Employer Nomination Scheme — Subclass 186
186 Employer Nomination Scheme Visa
The Employer Nomination Scheme visa (subclass 186) is Australia's primary permanent employer sponsored visa. It grants immediate permanent residence to skilled workers nominated by an approved Australian employer. The visa has no provisional stage.
Three pathways to permanent residence
The Direct Entry stream is for skilled workers nominated directly for a permanent position. Applicants must hold a positive skills assessment, have at least three years of relevant full-time work experience, hold competent English, and be under 45 at the time of application.
The Temporary Residence Transition stream is for workers already in Australia on a Skills in Demand visa (subclass 482) or legacy 457 visa. Applicants must have completed at least two years of full-time employment with one or more approved sponsors. A skills assessment is generally not required.
The Labour Agreement stream applies where the employer holds a formal labour agreement with the Australian Government. The agreement specifies which occupations may be nominated and what concessions apply to standard visa criteria.
Direct Entry stream
For skilled workers applying directly for permanent residence. Requires a positive skills assessment, three years of relevant experience, competent English, and age under 45.
Temporary Residence Transition
For 482 SID and 457 visa holders who have completed two years of full-time employment. No skills assessment generally required. The most common pathway to ENS permanent residence.
Labour Agreement stream
For workers nominated under a formal labour agreement. Criteria are governed by the specific agreement. Generally faster processing than the other two streams.
Pathway from 482 to 186
Workers who complete two years of full-time employment with an approved sponsor on a 482 SID visa are eligible to apply through the Transition stream, provided the employer nominates them for permanent residence.
186
Visa subclass
Permanent
Granted immediately
2 years
TRT employment requirement
44,000
Program places 2024-25
Why instruct Visa Plan for your 186 visa?
Stream selection strategy
Choosing the wrong stream or lodging prematurely is a recoverable but costly mistake. We assess each applicant's eligibility across all three streams before any application is prepared.
Nomination preparation
The nomination must establish that the position is genuine, the occupation is eligible, and the salary meets the Annual Market Salary Rate. We prepare nominations that address each requirement with precision.
Review representation
Refused nominations and visa applications may be reviewed by the Administrative Review Tribunal. We advise on review prospects and represent clients before the Tribunal where appropriate.
186 ENS visa information is sourced from the Department of Home Affairs and is current as at April 2026. Processing times are approximate and subject to change. This page provides general information only and does not constitute legal advice.