Employer Nomination Scheme Subclass 186

The Employer Nomination Scheme (subclass 186) is a permanent visa for skilled workers who are nominated by an Australian employer. It lets you live and work in Australia for good. There is no points test. You need a genuine job offer, the right skills and experience, Competent English, and you must meet the age, health and character rules.

Last reviewed: 6 October 2026. The Home Affairs visa page was last updated in June 2026. Rules and fees can change, so always confirm the latest details with the Department of Home Affairs.

What Is the Employer Nomination Scheme Subclass 186?

The Employer Nomination Scheme, also called the ENS visa, is one of Australia’s main employer-sponsored permanent visas.

Home Affairs describes it as a visa for skilled workers who are nominated by an employer to live and work in Australia.

In simple words, it works like this. An Australian business needs a skilled worker. The business offers you a real job and nominates you. If you meet the visa rules, you can get permanent residency.

Many people search for this visa as the “186 visa”. Others call it “ENS 186” or “employer sponsored PR”. They all mean the same thing.

Who Is the 186 Visa For?

This visa suits skilled people who want to settle in Australia with the support of an employer.

It is a good fit if you:

• Already work in Australia on a temporary employer-sponsored visa
• Live overseas and have a job offer from an Australian employer
• Have solid skills and experience in an in-demand occupation
• Want permanent residency without going through a points test

It also helps Australian employers. They can keep skilled staff for the long term.

The Three Streams of the Employer Nomination Scheme Subclass 186

The subclass 186 has three streams. Each one is built for a different type of worker.

1. Direct Entry stream

This stream is for skilled workers who are nominated by an Australian employer for a role in an eligible occupation. You can apply from inside or outside Australia.

Home Affairs says your occupation must be on the relevant list of eligible skilled occupations, and you must have at least Competent English. In most cases you also need a positive skills assessment and at least three years of relevant work experience. Some exemptions can apply.

2. Temporary Residence Transition (TRT) stream

This stream is for skilled workers who are nominated by their current employer.

Home Affairs says you must hold a subclass 457 visa, a subclass 482 visa or an eligible bridging visa. Usually, you must also have worked in eligible sponsored employment, full-time, for at least two years.

Your employer must nominate you. You also need Competent English and must meet the age rule.

3. Labour Agreement stream

This stream is for workers who currently work, or will work, for an employer that is party to a labour agreement. A labour agreement is a special deal between an employer and the Australian Government. The employer must have one.

The rules for this stream, including English level and age, come from the agreement itself. Read the agreement closely before you plan your application.

Direct Entry vs Temporary Residence Transition

Here is a simple table to compare the two main streams.

Note: Rules for each stream have exceptions. Your job, visa history and employer all affect your result.

What the Employer Must Do

The employer plays a big part in this visa. Their nomination is the first step.

In general, the employer must:

• Run a real, active business in Australia
• Offer a genuine job. The role must be full-time and ongoing, and it must be needed by the business
• Nominate an eligible occupation. For the Direct Entry stream, the job must be on the list of occupations that applies at the time of nomination
• Pay a fair salary. The pay must match what an Australian worker would get and meet the minimum income rule. Home Affairs says skilled visa income thresholds increased from 1 July 2026, in line with yearly changes in average weekly earnings
• Pay the nomination fee and the Skilling Australians Fund (SAF) levy

The employer must prove the job is real. Home Affairs may check the business, the role and the pay.

Employer Nomination Scheme Subclass 186 Visa Requirements for the Applicant

Home Affairs lists three basic eligibility points for this visa. You must have the skills for the job, you must be nominated by an Australian employer, and you must meet the health and character requirements.

In more detail, you generally must:

• Be nominated by an approved Australian employer
• Have the skills, qualifications and experience for the job
• Meet the English language rule
• Meet the age rule
• Pass health checks
• Meet character requirements, including police certificates where needed

Your family members can often be included in your application. They must also meet health and character checks.

186 Visa Age Limit

Most applicants for the Direct Entry and TRT streams must be under 45 when they apply.

There are some exemptions. For example, some highly paid workers or certain professionals may be exempt.

