EMPLOYER NOMINATED PERMANENT VISA
Considering a permanent visa through an Australian employer? The Employer Nomination Scheme visa, subclass 186, needs more than a supportive manager and a job offer. The proposed stream, employer nomination and applicant’s circumstances need to be considered together.
TILSAVV assists employers and skilled workers with understanding their options, preparing evidence and managing agreed application work. Migration advice is provided by Mmanu Bhardwaj, Registered Migration Agent, MARN 2518871.
What is the subclass 186 visa?
The Employer Nomination Scheme is a permanent visa for eligible skilled workers nominated by an Australian employer. Home Affairs assesses the relevant requirements; an employer’s willingness to nominate does not establish that a visa will be granted.
This service page explains the main decisions to prepare for. It is not an individual eligibility assessment or a complete application checklist. If your current visa is approaching expiry, mention the date in your initial enquiry.
Understand the three 186 visa streams
Direct Entry
The Direct Entry stream involves an eligible employer nomination and assessment of the worker’s occupation, skills and other criteria. Home Affairs identifies the Core Skills Occupation List for this stream. Skills assessment and work experience requirements generally apply, with specified exemptions. Check the actual role and your evidence rather than relying on the job title alone.
Temporary Residence Transition
The Temporary Residence Transition stream concerns eligible temporary visa holders nominated by their current employer. Visa and sponsored employment history matter. Holding a 482 visa does not automatically establish eligibility for a 186 visa: the employment record and remaining criteria still need assessment.
Labour Agreement
The Labour Agreement stream relates to an employer that is party to a labour agreement. The agreement’s terms need to be checked; do not assume that an arrangement applying to one employer or worker also applies to another.
Age, English, skills, health, character and other requirements or exemptions vary with the circumstances and stream. A personalised assessment is necessary before choosing an application strategy.
How TILSAVV can assist
A useful 186 assessment considers both sides of the proposed application. A worker may have strong qualifications while the employer’s proposed position needs further clarification. Equally, an established business cannot substitute for missing applicant evidence.
- Initial assessment: discuss the proposed role, visa history, available records and questions requiring further checking.
- Stream assessment: consider the relevant stream and explain evidence gaps, requirements and any claimed exemption that needs substantiation.
- Employer nomination support: help organise business and position information relevant to the proposed nomination.
- Applicant preparation: help assemble identity, skills, employment and other supporting information for the agreed application work.
- Application assistance: prepare and lodge agreed applications and assist with related correspondence within the engagement’s scope.
Before work begins, clarify who is engaging the agent, which stages are included, what each party must provide and the applicable fees. Employer and worker information should be shared only through agreed channels and with appropriate authority.
Prepare two evidence folders
For an initial consultation, bring the records already available and identify what is missing. These are preparation suggestions, not a statement that every listed document is required in every application.
For the employer
- The correct employing entity and business registration details.
- A position description explaining actual duties, reporting arrangements and work location.
- The proposed employment terms, including hours and remuneration details.
- A short explanation of the role within the business and available supporting records.
- Relevant earlier nomination decisions or labour agreement information, if applicable.
For the worker
- Passport and available visa grant notices, including current conditions.
- A dated employment history recording employers, roles, locations, hours and gaps.
- Available contracts, employment references and supporting pay records.
- Qualifications, registration or licensing information and any skills assessment.
- English evidence already held, relevant family circumstances and previous migration decisions.
Do not rewrite duties or alter dates to make records fit an assumed pathway. If a reference, contract and CV differ, flag the difference so it can be investigated. An accurate explanation is more useful than a folder that merely looks complete.
Keep the nomination and visa decisions separate
An employer nomination concerns the proposed employment and the relevant employer requirements. The visa application concerns the applicant and applicable visa criteria. Nomination approval is not a visa grant.
Ask which stage has actually been lodged and keep the corresponding acknowledgement or decision. Agree who will track outstanding documents and notify the adviser about changes. A verbal assurance that “everything is in progress” is not a substitute for identifying the application and its status.
If the immediate question concerns a temporary sponsored visa, see our Skills in Demand visa subclass 482 service. Our employer-sponsored visa overview explains the broader service area.
Common subclass 186 questions
Does my employer’s support guarantee permanent residence?
No. Employer support is one part of the process. The nomination and visa requirements still need to be satisfied and assessed by Home Affairs.
Do all 186 applicants use the same stream?
No. Direct Entry, Temporary Residence Transition and Labour Agreement have different requirements. A colleague’s successful application does not determine your pathway.
Can you confirm eligibility from my occupation title?
A title alone is insufficient. The actual duties, qualifications, employment history, employer information and relevant stream need to be considered.
How much does the process cost and how long will it take?
Request a written breakdown of professional fees, government charges and possible third-party costs for your circumstances. Government charges can change. Home Affairs processing estimates describe recently decided applications and do not promise a decision date for yours.
Can I enquire from Geelong, Wyndham Vale or Manor Lakes?
Yes. TILSAVV welcomes employer and worker enquiries from Geelong, North Geelong, Wyndham Vale, Manor Lakes and across Australia. Contact us to discuss suitable consultation arrangements.
Discuss the role, the records and the next step
Tell us whether you are the employer or worker, the proposed occupation and your main question. Flag any approaching visa expiry or other important date. Avoid sending a complete personal or business file through an initial public enquiry.
Contact TILSAVV about subclass 186
Mmanu Bhardwaj · MARN 2518871
Call 0452 270 171 · Email tilsavv24@gmail.com
