Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS) Visa (Subclass 186)

The Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS) Visa (Subclass 186) is a permanent residence visa that allows skilled workers to live and work in Australia permanently. The visa requires nomination by an Australian employer and offers different streams depending on the circumstances of the applicant.

Direct Entry Stream

For applicants who are formally nominated by their employer and meet skill assessment requirements

Temporary Residence Transition Stream

The nominated salary for the position meets the Specialist Skills Income Threshold

Labour Agreement Stream

For employers who have a labour agreement with the Australian Government

Why Choose the Employer Nomination Scheme (Subclass 186)?

  • Grants permanent residency status immediately upon approval
  • Allows the applicant and family members to live, work, and study in Australia permanently
  • Provides access to Medicare, Australia’s public health system
  • Supports Australian businesses in retaining skilled professionals long-term

How to Apply for an ENS Visa (Subclass 186)

  • The process to apply for an ENS 186 visa generally involves the following steps:
  • Nomination – The employer nominates a position to be filled by the applicant
  • Visa Application – The applicant applies for the visa once nominated
  • Eligibility Requirements To qualify for an ENS Subclass 186 visa, both the employer and the applicant must meet certain conditions.

Employers who wish to sponsor overseas workers must

  • Be actively and lawfully operating in Australia
  • Demonstrate a genuine need for the nominated position
  • Offer terms and conditions of employment equivalent to those provided to Australian citizens and permanent residents
  • Flexible duration of stay (up to 4 years) and opportunities for renewal

Applicants must

  • Have the necessary skills, qualifications, and experience for the nominated occupation
  • Meet English language requirements (unless exempt)
  • Be under the age of 45 at the time of application (unless exempt)
  • Satisfy health and character requirements
  • Be nominated by an approved Australian employer
  • Transition from Subclass 482 Visa with the same sponsor if applying for Subclass 186 TRT stream or Labour Agreement stream

How We Can Help

  • Assess your eligibility and recommend the right visa option
  • Assist employers with nomination and compliance requirements
  • Guide visa applicants through the documentation and application process
  • Provide advice on pathways to permanent residency and long-term migration goals

Meet Our Experts

Sonal Agrawal

Principal Migration Agent and Director, MARN: 1169617

Deepak Agrawal

Business Development Manager

Kirby Nghiem

Registered Migration Agent, MARN: 2519054

Still unsure which visa fits you?

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