Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS) Visa 186

The Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS) Visa (186) is a permanent visa that allows Australian employers to fill highly skilled positions with suitably qualified overseas workers. The visa is designed to assist employers who are unable to find a suitably qualified employee from within the Australian workforce. This visa has three streams as explained below, with requirements.

The Temporary Resident Transition Stream (TRTS) of the 186 Visa is a streamlined pathway for overseas workers who have already worked for their sponsoring employer. The requirements below apply to the employer (sponsoring business) as well as the employee (visa applicant). 

Requirements for business

• is operating actively and lawfully in Australia
• does genuinely need the employee to work in the nominated position
• will make the position available full-time and for at least two years from the time the visa applicant is granted their visa
• will offer salary that is at least equal to the Temporary Skilled Migration Income Threshold (TSMIT).

Requirements for visa applicant

• is under the age of 45 years
• have held an employer sponsored temporary visa (visa 482 or its predecessor visa 457) for at least 2 years in the last 3 years
• have worked with the sponsoring employer or another employer in the same occupation for a period totaling 2 years
• have been genuinely performing the tasks related to their nominated occupation, 
• have at least Competent English.

The Direct Entry Stream (DES) of the 186 Visa is a pathway available to businesses if they choose to directly sponsor the employee for the permanent visa without first sponsoring them for the temporary visa. The requirements below apply to the employer (sponsoring business) and the employee (visa applicant). 

Requirements for business

• is operating actively and lawfully in Australia;
• does genuinely need the employee to work in the nominated position
• the position being offered is on the Medium to long-term Strategic Skills List
• will make the position available full-time and for at least two years from the time the visa applicant is granted their visa
• will offer salary that is at least equal to the Temporary Skilled Migration Income Threshold (TSMIT).

Requirements for visa applicant

• is under the age of 45 years
• have held an employer sponsored temporary visa (visa 482 or its predecessor visa 457) for at least 2 years in the last 3 years
• they have been genuinely performing the tasks related to their nominated occupation
• have had their skills formally assessed y the relevant skills assessment authority
• have at least Competent English.

The Labour Agreement Stream (LA) of the 186 Visa allows a business to sponsor employees for the permanent visa under an arrangement (‘Agreement’) previously negotiated with the Government. This stream is commonly used by employer groups or in situations where it would be impracticable for the visa applicant to meet the standard conditions set out under the TRTS or the DE streams explained above. If an agreement is reached between the employer group and the Government that certain concessions can be offered, these are written into the Labour Agreement.

Requirements for business

• is operating actively and lawfully in Australia;
• does genuinely need the employee to work in the nominated position
• is a party or signatory to the Labour Agreement under which the visa will be processed
• the position to be filled is listed in the Labour Agreement
• to the will make the position available full-time and for at least two years from the time the visa applicant is granted their visa
• will offer salary that is at least equal to the Temporary Skilled Migration Income Threshold (TSMIT).

Requirements for visa applicant

• is under the age of 45 years, unless a concession for age has been provided in the Labour Agreement
• have held an employer sponsored temporary visa (visa 482 or its predecessor visa 457) for at least 2 years in the last 3 years
• they have been genuinely performing the tasks related to their nominated occupation
• have at least Competent English, unless a concession for English has been provided in the Labour Agreement.

As at 1 July 2024, the Home Affairs fees for this visa are as below:

• primary applicant – A$ 4,770
• dependent over 18 years of age – A$ 2,385
• dependent under 18 years of age – A$ 1,190

In addition, there will be fees associated with undertaking health examination and obtaining police clearance (if required) and obtaining skills assessment (for the DE stream).

Assure Visa fees for visa 186 are listed on our  Fees Page.