Subclass 186 Employer Nomination Scheme — Direct Entry stream

Subclass 186 Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS) is the primary employer-sponsored permanent residence pathway. Three streams:

  (1) Direct Entry — workers nominated directly without prior 482/494 visa
  (2) Temporary Residence Transition (TRT) — workers transitioning from 482/494 after eligible period (typically 2-3 years)
  (3) Labour Agreement — under industry / project labour agreements

This prompt covers Direct Entry stream.

Draft 600-750 word Subclass 186 Direct Entry strategy for [CLIENT_NAME].

§1 — DIRECT ENTRY ELIGIBILITY (180-220 words)

Direct Entry requires:

(a) Approved Nomination by [EMPLOYER_NAME]:
  • Standard Business Sponsorship (SBS) status
  • Nominate [CLIENT_NAME] for the specific position
  • Pay SAF levy (AUD 3,000 - 5,000 depending on business turnover)
  • Demonstrate genuine need + LMT compliance

(b) Applicant criteria:
  • Aged under 45 at time of visa application (some exemptions)
  • Nominated occupation on ENS list (Core Skills List + specific 186 list)
  • Skills assessment by [ASSESSING_AUTHORITY]
  • At least 3 years post-qualification work experience in nominated occupation
  • Competent English (PTE 50+ or IELTS 6.0+ each band)
  • Meet health requirement (PIC 4007)
  • Meet character requirement (PIC 4001 / s.501)

(c) Salary:
  • At least AMSR (Annual Market Salary Rate) for the position
  • At least CSIT (AUD 73,150) annually
  • Some occupations have additional minimum thresholds

For [CLIENT_NAME] (age [AGE]) with [OCCUPATION]:
  • Confirm age <45 (or exemption applies)
  • Confirm [OCCUPATION] on ENS list
  • Confirm [PTE_IELTS] meets Competent English threshold
  • Verify 3+ years post-qualification experience

§2 — SKILLS ASSESSMENT BY [ASSESSING_AUTHORITY] (200-250 words)

Skills assessment is mandatory for Direct Entry. The assessing authority depends on occupation:

Engineering occupations:
  • Engineers Australia (EA) — multiple streams:
    - Migration Skills Assessment (MSA) — for non-recognised qualifications
    - Australian/Washington/Sydney/Dublin Accord — for recognised programs
  • Process: submit qualifications + work experience + Continuing Professional Development (CPD)
  • Outcome: Positive Skills Assessment letter
  • Timeline: 8-16 weeks

IT / Computer occupations:
  • Australian Computer Society (ACS)
  • Rules: 4-year ICT bachelor's = full points after 2 years AU work; non-ICT bachelor's = 5 years experience deducted; etc.
  • Common Indian ICT applicants face "5 years deducted" challenges
  • Timeline: 6-12 weeks

Healthcare:
  • ANMAC (nursing) — registration first, then assessment
  • AHPRA (allied health) — Pre-Pathways to Registration
  • Indian nurses: must complete IELTS Academic 7.0+ each band, OET B+
  • Timeline: 12-24 weeks

Accounting:
  • CPA Australia / IPA / CA ANZ
  • Indian CAs (ICAI) need to assess equivalency
  • Migration Skills Assessment process

Other:
  • VETASSESS — general professional + trade
  • TRA (Trades Recognition Australia) — for trades
  • AITSL (Australian Institute for Teaching and School Leadership) — teaching

For [ASSESSING_AUTHORITY] = [details]:
  • Submit application with full documentation
  • Currently positive skills assessment + valid at visa application

§3 — APPLICATION PROCESS (200-250 words)

Stage 1 — Employer Nomination ([EMPLOYER_NAME]):
  • Nomination form (Form 1392)
  • Standard Business Sponsorship (SBS) status
  • SAF levy: AUD 3,000 (small business) / AUD 5,000 (other) per nominee × number of years of visa (Direct Entry = 4 years)
  • LMT evidence (if applicable)
  • Position description matching ANZSCO duties
  • Genuine business need evidence
  • Australian Market Salary Rate evidence

Stage 2 — Worker Visa Application ([CLIENT_NAME]):
  • Form 47 (online via ImmiAccount)
  • Visa fee: AUD 4,770 (worker) + family members
  • Documentation:
    □ Passport
    □ Photos
    □ Birth certificate (with English translation if not English)
    □ Marriage / common-law certificate (if dependent included)
    □ Children's birth certificates + custody documents
    □ Police clearances (every country lived 12+ months in last 10 years)
    □ Health check (BUPA panel doctor)
    □ Skills assessment letter from [ASSESSING_AUTHORITY]
    □ English language test ([PTE_IELTS])
    □ Detailed work history with reference letters
    □ Qualifications + transcripts
    □ Employer reference letters (NOC duties matching)

§4 — POST-VISA STATUS (60-80 words)

Once granted:
  • Subclass 186 = PERMANENT RESIDENCE (not temporary)
  • [CLIENT_NAME] has indefinite right to remain in Australia
  • Eligible for Medicare, social security (some restrictions for first 2 years)
  • Path to citizenship after 4 years of legal residence including 12 months as PR immediately preceding citizenship application
  • Travel right: requires Resident Return Visa (RRV) for re-entry after 5 years

§5 — REFUSAL RISKS (60-80 words)

Common refusal grounds:
  • Skills assessment outdated (must be current at visa lodgement)
  • Inadequate work experience documentation (NOC mismatch)
  • Health (medical exam reveals condition triggering Public Health Cost Threshold AUD 49,000 over 5 years)
  • Character (criminal history, military service in specified countries)
  • Sponsorship withdrawn (employer changes plans before grant)

End with: "DRAFT SUBCLASS 186 DIRECT ENTRY STRATEGY — for MARN-registered agent review. Skills assessment validity is the trapdoor — most are valid 3 years from issue. Apply for skills assessment EARLY in the process. Confirm [OCCUPATION] is on the current ENS list at immi.homeaffairs.gov.au."