EMPLOYER SPONSORED VISAS

186 – Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS) Visa

A Pathway to Permanent Residency for Skilled Workers in Australia

The Subclass 186 Visa allows skilled overseas workers to gain permanent residency in Australia through sponsorship by an eligible Australian employer. If you have the skills Australia needs and a business is willing to nominate you, this could be your gateway to living and working in Australia long term.

Conditions Apply - Save upto $350

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Partner & Spouse Visas Approved

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Streams Available

Direct Entry Stream

For workers outside Australia or those who haven’t worked for their employer for 3 years.

  • Must have a positive skills assessment

  • At least 3 years of relevant work experience

  • Competent English required

  • Age usually under 45

Temporary Residence Transition (TRT) Stream

For people already in Australia on a 482 visa, working for the same employer for at least 2 of the last 3 years.

  • No skills assessment required

  • Employer must nominate for the same occupation

  • English and age criteria apply

Labour Agreement Stream

For people sponsored through a labour agreement between an employer and the Australian Government.

  • Often used for niche occupations or regional needs

  • Special terms and eligibility conditions apply

186 Visa Requirements

  • Nomination by an approved Australian employer

  • Occupation on the relevant skilled occupation list

  • Meet skills, qualification, and experience requirements

  • Must be under 45 years of age (some exemptions apply)

  • Competent English proficiency

  • Meet health and character standards

Why Work with Salvo Migration?

Expert Guidance

Deep experience with both temporary and permanent parent visa pathways

Proven Success

99% success rate in partner and parent visa cases

Personalized Support

Direct access to Martin Salvo, an experienced migration lawyer

Stress-Free Process

Clear legal strategy, transparent pricing, and peace of mind

What You’ll Get in the Consultation

  • Assess your eligibility across all three streams

  • Review your occupation, qualifications, and employer nomination potential

  • Identify any red flags or missing requirements

  • Timeline breakdown and cost forecasting

  • Custom advice for DIY vs full legal support

Government Costs & Processing Times

Direct Entry Stream

Govt. Application Fee

From $4,640

Estimated Processing Time

7–11 months

Temporary Residence Transition Stream

Govt. Application Fee

From $4,640

Estimated Processing Time

6–10 months

Labour Agreement

Govt. Application Fee

Varies

Estimated Processing Time

Depends on case

Fees do not include health checks, police certificates, translation, or legal representation.

Start Your Australian PR Journey Today

Book a no-obligation consultation to find out if you qualify for the 186 Visa and what steps to take next.

Conditions apply — valued up to $350.

What Happens in the 186 Visa Consultation?

Our consultations are conducted by experienced Australian migration lawyers who specialise in permanent employer-sponsored visas. You’ll receive personalised legal guidance tailored to both the sponsoring business and the skilled worker.

During your consult, we’ll:

  • Assess your eligibility for the 186 visa across all streams — Direct Entry, TRT, and Labour Agreement

  • Identify potential risks, red flags, or missing documentation that may impact nomination or visa approval

  • Recommend the most suitable permanent residency pathway based on your visa history and occupation

  • Explain sponsorship obligations, skills assessments, English and work experience requirements

  • Answer all your questions about nomination caps, permanent residency benefits, and transition timelines

Who You’ll Be Speaking With

Unlike agencies that hand you off to junior staff, you’ll speak directly with an experienced Australian migration lawyer who:

  • Has successfully helped employers and skilled migrants secure PR via the 186 visa

  • Understands complex transitional rules from 482 or regional visas to 186

  • Can advise on skills assessments, TRT vs Direct Entry, and employer obligations

  • Martin Salvo – Senior Migration Lawyer and Employer Nomination Visa Specialist

🛡️ No Visa. No Fee. Guarantee 🛡️

The Salvo Migration Difference

Trusted by Couples Nationwide – Powered by Legal Expertise and Innovation

Work Directly with a Partner Visa Expert

From your first consultation to your visa outcome, you’ll work directly with a qualified migration lawyer — not just a case officer.

Clear, Ongoing Communication

We provide consistent updates and detailed explanations throughout your journey — you’ll never be left guessing.

Nationwide & International Access

We can connect with you via phone, whatsapp or Zoom Call - no matter where you are.

99% Success Rate Guarantee

Our proven track record speaks for itself. With a 99% success rate, we only take on cases we know we can win.

Fixed & Transparent Pricing

No hidden fees, ever. Every service comes with a clear, fixed-price agreement so you know exactly what to expect — no surprises.

