The 186 Visa, formally known as the Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS) visa, provides a pathway for skilled workers to obtain permanent residency in Australia. This visa requires sponsorship from an Australian employer and is available through three streams: Direct Entry, Temporary Residence Transition, and Labour Agreement. Each stream caters to different circumstances, but they all serve the purpose of addressing skill shortages in various sectors of the Australian economy.
Recently the Australian government has implemented changes to make the visa process more efficient, including faster processing times and improved digital systems for application management. These updates reflect the need to attract and retain skilled professionals in critical industries such as healthcare, information technology, and engineering. The demand for skilled workers is particularly acute in regional areas, where local labor markets struggle to meet the needs of expanding industries.
In 2024, significant changes have been introduced to the 186 Visa, enhancing its accessibility and efficiency. The key updates include extending pathways for 457 and 482 visa holders to transition to permanent residency. Specifically, the work experience requirement has been reduced, making it easier for temporary visa holders to qualify for the 186 Visa. Employers can now also benefit from streamlined nomination processes, reducing the administrative burden and expediting application times.
Submitting accurate and complete documents is essential when applying for the 186 Visa. Applicants need detailed evidence of their qualifications, work history, and personal background. If the documents are incomplete or incorrect, the application could be delayed or rejected. With recent improvements in the application process, having the right documents ready is more important than ever. Proper documentation not only makes the application process easier but also ensures that only qualified and genuine applicants receive visas.
Documentation Checklist for 186 Visa
| Category | Documentation Required |
| Personal Identity Documentation | Pages of the current passport showing the photo, personal details, and passport issue and expiry dates National identity card (if available)Marriage or divorce certificateOfficial change of name documents |
| Employment Documentation | Employment contractsPayslipsJob descriptions |
| English Language Documentation | Test results from recognized English language exams proving competent English. |
| Health and Character Documentation | Health Assessment and Additional medical informationAustralian police certificate if residing in Australia.Police certificates from every country where the nominee spent a total of 12 months or more in the last 10 years Military service records or discharge papers (if applicable) |
| Skills, Qualifications, and Age Exemption Documentation | Degrees, diplomas, and certifications relevant to the nominated occupationDocuments showing qualification for an age exemption (e.g., role as an academic, scientist, or specific visa holder) |
| Partner and Dependent Documentation | Marriage certificates or documents proving a de facto relationship Joint bank account statements Billing accountsJoint leases or mortgages Birth certificates (for dependents)Evidence proving partners and dependents have Functional EnglishForm 1229 or a statutory declaration (for dependents under 18)Form 47a, tax records, or proof of current studies (for dependents over 18) |
| Nomination and Assistance Documentation | Form 956 or Form 956A |
| Documents needed from the Business | |
| Evidence of Genuine Need for the Position | Demonstrating the genuine need for an employee within the business. |
| AMSR (Australian Market Salary Rate) | Proving that the nominee will be paid according to the Australian market salary rate, which is on par with other Australian employees in the same role. |
| Business Operations Documentation | Certified copy of the registered Australian business name Business license or registration Business insurance documents |
| Financial Status Evidence | Certified copies of bank statementsBalance or profit and loss statements for the most recent financial year Audited balance sheet with comparative figures from the previous fiscal year (for ENS/RSMS applications) Profit and loss statement with comparative figures from the previous fiscal yearBusiness Activity Statement for each complete quarter since the end of the fiscal period (if applicable) |
| Standard Business Sponsors Documentation | Proof of employment continuity under the same employer |
| Sole Approved Sponsor Criteria | Employment contractsPayroll recordsOfficial documents indicating employment history |
| Terms and Conditions of Employment | Job advertisementsEmployment contracts Remuneration surveys |
| Position Details Documentation | Detailed job descriptions outlining the job title, duties, and responsibilities |
| Licensing, Registration, and Membership Documentation | Registration with professional bodies or state authoritiesCertificates from the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (for doctors) Proof of admission to practice (for barristers or solicitors) |
| Document Translation and Submission | Translations of all non-English documentsClear scans or photographs of all documents in colorMulti-page documents saved as one file |
Business Operations Documentation
Non-financial Evidence
It is important to show that the business is genuine and operational. This can be shown through:
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- Certified copy of the registered Australian business name
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- Business license or registration
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- Business insurance documents
Financial Status Evidence
The financial health of the business is also one important aspect the Immigration Department will consider when they are nominating a foreign worker. Financial status can be shown through the below documents:
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- Certified copies of bank statements
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- Balance or profit and loss statements for the most recent financial year
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- Audited balance sheet with comparative figures from the previous fiscal year (for ENS/RSMS applications)
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- Profit and loss statement with comparative figures from the previous fiscal year
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- Business Activity Statement for each complete quarter since the end of the fiscal period (if applicable)
Standard Business Sponsors Documentation
Evidence for Related Entities
If the nominated person hasn’t been employed by the business as the sole approved standard business sponsor, the following evidence must be provided:
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- Documents showing employment under the same employer (if business structure has changed)
