Employer Nomination Scheme 186 Visa | Better Life Migration

Employer Nomination Scheme Visa (Subclass 186)

The Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS) Visa is a permanent residency visa suitable for overseas skilled workers who either live outside Australia or who currently live and work in Australia as temporary residents. This visa is part of Australia’s permanent Employer Sponsored visa program.

What are the requirements for the 186 Visa (ENS Visa)?

The Employer Nomination Scheme Visa application process is made up of two important stages:

1. Nomination by the employer

To nominate a position under the Employer Nomination Scheme the employer must:

Be actively and lawfully operating in Australia.
Have a genuine need for a paid employee to fill a position in the business
Have a satisfactory record of compliance with immigration law and workplace relations law.
Contribute to the Skilling Australians Fund Levy. A business with a turnover of less than $10 million has to pay $3,000 per nomination. A large business with a turnover of more than $10 million will pay $5,000 per nomination.

The position in the business must:

Be full-time and available for at least two years.
The base salary offered must meet or exceed the Core Skills Income Threshold (CSIT) which is currently A$76,515 per annum as of July 1, 2025.
The nominee must be paid a salary that matches the market rate for the role.
The employment terms for the nominee must be no less favourable than those offered to an equivalent Australian worker.

2. Visa application

To apply for a permanent visa under the Employer Nomination Scheme, the applicant must:

Be nominated by an Australian employer.
Have an employer that must be willing to offer you a permanent position in that occupation.
Qualify under the Temporary Residence Transition, Direct Entry or Labour agreement Stream.
Be under 45 years of age (unless age exemptions or transitional arrangements apply).
Have the required skills and qualifications for the position and meet registration and licensing requirements.
Satisfy English language requirements.
Meet health and character requirements.

How long does the 186 Visa (ENS Visa) process take?

For current visa processing times, please refer to the information on the Department of Home Affairs website.

There are three streams under which you can meet the skill requirement for the 186 Visa (ENS Visa):

Temporary Residence Transition Stream criteria:

You can apply you this stream once you have worked for your sponsor for two years while holding a 482/457 Visa or related bridging visa A, B or C and meeting other requirements.

Direct Entry Stream criteria:

You must have an eligible skilled occupation.
You must have at least 3 years relevant work experience unless exempt.
You must have a positive skills assessment in the nominated occupation.

Labour agreement Stream criteria:

You must currently work or will be working for a nominating employer who is party to a labour agreement.
You must meet the age, skill and English language requirements of the labour agreement.

There are some exemptions to the age, skill and language requirements.

What are the costs associated with applying for the 186 Visa (ENS Visa)?

Our fixed fee, service packages are designed to give clients choice in terms of fees and the level of service. However, they do not cover the visa application fees and other costs involved in submitting a visa application. Fees can increase without notice, so the actual fees can vary at the time of application. We have outlined the applicable fees that are likely to be incurred for the 186 Visa (ENS Visa) in Australian Dollars.

Department of Home Affairs 186 Visa (ENS Visa) application fees are:

186 Visa (ENS Visa) nomination application fee – $540 (this fee is not payable if the applicant is applying for the ENS under the Temporary Residence Transition Stream or Labour agreement Stream, and the sponsor is in Regional Australia).
186 Visa (ENS Visa) Skilling Australians Fund (SAF) levy – $3,000 per nomination (for businesses with a turnover of under $10 million) or $5,000 per year (for businesses with a turnover of over $10 million).
186 Visa (ENS Visa) visa application fee – Primary applicant – $4,910, Adult dependent – $2,455, Child dependent – $1,230.

Other fees that may be applicable:

Fees for skills assessments, English tests, health examinations, police checks, translations, etc – as applicable.
Our professional fees – as applicable.

What are the benefits of the 186 Visa (ENS Visa)?

This visa allows you and your accompanying family members to:

Permanent Residency: Live and work anywhere in Australia.
Education: Access to study opportunities in Australia.
Healthcare: Enrol in Medicare, Australia’s healthcare system.
Social Security: Access certain social security payments.
Citizenship: Apply for Australian citizenship (subject to meeting residency criteria).
Family Sponsorship: Sponsor eligible family members for permanent residency.

How we can help you?

We have successfully assisted businesses of all sizes, from small and medium enterprises to large corporations, including Fortune 500 and ASX-listed companies, with the 186 visa application process. Our expertise covers every step of the process, ensuring your visa is approved smoothly. Ready to get started? Contact us on +0415 419 414.

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