The Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS) visa (subclass 186)

About

The Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS) visa (subclass 186) is a valuable pathway for skilled workers and their families seeking permanent residency in Australia. As part of Australia's General Skilled Migration (GSM) program, Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS) visas play a crucial role in addressing skill shortages across various industries in the Australian labor market. Popularly known as the SC 186 visa, this pathway allows Australian employers to nominate and sponsor qualified professionals from overseas for permanent positions that are essential but cannot be filled locally. This program significantly boosts Australia's economy by enabling talented individuals to secure permanent roles, thereby supporting long-term economic growth and development.

The SC 186 visa offers permanent residence status to successful applicants through all three of its streams

1. The 186 Direct Entry Stream is designed for skilled workers who are nominated by an Australian employer. This stream is ideal for those who have not previously worked in Australia or do not qualify for the Temporary Residence Transition stream.
2. The 186 Labour Agreement Stream is designed for skilled workers who are nominated by an Australian employer through a Labour Agreement. This stream is suitable for those whose occupation is listed in a labour agreement and who meet the requirements set by the agreement.
3. The 186 Temporary Residence Transition (TRT) Stream is for skilled workers who are transitioning from a temporary visa to permanent residency. This stream is suitable for those who have held a temporary work visa and have been working for their nominating employer for a specified period.

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Visa Benefits

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Family Members

You can include several family members in your SC 186 visa application, such as:

• Partner: Your spouse or de facto partner.

• Children: Dependent children or stepchildren, including those of your partner.

• Subclass 457/482 Visa Holders: Family members holding a subclass 457 or subclass 482 visa.

All family members included in your application must meet the necessary health and character requirements, regardless of whether they are applying with you or not.

Costs

The departmental costs to apply for the Employer Nomination Scheme visa (subclass 186) - Direct Entry stream are as follows:

• Main Applicant: AUD 4,770.00

• Additional Applicant (18 years or older): AUD 2,385.00

• Additional Applicant (Under 18 years): AUD 1,190.00

Obligations

• Compliance: Adhere to all Australian laws.

• Employment: Work for your nominating employer for at least two years.

• Commencement: Begin employment within six months of visa grant or entry to Australia.

Travel Conditions

The visa includes a travel facility valid for five years from the grant date. Post this period, you will need a Resident Return Visa (RRV) to re-enter Australia as a permanent resident.

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Eligibility Requirements

Understanding the eligibility requirements for each stream is crucial for a successful application. Below is a comprehensive table outlining the key eligibility criteria for each stream.

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Notes:

• Occupation: In all streams require your nominated occupation must be listed on the relevant skilled occupation lists.

• Work Experience: Typically, at least three years of relevant work experience meaning post qualification, full-time work is necessary across all streams, with specific exemptions based on the visa stream. In some cases, part-time work may be acceptable, so it is important to get your documents assessed by a professional. This is not the same as the skills assessment.

• Skills Assessment: The Direct Entry Stream generally requires a positive skills assessment. The Labour Agreement Stream and Temporary Residence Transition Stream have different requirements regarding skills assessment.

• Age Limit: Generally, applicants must be under 45 years old, with exemptions available for specific roles or visa types.

• Health and Character Checks: All streams require applicants to meet health and character standards. This means they have to clear all aspects of the medical exam.

• English Language Proficiency: Demonstration of competent English is required for all streams, which means applicants must have IELTS Overall 6 with no band less than 6 or equivalent.

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If the eligibility criteria and legislative caveats are met and you are ready to lodge your visa, ensure you have:

• Have positive skills assessment
• Have valid evidence of Competent English
• Have Nomination from Sponsor
• Have valid ID Documents
• Have proof of Health and Character Documents

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Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) Visa (subclass 482)

About

The Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) visa (subclass 482) is a pivotal route for skilled workers seeking temporary employment in Australia. This visa is integral to Australia's skilled migration program and addresses immediate skill shortages within the Australian labor market by allowing employers to fill positions with qualified professionals from overseas. Commonly referred to as the SC 482 visa, it enables Australian businesses to recruit overseas talent to work in roles that cannot be filled by local candidates, contributing to the country's economic vitality and supporting industry growth.

The SC 482 visa provides temporary work rights and allows successful applicants to stay and work in Australia for up to four years, depending on the occupation and visa conditions. This visa includes several key pathways:

1.      Short-Term Stream: For employers needing to fill positions on the Short-Term Skilled Occupation List (STSOL) for up to two years.

2.      Medium-Term Stream: For employers seeking to fill positions on the Medium and Long-Term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL) for up to four years, with potential pathways to permanent residency.

3.      Labour Agreement Stream: For employers who have a Labour Agreement with the Australian government to fill positions not listed on the standard occupation lists.

