186 Employer Nominated Visas

The Australia Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS) Visa (Subclass 186) is a significant pathway for skilled workers seeking permanent residency in Australia through employer sponsorship. This visa category allows Australian employers to nominate foreign workers for permanent residency based on the employee’s skills, qualifications, and experience.

Requirements To Apply For A Employer Nomination Scheme Visa (Subclass 186)

To be eligible for the Subclass 186 visa, applicants need to meet specific criteria related to their occupation, skills, qualifications, and English language proficiency. They also need to be nominated by an eligible employer who demonstrates a genuine need for the position and complies with labour market testing requirements.

The Subclass 186 visa offers permanent residency status, allowing successful applicants and their families to live, work, and study in Australia indefinitely. It provides access to healthcare, education, and social security benefits, similar to Australian citizens.

The 186 visa requires an employer nomination of skilled employment, and an acceptance for such employment in Australia.  The applicant must have all the relevant skills and work experience to fill the position.

Other 186 visa requirements include:

+ Being less than 45 years of age.

+ Have sufficient English proficiency, depending upon the stream.

+ Be of good character and health.

Types Of Subclass 186 Visa Streams

There are three streams for the 186 visa in Australia.

Direct Entry Stream

For applicants who have 3 years of experience of an occupation on the list of skilled occupations, and who have an offer from an employer in that field.

Temporary Residence Transition Stream

For applicants who hold a 457, TSS or related bridging visa A, B, or C, and are sponsored by the same employer that sponsored your 457 or 482 visa for at least 3 out of 4 years.

Labour Agreement Stream

For applicants who currently work, or will work, for a nominating employer who is party to a labour agreement. If the applicant is in Australia, they will need to hold a substantive 457 or TSS visa that is issued under a labour agreement.

189 Skilled Independent Visas

The Australian 189 Skilled Independent Visa is a popular immigration pathway designed for skilled individuals who want to live and work in Australia as permanent residents. It is a part of the General Skilled Migration (GSM) program and is highly sought after due to its independence from employer sponsorship, and it doesn’t require a state or territory nomination, or family member in Australia to support their application.

Requirements To Apply For A Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189)

Key Features:

No Sponsorship Required: The Subclass 189 visa does not require sponsorship by an Australian employer, family member, or state/territory government. Applicants are selected based on their individual skills and qualifications.

Points-Tested: To be eligible for this visa, applicants must meet a points-based system where they earn points for factors like age, English language proficiency, work experience, and education. A minimum score is required to qualify.

Occupation List: Applicants must nominate an occupation from the relevant skilled occupation list and meet the skills assessment requirements specified for that occupation.

Age Limit: The primary applicant must be under 45 years of age at the time of invitation to apply.

Expression of Interest (EOI): Before applying for the visa, individuals need to submit an Expression of Interest through the SkillSelect system. Based on their points score and eligibility, they may receive an invitation to apply for the 189 visa.

Permanent Residency: Once granted, the Subclass 189 visa provides the holder with permanent residency status in Australia, allowing them to live, work, and study anywhere in the country.

Benefits:Access to Medicare, Australia’s public healthcare system.

Eligibility to apply for Australian citizenship after meeting residency requirements.

Opportunity to include eligible family members (spouse, children, dependent relatives) in the visa application.

Visa Conditions:Visa holders are expected to live and work in Australia as permanent residents.

They are free to pursue any occupation or job of their choice.

Compliance with Australian laws and regulations is mandatory.

Types of Subclass 189 Streams

There are three streams for the 189 visa in Australia.

Points Tested Stream

Invite workers, with skills we need, to live and work anywhere in Australia. You do not need a sponsor or nominator.

New Zealand Stream

For New Zealand citizens who have demonstrated commitment and contribution to Australia, to live and work here permanently.

Hong Kong Stream

For Hong Kong or British National (Overseas) passport holders who have demonstrated commitment to Australia, to live and work in Australia permanently

190 Skilled Nominated Visas

The Australia Skilled Nominated Visa (Subclass 190) offers skilled workers a route to permanent residency in Australia through nomination by a specific Australian state or territory government. This visa is designed to address specific skill shortages in these regions while providing skilled individuals with the opportunity to live and work in the area of their nomination.

To be eligible for the Subclass 190 visa, applicants need to meet the criteria set by the nominating state or territory. This typically involves having an occupation on the relevant skilled occupation list, meeting specific work experience and skills requirements, and receiving a nomination from a state or territory government agency.

Requirements to Apply for the Skilled Nominated Visa (Subclass 190)

Like the Skilled Independent Visa, applicants for the Subclass 190 visa need to submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) through the SkillSelect system and then receive an invitation to apply. Successful candidates and their families can enjoy permanent residency status, enabling them to access healthcare, education, and social security benefits in Australia.The Skilled Nominated Visa is a pathway that encourages settlement in specific regions of Australia while addressing their particular skill needs. It’s a strategic option for skilled individuals who have an interest in contributing to the growth and development of a particular state or territory and wish to establish their life in Australia on a permanent basis. Herbert Smith Freehills can assist with your pathway and address the specific requirements you may have. 

191 Skilled Regional Visas

The Australia Skilled Regional Visa (Subclass 191) is a pathway to permanent residency designed to encourage skilled workers to contribute to the growth and development of regional areas in Australia. It’s a transition from the temporary Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Visa, Subclass 491, which mandates a certain period of residence in a designated regional area.

To qualify for the Subclass 191 visa, applicants must have held a Subclass 491 or Subclass 494 visa for at least three years. During this time, they need to have abided by the conditions of their visa, including living, working, and studying in a designated regional area. Additionally, they must demonstrate sufficient taxable income for the specified period, meeting the minimum threshold.

Requirements For A Skilled Regional Visa (Subclass 191)

Applicants must also meet health and character requirements, as well as demonstrate a taxable income threshold for the specified period. Additionally, they should continue to fulfill the requirements of their original regional provisional visa.The Subclass 191 visa provides a direct pathway to permanent residency, without the need for a separate application process. This is distinct from some other pathways that require two separate visa applications.There are three main visa requirements for a 191 Skilled Regional Visa:You must be holding an eligible 491 or 494 visa for at least 3 years and have complied with the conditions of that visa. You must have a taxable income at or above a specific threshold for at least three years while holding your eligible visa.

Apply

Step 1: Once you reach us, we set up a discovery call to understand what your needs are and what Visa best suits you.

Step 2: From there, we will send you a Strategy proposal outlining the steps we will take to asist you in getting a Visa for you to sign off on.

Step 3: Our team leap into action, following immigration pathways, taking care of the paperwork and helping you through the entire appication process.