Menu
+61 2 9411 6000 Book Consultation

Employer Nominated Scheme (ENS) Subclass 186

immigration consultant
Expert Knowledge, Seamless Immigration Advice.
+61 2 9411 6000

Contact Us

Book A
Consultation

Call Us

Employer Nomination Visa – Subclass 186

Provides permanent residency for skilled workers who are nominated by an Australian employer. It allows workers to live and work in Australia permanently.

LEARN MORE

Call Us Now

+61 2 9411 6000

*All Fields marked with asterisk are required


    Accepted file types: txt, doc, docx, pdf, jpg, png. Max. file size: 2 MB.

    What Does This Visa Let You Do?

    • You can include your spouse, de-facto partner and dependent children.
    • Work and study in Australia.
    • Enrol in Medicare, Australia’s scheme for health-related care and expenses.
    • Sponsor eligible relatives or partner for permanent residence.
    • Travel to and from Australia for five years and apply to have the visa renewed at the end of 5 years, so long as certain conditions of residency are met.
    • Apply for Australian citizenship, when eligible.

    An Employer Sponsorship Visa (186 ) is the final step in your journey to PR. Contact our team of experienced registered migration experts for immediate advice and assistance.

    Employer Nominated Sponsorship – 186

    The permanent employer sponsored visa program allows overseas employees to apply for Australian permanent residence.
    This visa can be applied for in both non-regional and regional areas in Australia. There are two pathways to apply for this visa.

    Temporary Graduate Visa

    For visa applicant:

    • The job or position being nominated is consistent with the position held while on the subclass 482 visa.
    • The applicant must hold a 482 TSS/SID or related bridging visa A, B or C.
    • The eligibility period to transition to permanent residence is two years if the applicant holds a 482 TSS/SID visa.
    • The New 482 SID program offers a more flexible pathway to applying for permanent residence under the Subclass 186 Employer Nominated Sponsorship, where previous employment on a 482 visa can be credited towards the two-year requirement for the Subclass 186 Visa application.
    • Main applicant must be under the maximum age requirement of 45 years at the time of application – unless age exemptions apply – please see below.
    • Main applicant to have English language proficiency of at least six in each of the four bands of the IELTS test or equivalent language test such as PTE, unless from a naturally English-speaking country, such as UK, Ireland, New Zealand, USA, or Canada.
    • Pass health and character tests.

    For employers:

    • The employer has to demonstrate they have an operating business and can afford to continue to pay the salary of the visa applicant.
    • The job or position being nominated is consistent with the position held while on the subclass 482 TSS/SID visa.
    • The position is genuine.
    • The position must continue to be available to the employee for at least two years once the visa is granted.
    • The position must continue to be available to the employee for at least two years once the visa is granted.
    • The terms and conditions including salary of the position must be market-related, that is, are the same as any that would apply to an Australian citizen or permanent resident employed in the same position at the same location and meet with AMSR (Australian Market Salary Rate) requirements with a minimum of $73,150 per year for the applicant’s role to be eligible under this stream.
    • If business turnover is under $10M, an amount of $3,000 must be paid to meet the Skilling Australians Fund (SAF) or if the turnover is over $10M, an amount of $5,000 needs to be paid.
    • The employer is required to demonstrate that the position is genuine.

    Direct Entry (DE) Stream Requirements

    Visa applicant:

    • Nominate an occupation from the CSOL only (Core Skills Occupations List).
    • An applicant can be in or outside Australia and does not necessarily have to have commenced employment with the nominating employer.
    • An applicant can be on a visa such as student, visitor or bridging visa and apply for a 186 ENS Direct Entry.
    • The applicant will need to provide a skills assessment from the assessing authority of their occupation and have at least 3 years of full-time post-qualification work experience, which could be in Australia or anywhere else in the world.
    • Applicant must be under the age of 45 at time of application – unless age exemptions apply – please see bel
    • Main applicant to have English language proficiency of at least six in each of the four bands of the IELTS test or equivalent in another approved English language test such as PTE, unless from a naturally English-speaking country, such as UK, Ireland, New Zealand, USA, or Canada.
    • Pass health and character tests.

    For employers:

    • The business is actively and lawfully operating in Australia and can afford to pay the salary of a sponsored person for two years from the date of a Subclass 186 visa grant.
    • The position is full-time and available for two years.
    • The position is genuine. The nomination occupation is on Core Skills Occupations List (CSOL).
    • Employee must be paid the ‘market rate’. That is, at least as much as an Australian employed in the same position in the same location and must meet AMSR (Australian Market Salary Rate) requirements with a minimum of $73,150 per year.
    • If business turnover is under $10M, an amount of $3,000 must be paid to meet the Skilling Australians Fund (SAF), or if the turnover is over $10M, an amount of $5,000 needs to be paid.
    • The employer must address any restrictions (caveats) that may exist for that occupation.
    • The employer needs to demonstrate why there is a genuine need for that position in their business.

