Employer sponsored visas / Subclass 186

What is a subclass 186 Employer Nomination Scheme visa?

The subclass 186 Employer Nomination Scheme visa is a permanent employer-sponsored visa for workers nominated for genuine positions in Australia.

Employer sponsored visas Subclass 186 Needs review
Short answer

The subclass 186 Employer Nomination Scheme visa is a permanent employer-sponsored visa for workers nominated for genuine positions in Australia.

Subclass 186 is part of the Permanent Employer Sponsored Entry program. It allows an Australian employer to nominate a worker for a permanent position under the ENS program.

If approved, the visa is permanent. It also includes a travel facility allowing the holder to travel to and enter Australia for 5 years from the date of grant, so that travel period should be checked before publication if the page is updated later.

Source

This answer is based on official Employer Nomination Scheme visa information checked on 14 August 2026.