🛡️No Visa, No Fee Guarantee🛡️

To underscore our commitment to client success, Salvo Migration offers a No Visa, No Fee Guarantee. This means that if your partner visa application is not approved, and certain conditions are met, our professional fees will be refunded. This guarantee reflects our confidence in delivering positive outcomes for our clients.

How Much Does Your 186 Visa Application Cost?

Done for you by an Australian Immigration Lawyer

Free 186 Visa Strategy Session

Initial guidance to check your eligibility for the 186 Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS) visa — including Direct Entry and Temporary Residence Transition streams.

  • Price: FREE

  • Value: Up to $350

  • Duration: 30 mins

Full Legal Representation

Expert legal support for skilled professionals seeking regional sponsorship, including employer nomination, skills assessment guidance, risk mitigation, and complete visa application preparation.

  • Price: $5,997 (inc GST)

  • Value: Peace of mind + Full compliance

  • Duration: Until your 186 Visa is granted

Ready to get started?

Need expert help?

The 186 visa can be complex — with strict nomination criteria, skills assessments, and Department requests. At Salvo Migration, we help employers and skilled workers confidently navigate each step of the Employer Nomination Scheme with clarity and compliance.

Valued up to $350

186 Visa Processing Times in Australia

Employer-sponsored visas like the 186 can take several months to over a year to process — depending on which stream you apply under (Direct Entry or Temporary Residence Transition), and whether your nomination and visa applications are decision-ready.

 

At Salvo Migration, we help both employers and skilled workers ensure their applications meet legal, timing, and evidence requirements — reducing unnecessary delays.

What Affects Processing Time?

Here are the key factors that may impact how long your 186 visa takes:

  • Nomination & Visa Preparation – Poor documentation or incomplete submissions often lead to requests for more information.

  • Stream Type – Direct Entry stream often takes longer than Temporary Residence Transition (TRT).

  • Occupation & Employer Location – Processing times may vary based on occupation ceilings or whether your business is in a regional area.

  • Health & Character Checks – Issues with medical or police certificates can delay approvals.

  • Department Backlog – The volume of applications in your occupation or industry may impact timing.

  • Decision-Ready Applications – Lodging fully-prepared applications can fast-track assessment in many cases.

Why Preparation Matters

186 visa refusals are often due to:

  • Sponsorship issues

  • Incorrect nomination details

  • Income threshold or contract errors

  • Missing supporting documents

Working with an expert migration lawyer ensures your application is legally compliant, decision-ready, and tailored to your PR pathway — giving you the best chance of success.

Want a clearer estimate for your visa timeline?

Book a Free Visa Consultation with our legal team (valued up to $350).

We’ll assess your situation, explain your likely processing time, and help you avoid costly delays.

FAQs About The Australian Parent Visa

Whether you’re just starting to explore options for bringing your parents to Australia or you’re deep in the visa process, we’ve answered the most common questions to help guide you.

What are the benefits of getting a Parent visa?

Parent visas allow eligible parents of Australian citizens or permanent residents to live in Australia temporarily or permanently. Benefits may include family reunification, access to Medicare (for permanent visas), and eventually applying for citizenship in some cases.

What are the benefits of getting a Parent visa?

Parent visas allow eligible parents of Australian citizens or permanent residents to live in Australia temporarily or permanently. Benefits may include family reunification, access to Medicare (for permanent visas), and eventually applying for citizenship in some cases.

Can I apply for a Parent visa while on a Visitor visa in Australia?

Some subclasses, like the 804 (Aged Parent), can be applied for onshore if eligibility criteria are met. Others, like the 143 (Contributory Parent), may require offshore lodgement unless special exemptions apply.

What happens if my Parent visa application is refused?

If refused, you may be able to appeal the decision to the Administrative Appeals Tribunal (AAT), depending on the circumstances. It’s crucial to act quickly and seek legal advice on your options.

What happens after my Parent visa is granted?

Once approved, your parent may gain temporary or permanent residency (depending on the subclass), access to Medicare (for permanent visas), and the ability to live with family in Australia.

Can a permanent Parent visa be cancelled?

Yes, but it is rare. Cancellations can occur due to criminal conduct, breaches of visa conditions, or false/misleading information in the application. Legal support is vital if cancellation is a risk.

Still have questions?

We understand this process can feel overwhelming. At Salvo Migration, we combine expert legal knowledge with genuine care to support your family journey. Whether it’s your first time applying, managing an appeal, or considering which visa path is right, we’re with you every step of the way.

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Our family law services cover divorce, child custody, and spousal support. We provide compassionate legal support during difficult times, aiming for fair and balanced solutions that prioritize the well-being of your family.