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This visa is essential for addressing specific skill needs while offering workers a pathway to gain valuable Australian experience and, in some cases, opportunities to transition to permanent residency through subsequent visa pathways.

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Visa Benefits

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Costs

The costs for applying for the Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) visa(subclass 482) vary depending on the stream you are applying for. Below are the departmental fees associated with each stream:

Short-Term Stream

• Main Applicant: AUD 1,495
• Additional Applicant (18 years or older): AUD 1,495 per person
• Additional Applicant (Under 18 years): AUD 375 per person

Medium-Term and Labour Agreement Stream

• Main Applicant: AUD 3,115
• Additional Applicant (18 years or older): AUD 3,115 per person
• Additional Applicant (Under 18 years): AUD 780 per person

These fees are subject to change, so it's essential to verify the latest costs with the Australian Department of Home Affairs before lodging your application.

Family Members

You can include certain family members in your TSS visa application, such as:

• Partner: Your spouse or de facto partner.
• Children: Dependent children or stepchildren, including those of your partner.
• Subclass 482 Visa Holders: Family members holding a subclass 482 visa.

All included family members must meet health and character requirements, regardless of whether they are applying with you or not.

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Eligibility Requirements

Understanding the eligibility requirements for each stream is crucial for a successful application. Below isa comprehensive table outlining the key eligibility criteria for each stream.

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If the eligibility criteria and legislative caveats are met and you are ready to lodge your visa, ensure you have:

• Have positive skills assessment
• Have valid evidence of Competent English
• Have Nomination from Sponsor
• Have valid ID Documents
• Have proof of Health and Character Documents

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Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (Provisional) Visa (Subclass 494)

About

The Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional(Provisional) Visa (subclass 494) is designed to address skill shortages in regional areas of Australia. This visa allows skilled workers to live and work in specified regional areas of Australia for up to 5 years. It is part of Australia’s commitment to regional development and aims to support the economic growth of regional areas by filling critical skill gaps with skilled international professionals.

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Streams

The Subclass 494 visa has two primary streams:

1. Employer Sponsored Stream: Allows Australian employers in regional areas to sponsor skilled workers for positions that cannot be filled by the local labor market. It is ideal for employers seeking to fill skilled roles in regional areas where there are shortages of suitable Australian candidates.
2. Labour Agreement Stream: For employers who have a specific Labour Agreement with the Australian government to fill skilled positions that are not covered by the standard skilled occupation lists. It is ideal for businesses with unique or niche skill needs in regional areas that require customized recruitment solutions.

Duration of Stay

The Subclass 494 visa allows you to live and work in a designated regional area of Australia for up to 5 years. This visa isa provisional visa that provides a pathway to permanent residency through the Skilled Regional (Permanent) Visa (subclass 191) after meeting specific requirements.

Family Members

You can include several family members in your Subclass 494 visa application, such as:

• Partner: Your spouse or de facto partner.
• Children: Dependent children or stepchildren, including those of your partner.
• Subclass 482 Visa Holders: Family members holding a subclass 482 visa.

All family members included in your application must meet the necessary health and character requirements.

Costs

The departmental costs to apply for the Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (Provisional) Visa (subclass 494) are as follows:

• Main Applicant: AUD $4,770
• Additional Applicant (18 years or older): AUD $2,385
• Additional Applicant (Under 18 years): AUD $1,190

Obligations

• Compliance: Adhere to all Australian laws.
• Employment: Work for the nominating employer in the specified regional area.
• Commencement: Begin employment within 60 days of visa grant or entry to Australia.
• Regional  Location: Must live and work in a designated regional area of Australia.

Travel Conditions

The visa includes a travel facility valid for five years from the grant date. After this period, to re-enter Australia as a permanent resident, you will need to apply for a Resident Return Visa (RRV).

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Eligibility Requirements

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Notes:

• Occupation: For both streams, the nominated occupation must be listed on the relevant skilled occupation     lists specific to regional areas or under the labour agreement.

• Work Experience: Typically requires at least three years of relevant work experience, which means full-time work in the nominated occupation. Part-time work may be acceptable if documented.

• Skills Assessment: Generally required for the Employer Sponsored Stream; Labour Agreement Stream may have different requirements.

• Health and Character Checks: All streams require applicants to meet health and character     standards, including medical exams and police checks.

• English Language Proficiency: Demonstration of competent English is required for all streams,     which generally means having an IELTS score of Overall 6 with no band less than 6 or equivalent.

If the eligibility criteria and legislative caveats are met and you are ready to lodge your visa, ensure you have:

• Have positive skills assessment
• Have studied, work or live in a Regional Area
• Have valid evidence of Competent English
• Have Nomination from a Regional Sponsor
• Have valid ID Documents
• Have proof of Health and Character Documents

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Designated Area Migration Agreement (DAMA) Visa

What is a DAMA?

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