EMPLOYER NOMINATION SCHEME
Employer Nomination Scheme
Subclass 186
Permanent residence for eligible skilled workers nominated by an Australian employer.
VISA TYPE
Permanent residence
MAIN PATHWAYS
TRT - Temporary Residence Transition DE - Direct Entry
GOVERNMENT VISA CHARGE
From AUD $6,140*
ESTIMATED PROCESSING TIME
DE -13 - 21 months*
TRT - 14 - 22 months*
*Government charges and processing times are indicative and subject to change. Current at September 2026.
Who is the Employer Nomination Scheme 186 visa for?
Employer nomination. Skilled employment. Permanent residence.
The Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS) visa (subclass 186) provides permanent residence for eligible skilled workers who are nominated by an Australian employer. It allows the visa holder to live and work permanently in Australia.
The Temporary Residence Transition (TRT) stream provides a permanent residence pathway for eligible temporary sponsored workers. Occupation eligibility is based on the occupation associated with the worker's most recently held temporary skilled visa rather than a separate TRT occupation list.
The Direct Entry stream can provide a pathway to permanent residence without first completing the TRT pathway. Direct Entry applicants generally require a skills assessment unless an exemption applies
01
Employer Nomination
An eligible Australian employer must nominate the applicant for a skilled position
Key requirements for a Employer Nomination Scheme 186 visa
02
Permanent Position
The nominated employment must be available for at least two years after visa grant.
03
TRT or DE
Eligibility requirements differ depending on whether the application is through Temporary Residence Transition, Direct Entry or another available 186 stream.
04
Skills & Experience
TRT applicants must meet the applicable sponsored employment requirements. Direct Entry applicants generally require a suitable skills assessment unless exempt.
05
Age & English Language
Age and English requirements apply, although exemptions can be available in particular circumstances.
06
Licensing & Registration
Any mandatory registration or licensing required to perform the occupation must be held where applicable.
01
Assess the pathway
Determine whether TRT, Direct Entry or another 186 pathway is appropriate
How the Employer Nomination Scheme 186 process works
02
Assess the position
Check the occupation, position, salary and employer requirements.
03
Employer Nomination
The employer nominates the position and demonstrates that the relevant requirements are met.
04
Visa Application
The applicant provides evidence addressing the requirements of the relevant 186 stream
05
Permanent Residence
If the nomination and visa are approved, the subclass 186 provides Australian permanent residence.
Things to check before applying for a subclass 186 visa
TRT employment history
The employment that counts towards TRT eligibility should be checked carefully, particularly where there have been changes of employer, occupation or sponsored visa arrangements.
Occupation & position
The nominated occupation must properly reflect the duties of the position. For Direct Entry, occupation-list requirements and relevant caveats can also matter.
Direct Entry skills assessment
A suitable skills assessment is generally required for Direct Entry unless an exemption applies, and the assessing authority's requirements should be considered early.
Age, registration & exemptions
Age limits, licensing or registration and any claimed exemptions should be established before the nomination and visa applications are prepared.
Not sure which 186 visa pathway applies to you?
Employer Nomination Scheme eligibility depends on both the employer and the visa applicant, and the requirements differ between TRT and Direct Entry. We can assess the appropriate permanent residence pathway before the nomination and visa applications are prepared.