Auskly Group：Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS) Visa (Subclass 186)

The Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS) Visa (Subclass 186) is a permanent residency visa designed to enable skilled workers to live and work in Australia. It allows Australian employers to sponsor skilled employees from overseas or those already in Australia to address labor shortages in specific industries.

Streams and Eligibility

The ENS Visa is divided into three streams, each catering to different applicant categories:

1. Temporary Residence Transition Stream (TRT):

   • For skilled workers who have worked with their sponsoring employer for at least three years while holding a Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) Visa (Subclass 482).

   • Applicants must have been employed in the nominated occupation during this period.

2. Direct Entry Stream:

   • For workers who have never worked in Australia or only briefly worked there.

   • Requires the nominated occupation to be on the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL).

   • A positive skills assessment and at least three years of relevant work experience are required.

3. Labour Agreement Stream:

   • For applicants sponsored under a labor agreement between an employer and the Australian Government.

   • Typically used for industries facing significant skill shortages or requiring specialized occupations.

Requirements

To be eligible for the ENS Visa, applicants must:

• Be under 45 years of age (some exemptions apply).

• Meet the skills and qualifications requirements for the nominated occupation.

• Have competent English language proficiency.

• Fulfill health and character requirements.

Employers must be approved sponsors and demonstrate a genuine need for the nominated role that cannot be filled locally.

Benefits

The ENS Visa offers numerous benefits, including:

• Permanent residency for the visa holder and their eligible family members.

• Access to Australia’s public healthcare system and education.

• Freedom to live, work, and study anywhere in Australia.

• Eligibility to apply for Australian citizenship after fulfilling residency requirements.

Recent Updates

The Australian Government periodically reviews the eligibility criteria, occupation lists, and processes for the ENS Visa. Recent changes have focused on improving pathways for regional employers and emphasizing high-demand sectors like healthcare, technology, and engineering.

The ENS Visa remains a critical component of Australia's skilled migration program, helping address labor shortages while providing skilled professionals with opportunities to establish a long-term future in Australia. Applicants and employers are encouraged to stay updated via the Department of Home Affairs.g skill shortages while fostering a balanced and sustainable immigration system.