Have you been dreaming of building a permanent future in Australia with the security of employer sponsorship? The Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS) Visa (186 Visa) could be the pathway you’ve been looking for.
The Subclass 186 visa allows skilled workers nominated by an Australian employer to live and work permanently in Australia. It offers immediate permanent residency and may eventually lead to Australian citizenship.
This guide explains the visa in plain English, including eligibility requirements, visa streams, costs, processing times, and the benefits of becoming a permanent resident of Australia.
Key Takeaways
- The Subclass 186 visa allows skilled workers nominated by an Australian employer to live and work in Australia permanently.
- There are three visa streams:
- Direct Entry Stream
- Labour Agreement Stream
- Temporary Residence Transition (TRT) Stream
- Most applicants must be under 45 years of age, unless an exemption applies.
- Applicants generally need at least three years of relevant work experience and must meet English, health, and character requirements.
- The visa application charge starts from AUD 4,910 for the primary applicant.
- Permanent residency provides access to Medicare, work and study rights, and a pathway to Australian citizenship.
Source: Department of Home Affairs
What is the Employer Nomination Scheme (186 Vis) Visa?
The Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS) Visa (Subclass 186) is an employer-sponsored permanent residence visa for skilled workers.
The visa enables eligible Australian employers to nominate suitably skilled overseas workers for permanent positions that the local labour market cannot fill.
Once granted, the visa allows you to:
- Live in Australia permanently
- Work and study anywhere in Australia
- Access Medicare
- Sponsor eligible family members
- Travel to and from Australia for five years from the date of grant
- Apply for Australian citizenship if eligible
Source: Department of Home Affairs
Eligibility Requirements for the Subclass 186 Visa
Eligibility requirements vary by visa stream, but generally, applicants must meet the following criteria.
Occupation Requirements
You must be nominated for an occupation that is eligible under the relevant stream.
For the Direct Entry stream, the occupation must generally appear on the applicable skilled occupation list.
Certain occupations may also require:
- Registration
- Licensing
- Professional membership
- Skills assessments
Work Experience Requirements
Generally, applicants must have:
- At least three years of relevant skilled work experience.
The experience should be closely related to the nominated occupation.
Certain occupations or labour agreements may have different requirements.
English Language Requirements
Most applicants must demonstrate Competent English.
This generally means achieving the required scores in an approved English language test, such as:
- IELTS
- PTE Academic
- TOEFL iBT
- OET
- Cambridge English
Exemptions may apply in limited circumstances.
Health and Character Requirements
Applicants and all family members included in the application must meet Australia’s health and character requirements.
This generally includes:
- Health examinations
- Police clearances from countries where you have lived for 12 months or more during the past ten years
Providing false or misleading information may result in visa refusal.
Source: Department of Home Affairs
The Three Streams of the Subclass 186 Visa
1. Direct Entry Stream
The Direct Entry stream is generally suitable for:
- Skilled workers applying directly from overseas; or
- Skilled workers who have only worked in Australia for a short period.
Generally, applicants must:
- Be under 45 years of age (unless exempt)
- Have at least three years of relevant work experience
- Have a positive skills assessment (where required)
- Meet English language requirements
- Be nominated by an Australian employer
2. Labour Agreement Stream
This stream is available to workers who are nominated by employers operating under a labour agreement with the Australian Government.
Labour agreements may provide concessions relating to:
- Age
- English language requirements
- Skills requirements
- Work experience
Requirements vary depending on the terms of the individual labour agreement.
3. Temporary Residence Transition (TRT) Stream
This stream is generally available to workers who currently hold:
- Temporary Skill Shortage Visa (Subclass 482)
- Former Subclass 457 visa
- Certain bridging visas
Generally, applicants must:
- Be nominated by their employer
- Have worked in eligible sponsored employment with their nominating employer for at least two years immediately before nomination
- Meet health and character requirements
- Meet age requirements unless exempt
Source: Department of Home Affairs
Application Process for the Subclass 186 Visa
The application process generally involves three stages.
Your employer lodges a nomination application and demonstrates that:
- The position is genuine
- The business is lawfully operating
- The salary and employment conditions meet Australian standards
Step 2: Gather Supporting Documents
Typical documents include:
Identity Documents
- Passport
- Birth certificate
- Marriage certificate (if applicable)
Employment Documents
Character Documents
Health Documents
- Medical examinations if requested
Step 3: Lodge the Visa Application
Applications are generally lodged online through ImmiAccount.
You may apply from either:
- Inside Australia; or
- Outside Australia.
Depending on the stream, you may need to be in or out of Australia at the time of application or decision.
Visa Application Charges
As of June 2026, the Department of Home Affairs visa application charges start from:
| Applicant | Visa Application Charge |
| Primary Applicant | AUD 4,910 |
| Additional Applicant aged 18 or over | AUD 2,455 |
| Additional Applicant under 18 | AUD 1,230 |
Additional costs may include:
- Skills assessments
- English language tests
- Health examinations
- Police certificates
- Biometrics
- Translation services
- Professional migration assistance fees
Important: Visa application charges change periodically. Applicants should always verify current fees before lodging an application.
Source: Department of Home Affairs
Processing Times
Processing times vary depending on:
- The visa stream
- The completeness of the application
- Occupation priority settings
- Health and character checks
- Whether additional information is required
The Department of Home Affairs currently prioritises applications involving:
- Regional occupations
- Healthcare occupations
- Teaching occupations
- Accredited sponsors
Because processing times frequently change, applicants should refer to the Department’s Visa Processing Time Guide before lodging their application.
Source: Department of Home Affairs
Benefits of the Subclass 186 Visa
Permanent Residence
The Subclass 186 visa grants permanent residency from the date of visa grant.
You may:
- Live in Australia indefinitely
- Work for any employer
- Study anywhere in Australia
- Access Medicare
- Travel internationally
Family Inclusion
Eligible family members may be included in your application, including:
- Spouse or de facto partner
- Dependent children
Included family members receive permanent residence and enjoy the same work and study rights.
Pathway to Australian Citizenship
The Subclass 186 visa may provide a pathway to Australian citizenship.
Generally, applicants may become eligible if they:
- Meet residence requirements;
- Are of good character; and
- Satisfy all citizenship requirements in force at the time of application.
Source: Department of Home Affairs
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Subclass 186 visa permanent?
Yes. The visa grants permanent residency immediately upon approval.
Can I include my family?
Yes. Eligible family members can be included in the application and receive permanent residence if the visa is granted.
Is there an age limit?
Most applicants must be under 45 years old when applying. Certain exemptions may apply.
Do I need a skills assessment?
Some Direct Entry applicants will require a positive skills assessment. Requirements vary depending on occupation and stream.
Can I apply for Australian citizenship later?
Yes. Permanent residents who satisfy citizenship requirements may apply for Australian citizenship.
Final Thoughts
The Employer Nomination Scheme (186 Visa) visa is one of Australia’s most attractive employer-sponsored permanent residency pathways. It provides skilled workers and their families with the opportunity to build a long-term future in Australia while enjoying the security and benefits of permanent residence.
Because immigration legislation, occupation lists, income thresholds, and visa charges can change, obtaining professional advice before lodging an application can help ensure you meet all current requirements and maximise your prospects of success.
Source: Department of Home Affairs
Disclaimer: This article is general information only and does not constitute legal or migration advice. Australian immigration laws and policies change regularly. Professional advice should be sought based on your individual circumstances before lodging any visa application.