Employer Nomination Scheme

Employer Nomination Scheme

Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS) visas, or subclass 186 visas, are permanent residency visas for skilled workers. They are available to applicants who are already living and working in Australia as temporary residents and to those living outside Australia.

This visa provides the holder with Australian permanent residency with no conditions. Dependent family members may be included. The holder can live and work wherever they like in Australia. Although the visa is granted based on the holder being skilled in a specific occupation. Once granted, the visa does not require you to seek or maintain employment in this occupation.

The subclass 186 visa has two streams:

1. Temporary Residence Transition (TRT) Stream:

To apply for this you must be the holder of a subclass 457 visa, a subclass 482 or a bridging visa in association with one of these sub classes. If your 457/482 visa was granted after 18 April 2017, you must have an occupation on the MLTSSL and can apply for the 186 visa once you have worked for your sponsor for three years whilst the holder of this visa.

If you are a 457/482 visa holder for an occupation on the STSOL you cannot apply for the 186 visa unless you are located in a regional area and have worked for the nominating employer for three years whilst holding the visa. Applicants in this situation must be under 45 years of age and demonstrate that they have earned the salary nominated in their 457/482 nomination in each relevant year.

2. Direct Entry (DE) Stream:

Applicants in the DE stream must have an occupation on the MLTSSL and must obtain a positive skills assessment in this occupation prior to application. At least three years of employment at the skilled level is required and applicants must be under 45 years of age. You may be in or outside of Australia when applying.

Process An employer nomination must be lodged on behalf of an applicant before a visa application can be made. This nomination must outline the nominated occupation, terms and conditions of employment, and the financial viability of the nominating business.
Employers must also detail how the position came to be available and justify the need to nominate the applicant.

The nomination must also be accompanied by the Skilling Australia Fund levy (See TSS page). A corresponding visa application can then be submitted.

In all cases, a competent English score (IELTS 6 or equivalent, unless exempt) is required, as well as evidence of meeting the health and character requirement