Are you a skilled worker dreaming of making Australia your permanent home? The Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS) Subclass 186 Direct Entry (DE) stream may be the right permanent residency pathway for you. This 186 DE stream allows Australian employers to sponsor foreign workers for permanent residency, addressing critical skill shortages in the country.

Purpose of the ENS Subclass 186 Direct Entry (DE) Stream

The ENS Subclass 186 Direct Entry (DE) stream plays a crucial role in bridging the gap between the demand for skilled labor and the available workforce in Australia. It not only helps employers find talented professionals from around the world but also provides skilled workers with an opportunity to secure permanent residency in this beautiful country.

Eligibility Criteria for the ENS 186 Direct Entry (DE) Stream

To be eligible for the Employer Nomination Sponsored (ENS) Subclass 186 Direct Entry (DE) stream, you need to meet the following criteria:

• Have a nomination from an Australian employer.
• Have your occupations on CSOL List and possess the necessary skills and qualifications.
• Meet the English language proficiency requirements.
• Be under 45 years of age at the time of application (with some exceptions).
• Have at least 3 years of relevant work experience.
• Receive a positive skills assessment from the relevant assessing authority.

Stages to apply for the ENS 186 Direct Entry (DE) Stream

Employer Nomination

For an Australian employer to sponsor a worker under the ENS Subclass 186 Direct Entry (DE) stream, they must:

• Be an active and lawful business in Australia.
• Demonstrate a genuine need for a skilled position that cannot be filled by an Australian worker.
• Offer a position that is full-time and ongoing for at least 2 years.
• Ensure the position is on the list of eligible skilled occupations.
• Meet the salary and employment conditions that align with Australian standards.

Visa Application

As a prospective visa applicant, you must follow these steps:

• Receive a nomination from an Australian employer.
• Gather all required documentation, including proof of skills, qualifications, and English language proficiency.
• Submit an application for the Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS) Subclass 186 Direct Entry (DE) stream visa.
• Undergo a medical examination and obtain police clearances.
• Await the decision from the Department of Home Affairs.

How to get started on your ENS 186 Direct Entry (DE) Visa journey

Ready to take the next steps on this exciting journey? Here’s how you can get started with the ENS Subclass 186 Direct Entry (DE) stream:

• Find an Australian employer willing to Nominate you for a permanent position.
• Ensure your occupation is on the eligible skilled occupations list.
• Prepare all necessary documents, including your resume, qualifications, and proof of work experience.
• Obtain a skills assessment from the relevant authority for your occupation.
• Work closely with your employer to submit the nomination.
• Submit your visa application and fulfill any additional requirements, such as health and character checks.

Questionnaire to check your eligibility for the ENS 186 Direct Entry (DE) Visa

Not sure if you qualify? Take this quick questionnaire to see if you are eligible for the Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS) Subclass 186 Direct Entry (DE) stream:

• Is your occupation listed on the Core Skills Occupation List? (Yes/No)
• Do you have at least 3 years of relevant Skilled Employment? (Yes/No)
• Have you found an Australian employer willing to sponsor you? (Yes/No)
• Are you under 45 years old? (Yes/No)
• Do you possess the necessary qualifications and skills for your occupation? (Yes/No)
• Have you received a positive skills assessment from the relevant authority? (Yes/No)
• Do you meet the English language proficiency requirements? (Yes/No)

If you answered ‘Yes’ to all these questions, you are well on your way to being eligible for the Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS) Subclass 186 Direct Entry (DE) stream! However, it’s always best to seek professional advice to navigate the complexities of the application process efficiently.

In conclusion, the Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS) Subclass 186 Direct Entry (DE) stream offers a fantastic opportunity for skilled workers to achieve permanent residency in Australia while helping employers fill essential skill shortages. With a clear understanding of the requirements and stages involved, you can confidently start this life-changing journey.

Are you ready to take the next steps? Get in touch with one of our registered agents today to get started.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not provide any legal or professional advice. You should seek the advice of a qualified expert before making any decisions based on this article. 

Bill Mitroulas

Head of Migration at Questra Immigration. Managing and overseeing the growth and performance of Questra’s team of migration agents, while maintaining a client-centric and quality-driven approach. A registered migration agent since 2015 and a member of the Migration Institute of Australia, with over 15 years’ experience in international education and 11 years in Australian Migration law.