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Visa 186

Employer Nomination Scheme Visa (Subclass 186)

Permanent residence through employer sponsorship.

Overview

The Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS) visa allows Australian employers to sponsor skilled workers for permanent residence. This visa is for workers in occupations on the relevant skilled occupation list and has three streams: Direct Entry, Temporary Transition and Labour Agreement.

Visa Benefits

1

Permanent residence in Australia

2

Live and work anywhere in Australia permanently

3

Study in Australia

4

Access Medicare

5

Sponsor eligible relatives for permanent residence

6

Apply for Australian citizenship after meeting requirements

7

Travel to and from Australia for 5 years

Eligibility requirements

Eligibility Requirements

  • Be nominated by an approved Australian employer
  • Have an occupation on the relevant skilled occupation list
  • Have skills and qualifications for the position
  • Meet English language requirements
  • Be under 45 years (some exemptions)
  • Meet health and character requirements

Application Process

1

Find an employer who will sponsor you

2

Apply for Standard Business Sponsorship (if applicable)

3

Submit a Nomination application

4

Submit a visa application

Costs & Fees

  • Main applicant: $6,140
  • Additional applicant over 18: $3,070
  • Additional applicant under 18: $1,535
Professional consultation

Processing Times

Temporary Transition Pathway:

50% of applications: 11 months

90% of applications: 15 months

Direct Entry Pathway:

50% of applications: 10 months

90% of applications: 14 months

Restrictions & Conditions

  • Must work for an approved sponsor

Additional Information

The Temporary Residence Transition stream requires you to have worked for your employer on a TSS (482) or former 457 visa for around three years. The Direct Entry stream is available to applicants who meet the skills and English requirements without needing the prior work period on one of these visas.

Official Information

For the most current and official information about this visa, visit the Australian Department of Home Affairs website.

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