Sole Approved Sponsor Criteria
To show that the business has been the sole sponsor for the required period, provide:
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- Employment contracts
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- Payroll records
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- Other official documents indicating the nominee’s employment history
Employment Documentation
Required Period of Employment Evidence
To qualify, the nominee must have been employed in the nominated position for the required period. Provide:
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- Employment contracts
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- Payslips
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- Job descriptions
Terms and Conditions of Employment
Demonstrate that the nominee’s employment terms are equivalent to those of Australian citizens or permanent residents performing similar work. Provide:
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- Job advertisements
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- Employment contracts
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- Remuneration surveys
Position Details Documentation
Clearly outline the job title, duties, and responsibilities of the nominated position. Provide:
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- Detailed job descriptions
Personal Identity Documentation
Passport and Identity Cards
Include the pages of the current passport showing the photo, personal details, and passport issue, and expiry dates. Also, provide:
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- National identity card (if available)
Change of Name Proof
If the nominee has changed their name, submit:
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- Marriage or divorce certificate
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- Official change of name documents
Licensing, Registration, and Membership Documentation
Mandatory Licenses and Registrations
For professions requiring specific licenses or registrations, provide:
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- Registration with professional bodies or state authorities
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- Certificates from the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (for doctors)
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- Proof of admission to practice (for barristers or solicitors)
Skills, Qualifications, and Age Exemption Documentation
Proof of Skills and Qualifications
Submit documents proving the nominee’s skills and qualifications:
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- Degrees
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- Diplomas
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- Certifications relevant to the nominated occupation
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- Skills Assessment Report.
Age Exemption Criteria and Evidence
If the nominee is over 45 years old, provide documents showing they qualify for an age exemption:
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- Proof of academic or scientific role
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- Evidence of holding a specific visa and working for the nominating employer for the required period
English Language Documentation
Competency Proof for Applicant and Dependents
Provide documents showing the nominee and dependents have Competent English:
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- Test results from recognized English language exams
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- Additional fee payment if Competent English cannot be proven
Health and Character Documentation
Health Requirements
Ensure that any additional medical information to be incorporated is included.
Police Certificates and Character Documents
Submit the following to establish the nominee’s good character:
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- Australian police certificate (if applicable)
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- Police certificates from every country where the nominee spent a total of 12 months or more in the last 10 years
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- Military service records or discharge papers (if applicable)
Nomination and Assistance Documentation
Forms for Authorized Recipients and Agents
To appoint someone to receive correspondence or provide immigration assistance, complete and submit:
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- Form 956 or Form 956A
Partner and Dependent Documentation
Identity and Relationship Proof
For partners, provide:
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- Marriage certificates
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- Documents proving a de facto relationship (joint bank account statements, billing accounts, joint leases, or mortgages)
For dependents, submit:
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- Identity documents
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- Proof of relationship (birth certificates)
Functional English Evidence
Partners must prove they have Functional English. Provide:
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- Test results from recognized English language exams
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- Additional fee payment if Functional English cannot be proven
Parental Responsibility and Dependence Proof
If dependents under 18 are included, get consent from anyone with legal rights over the child who isn’t coming to Australia. Use:
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- Form 1229 or a statutory declaration
For dependents over 18, provide:
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- Proof of relationship and dependence (Form 47a, tax records, or proof of current studies)
Document Translation and Submission
Translation Requirements
Translate all non-English documents into English. Ensure translators:
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- Are accredited by the National Accreditation Authority for Translators and Interpreters (if in Australia)
- Include their full name, address, telephone number, qualifications, and experience in the language they are translating (if outside Australia)
When applying for a 186 visa, it is essential to provide comprehensive documentation to demonstrate eligibility, the authenticity of the job, and the employer’s established business status. This documentation plays a central role in ensuring that all visa requirements are met, thereby enhancing the chances of a successful application. For individuals unfamiliar with the detailed process, seeking assistance from a MARA registered migration agent is highly recommended. These experts can provide invaluable guidance, ensuring that every aspect of the application is handled professionally and in compliance with immigration regulations. Their expertise helps navigate complexities and ensures that the application stands strong against scrutiny, ultimately facilitating a smoother visa approval process.
