can apply for citizenship later.
5. How much does the visa cost?
The main visa fee is about AUD $4,640 for the main applicant, and additional charges may apply for dependents.
6. Do I need to live in a specific location?
Usually, no. But some employers or agreements may ask you to live in regional Australia.
Final Thoughts
The Employer Nomination Scheme (subclass 186) is one of the best ways to move to Australia permanently as a skilled worker. If you’re experienced, have the right job skills, and can find a sponsoring employer, this could be your path to a stable future in Australia.
Now is the right time to prepare your documents, improve your language skills, and start applying to companies offering visa sponsorship. Thousands of people are successfully moving to Australia through this route—you could be next.