Always check the age rule early. If you are close to 45, even a small delay can cost you your eligibility.

English Language Requirement

The main applicant needs Competent English for the Direct Entry and TRT streams.

For IELTS, this means a score of at least 6 in each part: listening, reading, writing and speaking. Other approved tests have their own minimum scores.

Some key points to remember:

• You must reach the minimum in every part. A high score in one part cannot cover a low score in another
• Tests taken fully online or at home are not accepted
• The test result must be recent enough, in general within three years of your application
• Citizens with a valid passport from the UK, USA, Canada, New Zealand or Ireland can prove English without a test

The English rules and scores were updated for tests taken on or after 7 August 2025. Check the current score table on the Home Affairs website before you book a test.

Skills Assessment and Work Experience

Skills assessment

For the Direct Entry stream, you generally need a positive skills assessment for your nominated occupation. An official assessing body checks your qualifications and experience.

Each occupation has its own assessing authority. Time and cost differ, so start early.

Work experience

The Direct Entry stream usually needs at least three years of relevant work experience. The experience should be in the nominated occupation or a closely related one.

The TRT stream looks at your time with the employer instead. In general, you need at least two years working for them on an eligible temporary visa.

Keep strong proof

Collect payslips, contracts, tax records, reference letters and bank records. Clear proof builds trust with the case officer.

186 Visa Cost

The total cost has three main parts. Some are paid by the employer and some by the applicant. This is often agreed in the job contract.

Home Affairs lists the same starting charge of AUD 6,140 for all three streams. Lower fees apply in limited cases. For example, from 1 July 2026, a lower cost applies to eligible Pacific Island and Timor-Leste citizens.

Extra costs may apply. These include skills assessment fees, English tests, medicals, police certificates, translations and charges for family members. The Home Affairs estimator does not include the second instalment or other costs, so plan for these too.

Important: Government fees are updated often, usually each July. Use the Home Affairs Visa Pricing Estimator to see the exact amount before you lodge.

186 Visa Processing Time

Processing time depends on the stream, the job, the employer and how complete the application is.

Home Affairs has a visa processing time guide tool. It shows how long recent applications took. It is a guide only, not a promise.

Processing priorities under Ministerial Direction 122

Home Affairs now processes 186 applications under Ministerial Direction 122. At the time of writing, it is working through applications in this order of lodgement:

• July 2025: applications in the construction, healthcare, teaching, agriculture, aquaculture, fishing and resources sectors, or linked to law enforcement and defence interests
• March 2025: applicants who were in Australia when they applied
• July 2024: applicants whose main applicant was outside Australia when they applied, where the application was not combined with another person’s application
• July 2024: all other applicants who were outside Australia when they applied

Home Affairs warns that dates and timeframes may change while it moves to the new priorities. Some applications may take longer as they are reprioritised. Check the 186 visa page for the latest update.

The best way to avoid delay is to lodge a full application with clear evidence from day one.

How to Apply: Step by Step

Step 1: Check your pathway

Work out which stream fits your case: Direct Entry, TRT or Labour Agreement.

Step 2: Get your skills assessment (if needed)

For Direct Entry, apply to the right assessing authority. Do this early, since it can take time.

Step 3: Prove your English

Book an approved test at a test centre. Aim for a score above the minimum.

Step 4: Employer lodges the nomination

The employer lodges the nomination online and pays the fee and the SAF levy.

Step 5: Lodge your visa application

Apply through ImmiAccount. Attach your identity papers, work records, English results and skills assessment.

Step 6: Complete health and police checks

Do these when asked. Quick replies keep your case moving.

Step 7: Wait for the decision

Home Affairs will contact you if it needs more information. Once the visa is granted, you become a permanent resident.

Do not leave a long gap between the nomination and your visa application. Nomination approvals do not last forever, so plan your timing.

