Subclass 186 — Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS) visa
Statutory definition
Subclass 186 is prescribed in Schedule 2 of the Migration Regulations 1994. The Direct Entry stream requires the applicant to meet skills and experience requirements without having previously held a sponsored temporary visa. The Temporary Residence Transition (TRT) stream requires the applicant to have held a Subclass 482 or Subclass 457 visa with the nominating employer for at least 3 years. The Agreement stream applies where the employer holds a labour agreement.
Explanation
The Subclass 186 is the permanent destination for many employer-sponsored workers. Most applicants use the TRT stream after completing 3 years on a Subclass 482 visa with the same employer. The TRT stream has reduced skills assessment requirements because the applicant's skills are demonstrated by the work history. Applicants in the Direct Entry stream must have a skills assessment from the relevant assessing authority for their occupation.
Age requirements: Direct Entry stream applicants must generally be under 45. The TRT stream has a 50-year age cap with some exceptions.