Australia offers exceptional lifestyle opportunities, from vibrant metropolitan centers like Sydney and Melbourne to natural wonders including the Great Barrier Reef and vast coastal landscapes. The ENS visa unlocks access to this remarkable country, providing stability, career advancement, and quality of life for you and your family through permanent residency status.
1 Visa Streams and Eligibility
The ENS visa operates through three distinct pathways accommodating different circumstances:
Direct Entry Stream: For applicants who have never, or only briefly, worked for the nominating employer. Requires skills assessment and relevant work experience in the nominated occupation.
Temporary Residence Transition Stream: For workers currently holding eligible temporary visas who have worked for their nominating employer for specified periods, providing transition from temporary to permanent status.
Labour Agreement Stream: For workers nominated through specific labour agreements between employers and the Australian Government, addressing specialized workforce requirements.
Core Requirements: Applicants must secure nomination from an eligible Australian employer, be under 45 years of age (exceptions apply), meet skills and qualifications standards, demonstrate English language proficiency, fulfill health and character requirements, possess minimum required work experience in the nominated role, receive positive skills assessment if required, and agree to uphold Australian values.
2 Key Benefits and Rights
The subclass 186 visa provides substantial advantages enhancing your Australian experience:
Permanent Residency: Remain in Australia indefinitely with full permanent residency rights and privileges.
Work and Study Authorization: Pursue employment and educational opportunities without restrictions across Australia.
Medicare Access: Qualify for Australia's national public healthcare system, ensuring comprehensive medical coverage.
Family Sponsorship: Sponsor eligible family members including partners and dependent children to accompany you to Australia.
Travel Flexibility: Multiple entry and exit rights over five years, facilitating international travel while maintaining Australian residency.
Citizenship Pathway: Potential eligibility to apply for Australian citizenship after meeting residency requirements, securing long-term commitment to Australia.
3 Application Process and Documentation
Required Documents: Applications require current passport, skills assessment report, English language test results, comprehensive employment history and work references, academic credentials, health and character declarations, and signed Australian Values Statement.
Application Steps: Begin online application through the Department of Home Affairs website. Consider engaging registered migration agents for professional guidance ensuring document compliance. Gather all required documentation demonstrating eligibility. Pay applicable visa fees. Submit complete application electronically for assessment by immigration authorities.
Processing Timeframes: Direct Entry and Temporary Residence Transition streams typically process within 9-12 months, with 50% finalized within 9 months, 75% within 11 months, and 90% within 12 months. Labour Agreement stream processes faster, with 50% finalized within 6 months. Priority processing applies to healthcare and education sector applications, potentially completing within days.
Avoiding Refusal: Common rejection reasons include failure to meet eligibility criteria, insufficient or incorrect documentation, and negative health or character assessments. Ensure complete, accurate submissions addressing all requirements to maximize approval prospects.
4 Visa Validity and Travel Component
The 186 visa grants permanent residency requiring no renewal, with an initial five-year travel facility. This facility permits multiple entries to Australia during the five-year period. After five years, permanent residents must obtain Resident Return visa (subclass 155 or 157) for international travel while maintaining permanent residency status. The visa itself remains valid indefinitely, allowing continued Australian residence without time limitations.
Your Success Partner
AI Global provides comprehensive support for 186 visa applicants throughout the nomination and application process. From assessing eligibility and securing employer nomination through to documentation preparation and lodgement, our experienced team ensures you receive expert guidance tailored to your circumstances.
Contact us today to explore your options for the Employer Nomination Scheme visa and begin your journey toward permanent residency in Australia.