Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS) Visa
Processing Time typically takes 12–18 months for most streams
The Subclass 186 Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS) visa is a direct pathway to Australian Permanent Residency for skilled professionals sponsored by an approved Australian employer. Designed for workers with in-demand skills, this visa allows you to live, work, and settle in Australia permanently with full work rights and access to long-term benefits. It includes multiple streams for overseas applicants, temporary visa holders, and workers under labour agreements, making it one of Australia’s most reliable employer-sponsored PR visas.
Must be nominated by an approved Australian employer
Occupation should be listed on the Core Skills Occupation List (CSOL)
Minimum 3 years of relevant skilled work experience required
Applicants must generally be under 45 years of age
Competent English required (IELTS 6.0 or equivalent)
Must meet stream-specific, health, character, and employer sponsorship requirements
Meet age, English, health, character, and employer nomination requirements.
Select the suitable stream — Direct Entry, TRT, or Labour Agreement.
Obtain a positive skills assessment for your nominated occupation.
Your Australian employer submits the nomination application for your position.
Provide proof of competent English such as IELTS or equivalent test scores.
Prepare identity, employment, education, and supporting documents.
Submit your visa application through the Department of Home Affairs portal.
Pay the applicable government visa charges for all applicants included.
Complete medical examinations and police clearance requirements.
Processing times vary depending on stream, profile, and application completeness.
Once approved, you receive Australian Permanent Residency status.
Enjoy full work rights and multiple travel access to Australia for 5 years.
Valid passport and travel document
Skills assessment from the relevant assessing body (Direct Entry)
Employment references and evidence of work experience (minimum 3 years)
English language test results (IELTS 6.0 overall, or equivalent PTE/TOEFL/OET)
Medical examination results from a panel physician
Police clearance certificates from all countries of residence
Employer nomination documentation and evidence of salary arrangements
Academic qualifications and transcripts
Form 80 (Personal Particulars) if required
Note : Additional documents may be requested based on profile assessment
Processing Time typically takes 12–18 months for most streams
| Applicant Type | Fees |
|---|---|
PRIMARY APPLICANT |
AUD - $4,910 |
ADDITIONAL ADULT |
$2,455 per person |
ADDITIONAL CHILD |
$1,230 per child |
EMPLOYER NOMINATION FEE |
$540 (paid by employer) |
SKILLS ASSESSMENT |
AUD - $300–$1,000+ (varies by body) |
MEDICAL EXAM |
~AUD $300–$450 per person |
Note : Fees are subject to change as per government updates.
The Subclass 186 Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS) visa is a permanent residency visa for skilled workers nominated by an approved Australian employer.