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Nationwide Service with Brisbane Headquarters

While based in Brisbane, Salvo Migration serves clients across Australia and internationally. Our efficient online systems and communication tools enable us to assist couples regardless of their location, providing the same high-quality service to all clients.

OUR LOCATION

Serving Clients Across Australia

Wherever you are in Australia, Salvo Migration is here to help. While our headquarters are in Brisbane, we serve clients in Sydney, Melbourne, Perth, Adelaide, Canberra, Darwin, Hobart, and all regional areas. Our team is equipped to handle consultations remotely, ensuring national coverage for couples seeking partner visa assistance.

FREE Partner Visa Strategy Call with a Migration Lawyer

Skip the confusion — get expert advice, a tailored visa plan, and clarity on your next steps.

Book Your FREE Visa Strategy Call Now

Connect with a migration lawyer & get clarity on your visa application.

FREE Strategy Visa Consultation

(Valued at $350)

Get expert legal advice, eligibility assessment & a tailored strategy for your visa — all with a licensed migration lawyer.

Licensed lawyer, not a sales consultant

Legal eligibility review & personalised advice

Clear roadmap & risk guidance

Important: Your consultation will be cancelled if the pre-consultation questionnaire is not completed before your scheduled time.

Common Issues and Solutions for Australian Partner Visas

Expert guidance from Salvo Migration to help you navigate challenges with confidence.

Navigating the Australian Partner visa process can be complex. Many applicants face common challenges that can cause confusion or delay. Below, we outline typical issues and how to approach them with the right legal strategy and support.

Problem: Your current visa is expiring

Solution

If you lodge your Partner visa application before your current visa expires, you’ll generally be granted a Bridging Visa A (BVA). This allows you to remain lawfully in Australia while your application is processed.

 

If your visa has already expired, your application may be invalid unless you apply for a Bridging Visa E (BVE) to restore lawful status while resolving your situation.

 

We strongly recommend speaking to us before your visa expires to preserve your options.

Problem: Your visa has been cancelled

Solution

Even if your visa has been cancelled, you may still be able to apply for a Partner visa (Subclass 820) while in Australia. That’s because Partner visas are exempt from the Section 48 Bar.

 

You should:

 

Apply for a Bridging Visa E (BVE) immediately to remain lawful.

Seek legal advice on preparing a strong application that addresses the cancellation.

Lodge your Subclass 820 visa with supporting documentation and legal submissions.

Problem: You separate from your partner during visa processing

Solution

If you separate before the temporary Partner visa (820 or 309) is granted, the Department must be notified—and the application will likely be refused.

 

If separation occurs after the temporary visa is granted but before the permanent visa, the application may still be refused unless special circumstances apply (e.g., domestic violence provisions or shared children).

 

If you separate after the permanent visa is granted, your visa status remains unaffected.

 

We can advise you confidentially if you’re in a complicated relationship situation during your visa process.

Problem: You can’t access all required documents

Solution

Missing documents don’t mean your application must be delayed. Instead, you can:

 

-Submit alternative evidence (e.g., statutory declarations, personal statements)

-Request a deadline extension from the Department before the due date

 

 

We help clients prepare compelling submissions even when key documents are unavailable.

Problem: You have limited evidence of your de facto relationship

Solution

Partner visas (particularly de facto ones) require detailed evidence across four categories:

 

-Financial

-Household

-Social

-Commitment

 

 

If you’re short on formal documents, you can strengthen your application with:

 

Personal statements and timelines

Statutory declarations from family or friends

Photos, travel history, joint plans, and more

 

 

We work closely with clients to build solid evidence—even if the relationship is new or unconventional.

Problem: Your partner is offshore

Solution

If your partner is currently outside Australia, you must apply for an offshore Partner visa (Subclass 309/100).

 

Key things to note:

 

Offshore applicants don’t get a Bridging Visa A (BVA).

If your partner is visiting Australia, they must be outside Australia when the 309 visa is granted.

 

 

Timing is critical—we’ll help you plan lodgement and travel dates strategically.

Need expert help?

Every situation is different. At Salvo Migration, we help individuals and couples navigate complex migration scenarios with clarity and confidence. Whether you’re worried about a visa expiry, missing documents, or relationship concerns, we’ll help you take the right next step.

Other Visa Options with Salvo Migration

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Visa Appeals

Was your visa refused or cancelled? Our legal team can assess your case, explain your appeal options, and represent you at the AAT or court if needed.

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Permanent Residency

Looking to settle in Australia long-term? We assist with the PR process through partner, skilled, or employer pathways — including eligibility and documentation.

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