Employer Nomination Scheme(ENS) Subclass 186 Visa 2026

The ENS 186 visa is a permanent employer-sponsored visa that enables skilled professionals to live and work in Australia indefinitely. Unlike temporary visas such as the TSS/SID subclass 482, the 186 subclass grants PR directly.

Australia continues to be a leading destination for skilled professionals around the world. With high living standards, global career opportunities, and a stable migration system, it’s no wonder many international workers seek skilled migration to Australia. Among the most trusted pathways is the Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS), better known as the Subclass 186 visa.

The Employer Nomination Scheme visa subclass 186 provides a direct pathway to permanent residency in Australia, allowing skilled workers to settle, contribute to the economy, and eventually apply for Australian citizenship.

In this comprehensive 2026 guide, we cover everything you need to know about the ENS subclass 186, streams, eligibility, application process, costs, benefits, migration reforms, and the latest updates from the Skilled Occupation List Australia.