186 Visa Requirements – Your Guide to ENS

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1186 Visa Requirements – Your Guide to Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS)

The 186 visa requirements are central to understanding your eligibility for the Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS). Whether you’re applying under the Direct Entry stream or Temporary Residence Transition (TRT) stream, meeting the specific 186 visa requirement criteria is crucial for success. This permanent visa allows skilled workers to live and work in Australia, provided they are nominated by an approved employer.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through the major requirements, pathways, and supporting documentation you need to lodge a strong application.

Overview: What Is the 186 Visa?

The Subclass 186 visa is a permanent employer-sponsored visa with three streams:

Temporary Residence Transition (TRT) – For 482 visa holders who’ve worked with the same employer for at least 2 years.
Direct Entry (DE) – For applicants with relevant skills and qualifications who are nominated for a permanent position.
Labour Agreement Stream – For those sponsored under a formal agreement between an employer and the Australian Government.

General 186 Visa Requirements

All streams of the 186 visa share several baseline eligibility requirements. To apply, you must:

Be nominated by an Australian employer approved by the Department of Home Affairs
Be under 45 years of age (unless exempt)
Demonstrate English proficiency – typically Competent English (e.g. IELTS 6.0 in each band)
Meet skills and qualification requirements relevant to the occupation
Pass health and character checks
Not have a visa cancelled or a previous application refused (unless exemption applies)

Specific Requirements by Stream

186 TRT Stream Requirements

Hold a valid Subclass 482 visa (or 457 transitional)
Have worked full-time for at least 2 of the past 3 years with your nominating employer in the nominated occupation
Be nominated for the same occupation
Have competent English
Your occupation must be on the relevant list of eligible occupations

186 Direct Entry Stream Requirements

You must:

Have 3 years of relevant work experience
Undergo a skills assessment by the relevant assessing authority
Meet English and age requirements
Be nominated for a position in an eligible occupation

186 Visa Cost

As of June 2025:

Primary applicant: AUD $4,770
Dependent over 18: AUD $2,380
Dependent under 18: AUD $1,190

Employers must also pay the Skilling Australians Fund (SAF) levy:

$3,000 for businesses with turnover under $10 million
$5,000 for larger businesses

Other possible costs include medical exams, police checks, and document translations.

Documents Checklist for 186 Visa

To support your application, ensure you have:

A valid passport
Employer Nomination approval
English test results
Employment references and contracts
Qualification certificates
Skills assessment (if DE stream)
Police clearance and health results

Why Choose Jade Immigration Lawyers?

At Jade Immigration Lawyers, we:

Review your eligibility and choose the right stream
Assist with employer nomination applications
Guide you through skills assessment and English tests
Prepare detailed legal submissions to maximise your approval chances

Ready to take the next step?

Speak with Jade Immigration Lawyers today – we’re here to help you find the best visa pathway.

📞 Call us: 0485 907 989
📧 Email: jade@jadeimmigrationlawyers.com.au
📝 Submit an online enquiry or
📅 Book a consultation now to get personalised immigration advice from our experienced team. We assist clients across Australia and internationally.

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Practice Areas

FAQ

Find answers to common questions about our Work Visa Australia services and processes. If you need further assistance, please contact us.

What English level is required for the 186 visa?

You typically need Competent English (IELTS 6.0 in all bands or equivalent).

Do I need a skills assessment for the 186 visa?

Only applicants under the Direct Entry stream require a formal skills assessment.

Is there an age limit for the 186 visa?

Yes, you must be under 45 years old, unless you qualify for an exemption.

Can I include my family in the application?

Yes, you can include your spouse and dependent children as secondary applicants.

How long does it take to process a 186 visa?

Generally, between 6 to 11 months, depending on the stream and your personal circumstances.