Benefits of the Employer Nomination Scheme Subclass 186

The 186 visa is popular for good reasons. As a permanent resident, you can usually:

• Live and work in Australia without a time limit
• Include eligible family members in your application
• Study in Australia
• Enrol in Medicare, Australia’s public health system
• Travel in and out of Australia during the travel period on your visa
• Apply for Australian citizenship once you meet the residence rules

It also gives you more job freedom than a temporary visa. You are not tied to one employer forever.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Choosing the wrong stream

Many people apply under a stream that does not match their history. This can lead to refusal.

2. Nominating the wrong job

If the job title and duties do not match your skills assessment, problems follow.

3. Weak work experience proof

Missing payslips or vague reference letters can slow your case.

4. Missing the age cut-off

Do not wait until the last minute. Age rules are strict.

5. Using the wrong English score table

Scores changed for tests taken on or after 7 August 2025. Always check the current table.

6. Ignoring employer duties

If the business does not meet its own rules, your application can fail, even if you meet yours.

7. Giving incorrect or incomplete information

Answer every question honestly. Wrong details can lead to refusal and can hurt future applications.

Tips to Build a Strong Application

• Start early. Skills assessments, English tests and police certificates all take time
• Keep records neat. Name files clearly and keep copies of everything
• Talk to your employer. Agree on who pays which costs and when
• Aim above the minimums. This applies to English, work experience and salary
• Check official sources. The Home Affairs website is the most reliable guide
• Plan for family. Partners and children have their own checks

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Employer Nomination Scheme subclass 186?

It is a permanent visa for skilled workers who are nominated by an Australian employer to live and work in Australia.

Is there a points test for the 186 visa?

No. The 186 visa does not use a points test. It is based on your employer’s nomination and your skills, experience, English and other rules.

What is the difference between the Direct Entry and TRT streams?

Direct Entry is for skilled workers who need a skills assessment and three years of experience. TRT is for people who have already worked for the employer on an eligible temporary visa, usually for two years.

Do I need to be in Australia to apply?

Not always. The Direct Entry stream can be applied for from inside or outside Australia. The TRT stream is for people who hold a 457, 482 or eligible bridging visa, so most applicants are already in Australia.

What is the age limit for the 186 visa?

Most applicants for the Direct Entry and TRT streams must be under 45. Some exemptions apply.

What English level do I need?

Competent English. For IELTS, this means 6 in each of the four parts, or an equal score in another approved test.

Do I need a skills assessment for the 186 visa?

For the Direct Entry stream, generally yes. For the TRT stream, it is generally not needed.

How much does the 186 visa cost?

Home Affairs lists the visa charge as starting from AUD 6,140. The employer also pays a nomination fee and the SAF levy. The estimator does not include the second instalment or other costs, and fees change often.

Can my family come with me?

Yes, eligible family members can usually be included. They must meet health and character requirements.

Can I change employers after getting the 186 visa?

Yes. It is a permanent visa, so you are not tied to the nominating employer forever. Plan carefully and check your visa conditions first.

Can I become an Australian citizen after the 186 visa?

Many 186 visa holders go on to apply for citizenship. You must meet the residence and other rules at the time of your citizenship application.

Why is my 186 visa taking so long?

Home Affairs processes 186 applications by priority under Ministerial Direction 122. Sector, lodgement date and whether you were in Australia when you applied all affect the order. Timeframes may also change while the Department moves to the new priorities.

What if my 186 visa is refused?

Find out the reason first. Fix the problem, then discuss your options. In some cases, you may have review rights, but time limits are strict.

Conclusion

The Employer Nomination Scheme subclass 186 is one of the most direct ways to reach permanent residency in Australia. With a real job offer from an approved employer, no points test, and clear streams, it suits many skilled workers.

But the details matter. The right stream, the right job, strong proof of experience, and the correct English and age evidence can decide your result. Small errors can cost months.

That is where expert support helps. A registered migration agent can check your eligibility, guide you and your employer through the nomination, and lodge a strong visa application. If you plan to apply for the 186 visa, speak with an experienced migration agent before you start. It can save you time, stress and money.

This article is general information only and is not migration or legal advice. Visa rules, fees and processing times change. Confirm the latest details on the Department of Home Affairs Employer Nomination Scheme (subclass 186) page before you apply.