Can an Enrolled Nurse Apply for an Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS) (Subclass 186) Visa Directly?

Are you currently trying to make your way as an enrolled nurse and wondering whether you can apply directly for an Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS) (Subclass 186) visa for permanent residency status in Australia? The short answer is not directly.

What is an Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS) (Subclass 186) Visa?

The SC186 visa is a permanent visa that enables skilled workers to live and work permanently in Australia. The ENS (SC186) visa requires employer sponsorship and nominate potential employees to fill up their skilled shortage. There are 3 streams under the SC186 visa:

Can an Enrolled Nurse Apply for an ENS (SC186) Visa Directly?

Generally, enrolled nurses cannot apply directly for the ENS (SC186) (Direct Entry) visa without any work experience, skills or qualifications. A typical ENS (SC186) (Direct Entry) visa process is as follows:

The employer must nominate the applicant for an approved skilled position that matches their occupation on the occupation list. An Enrolled Nurse (ANZSCO 411411) is currently on the relevant skilled occupation list:
1. Short-term Strategic Skills List – STSOL; or
2. Core Skills Occupation List – CSOL).
The visa applicant meets the skills and qualifications by demonstrating a valid registration and license as a nurse (as per Australian standards).
Show a minimum of 3 years of full-time relevant work experience.
Complete a skills assessment (if required).
Meet the English proficiency requirement.
Meet the health and character requirements.
Once the employer has lodged the nomination for the Enrolled Nurse occupation and all criteria are satisfied, the sponsor or applicant can then lodge an ENS (Subclass 186) visa application through the Department of Home Affairs (DoHA).

What Other Visa Pathways Are Available for Enrolled Nurses?

There are multiple pathways for an Enrolled Nurse. The visa subclasses are listed as follows:

How Can Agape Henry Crux Help

If you are in a similar situation and are trying to determine which visa pathway is suitable for you, speak with one of our immigration lawyers. The team work closely with 2 of our Accredited Specialists in Immigration Law, who specialise in handling highly complex matters. You can schedule an appointment with one of our immigration lawyers to seek professional advice by calling 02-8310 5230 or emailing us at info@ahclawyers.com.

We speak fluent English, Mandarin and Cantonese. We can also help you arrange an interpreter if this isn't your language.

This article/presentation (“publication”) does not deal extensively with important topics or changes in law and is not intended to be relied upon as a substitute for legal or other advice that may be relevant to the reader's specific circumstances. If you find this publication of interest and would like to know more or wish to obtain legal advice relevant to your circumstances, please contact our office.

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