Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS) visa – Subclass 186

This ENS – Subclass 186 visa allows skilled workers, who are nominated by their employer, to permanently live and work in Australia.

With this visa you are eligible to:

  • become a permanent resident on the day the visa is granted
  • include family in your application
  • work and study in Australia
  • travel to and from Australia for 5 years
  • enrol in Australia’s public health care scheme

Eligibility Overview

You must:

  • have the necessary skills for the job including a minimum of three years relevant work experience
  • be nominated by an Australian employer
  • meet Australia’s health and character requirements

The visa has three streams:

Direct Entry (DE) stream

The Direct Entry (DE) stream visa allows skilled workers, who are nominated by an employer, to live and work in Australia permanently.

  • you must be nominated by an Australian employer
  • your occupation must be on the relevant list of eligible skilled occupations.
  • you must have at least competent English
How long can I stay?What is the cost?
PermanentAUD $4,240 for the main applicant – an additional charge applies for each family member
What is the processing time?Am I eligible?
The average time for processing is approximately 4-6 months
  • you must be nominated by an Australian employer
  • your occupation must be on the relevant list of eligible skilled occupations.
  • you must have at least Competent English

Temporary Residence Transition stream

The Temporary Residence Transition stream visa allows skilled workers, who are nominated by their employer, to live and work in Australia permanently, you must:

  • hold a 457, TSS or related bridging visa A, B or C
  • have worked for your employer full-time for at least three years (usually)
  • be nominated by your employer
How long can I stay?What is the cost?
PermanentAUD $4,240 for the main applicant – an additional charge applies for each family member
What is the processing time?Am I eligible?
The average time for processing is approximately 7-9 months
  • You must hold a 457, TSS or related bridging visa A, B or C
  • Usually, you must have worked for your employer full-time for at least three years
  • You must be nominated by your employer

Labour Agreement stream

The labour agreement stream visa allows skilled workers, who are nominated by their employer, to live and work in Australia permanently. The Labour Agreement stream may be your best option if you currently work, or will work, for an employer who currently has a labour agreement.

How long can I stay?What is the cost?
PermanentAUD $4,240 for the main applicant – an additional charge applies for each family member
What is the processing time?Am I eligible?
Currently unavailable due to low volume of applicationsThe employer must have a labour agreement

Contact Roam Migration Law or book a consultation today for further information regarding the Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS) visa – Subclass 186 and whether it is suitable for you.

* These costs and processing times are approximate and are set by the Department of Home Affairs and subject to variation.

Subscribe to Roam Migration Law

Australian immigration & visa news

You can unsubscribe at any time. We value your privacy. Read our .