186 Employer Nomination Scheme
186 ENS Visa Application
The visa application is the worker's application to the Department of Home Affairs for the grant of the Employer Nomination Scheme visa (subclass 186). It is a separate lodgement from the employer's nomination. Both must be approved before the visa is granted.
Personal eligibility and evidence
The visa application must demonstrate that the applicant satisfies the personal eligibility requirements for the stream being applied under. For the Direct Entry stream, this includes a positive skills assessment, at least three years of relevant work experience, competent English, and being under 45. For the Temporary Residence Transition stream, this includes at least two years of qualifying employment and competent English, with a skills assessment generally not required.
Health examinations must be conducted through an approved panel physician. Police clearances are required for each country in which the applicant has lived for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Secondary applicants including a spouse and dependent children can be included in the application.
When the 186 visa is granted, the applicant and any included family members become permanent residents immediately. The visa includes a five-year travel facility and provides access to Medicare and a pathway to Australian citizenship.
Concurrent lodgement
The visa application can be lodged at the same time as the nomination. If lodged concurrently, the visa application is held pending the nomination outcome. This approach minimises overall processing time.
Health and character
Health examinations must be conducted through a Department-approved panel physician. Police clearances are required for each country where the applicant has lived for 12 or more months in the last 10 years.
Secondary applicants
A spouse, de facto partner, and dependent children can be included. Each secondary applicant must meet health and character requirements. Additional application charges apply per secondary applicant.
Bridging visa entitlement
Applicants in Australia who hold a valid substantive visa at the time of lodgement will generally be entitled to a Bridging visa allowing them to remain in Australia while the 186 application is decided.
$4,770
Base application charge
6 months
After nomination to lodge
5 years
Travel facility on grant
Permanent
Immediate on grant
Why instruct Visa Plan for your 186 visa application?
Complete application preparation
We prepare the visa application file with all required evidence, ensuring consistency with the nomination and eliminating the gaps that commonly cause delays or requests for further information.
Secondary applicant management
Including family members adds complexity. We manage health examination scheduling, character clearance coordination, and secondary applicant documentation across all included family members.
Post-lodgement support
We manage correspondence with the Department after lodgement, respond to requests for further information, and keep you informed of the application's progress throughout the processing period.
186 ENS visa application information is sourced from the Department of Home Affairs and is current as at 18 June 2026. Application charges and eligibility criteria are subject to change. This page provides general information only and does not constitute legal advice.