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Subclass 186Employer Sponsored

Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS) Visa

Overview

The Subclass 186 (Employer Nomination Scheme) visa is a permanent residence visa for skilled workers nominated by an Australian employer. It has three streams: the Temporary Residence Transition (TRT) stream for 482 visa holders who have worked for their employer for 2-3 years, the Direct Entry stream for applicants who haven't worked in Australia or are being directly recruited, and the Labour Agreement stream. No points test is required.

Eligibility Requirements

  • Be under 45 years of age at the time of application (exemptions may apply for TRT stream)
  • Have a valid nomination from an approved Australian employer
  • For TRT stream: have worked for your nominating employer for at least 2-3 years on a 482 (medium-term) visa
  • For Direct Entry: have a suitable skills assessment and at least 3 years of relevant work experience
  • Have at least Competent English (IELTS 6.0 in each band or equivalent)
  • Your occupation must be on the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL) for Direct Entry
  • Meet health and character requirements

Application Process

1

Your employer must be an approved sponsor (or apply to become one)

2

Your employer lodges a nomination application for the position

3

You lodge your visa application — can be done concurrently with the nomination

4

For Direct Entry: provide skills assessment, work experience evidence, and English test results

5

For TRT: provide evidence of employment with the nominating employer on your 482 visa

6

Complete health examinations and police clearances for all applicants

7

Wait for a decision — permanent visa granted upon approval

Processing Time

6 to 18 months

Based on current DHA estimates

Application Costs

Primary applicantAUD $4,640
Partner (18+)AUD $2,320
Child (<18)AUD $1,160
Nomination applicationAUD $540
Skilling Australians FundAUD $3,000-5,000

Key Tips

  • TRT stream is the most popular pathway — it's for 482 (medium-term) holders who have worked for their employer for 2-3 years
  • Direct Entry stream requires a skills assessment but no minimum time working for the employer in Australia
  • The employer must pay the Skilling Australians Fund levy — this is a significant cost to negotiate
  • Age exemption of 45+ may apply for TRT stream if you earned above the Fair Work high income threshold (AUD $167,500)
  • This is a permanent visa — you receive PR status on grant, with pathway to citizenship after 1-4 years
  • Ensure your employer is committed long-term before starting the process