    Specific Age Exemption Requirements for ENS

    Even if you are older than 45 years of age, you can still apply for the Permanent Visas of ENS if you:

    Are applying through the Temporary Residency Transition Stream and if any of the following apply to you:

    • You are nominated as an academic (university lecturer or faculty head) at Academic Level A, B, C, D, or E by a university in Australia.
    • You are nominated as a scientist, researcher, or technical specialist at ANZSCO skill level 1 or 2 by an Australian scientific government agency or an Australian university.
    • You are nominated as a medical practitioner and, in the 3 years immediately before your application, have worked in that occupation in a designated regional area of Australia for at least 2 years as a subclass 457 or 482 visa holder. The nominated position must also be in a designated regional area of Australia.
    • As a subclass 457 or 482 visa holder, you have been working in the nominated occupation for the nominating employer for at least 2 years during the 3 years immediately before your application, and your earnings for each year of that period were at least equal to the Fair Work High Income Threshold.

    Are applying through the Direct Entry Stream under one of the following categories:

    • You are nominated as an academic (university lecturer or faculty head) at Academic Level A, B, C, D, or E by a university in Australia.
    • You are nominated as a scientist, researcher, or technical specialist at ANZSCO skill level 1 or 2 by an Australian scientific government agency or an Australian university.
    • You are nominated as a medical practitioner and, in the 3 years immediately before your application, have worked in that occupation in a designated regional area of Australia for at least 2 years as a subclass 457 or 482 visa holder. The nominated position must also be in a designated regional area of Australia.
    • As a subclass 457 or 482 visa holder, you have been working in the nominated occupation for the nominating employer for at least 2 years during the 3 years immediately before your application, and your earnings for each year of that period were at least equal to the Fair Work High Income Threshold.

    Related Visa Types

    Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (Provisional) Visa Subclass 494

    Temporary Skilled Shortage (TSS) Subclass 482

    Our Visa Expertise

    We guide individuals, families, and businesses through
    Australia's immigration process with a successful track record.

    I Want An

    Employer Sponsorship Visa Pathway for Skilled Workers to Work and Live in Australia.

    Read More

    I Am A

    Skilled Worker Visa Opportunity to Live and Work in Australia for Qualified Professionals.

    Read More

    I Want To

    Sponsor Your Partner or Parents Pathways to Bring Loved Ones to Live in Australia.

    Read More

    I Want A

    Student or Graduate Visa Opportunities for International Students to Study and Stay in Australia.

    Read More
    Contact Us

    We are partners with...

    Why AustraliaMigrate?

    "AustraliaMigrate Pty Ltd has been helping people around the world successfully apply for Australian visas for over 25 years.

    Our professional specialists are highly experienced in the migration environment.”

    We guide individuals and businesses through the complex migration process to Australia. With long years of industry experience, our immigration specialists have built a reputation of providing accessible, accurate and genuine advice to our esteemed clients.

    Our specialists assist in preparing and reviewing your documents and forms before submitting for successful approval. We strive to make the whole immigration process hassle-free for you.

    We have a very high success rate of visa approval and a solid reputation resulting in a large amount of repeat business. We provide immigration services to individuals, families and companies, whether they are small or public companies and in any industry. Immigration is the only thing we do so we are highly specialized in it.

    Immigration is the only thing we do so we are highly specialized in it.

    Client Story

    Sandeep Sharma applied for his Permanent Residence visa under subclass 186 Employer Nominated Sponsorship, after two years of being sponsored under a 457 Employer Sponsorship visa. His Permanent Visa was granted on August 2014.

    I have been in Sydney, Australia for the last 6 years. I was referred to AustraliaMigrate by a friend of mine.

    In the beginning, I was sponsored by my company under a 457 visa. As I would like to stay on in Australia, I applied for the visa Permanent Residence Visa (186).

    The visa application process was complex and very challenging. AustraliaMigrate helped me to prepare and lodge my application in a limited time. My application was approved just within one week and my 457 long stay business visa was granted.

    Sandeep & Ashu Sharma

    What our clients have to say about us

    Thank you Ian. Fabulous news. Thanks to you and your team’s effort and work. Great service.

    Thank you SO so much for all of your patience and work on this. Still hasn’t sunk in yet that I’m actually free! Once again, massive thanks to both you and Mariola!!

    Thanks so much for this excellent news. I’m impressed how fast and smooth it all went, which is a result of excellence in services. Thanks so much for all the attention.

    Thank you Ian ,I highly appreciate your kind efforts. Its a big day for me and my family and you make it possible. May you live long with health, wealth and peace.

    Great news – we’re very pleased with this result. Many thanks to AustraliaMigrate for all your hard work in getting this over the line. Have a lovely weekend!

    That’s the best news I’ve had in a long time. Thanks so much for all your help and patience. You’ve been awesome! 🙂

    This is fantastic news! You have been so helpful throughout this process and a pleasure to work with.

    Thanks again Ian ; as always you never fail to deliver 😉

    Thank you for your working. It is Fantastic news !! I am very happy~. Thank you very much.

    Fantastic news!!! Thank you very much for your help with this one. Great start of the week indeed. Thank you Ian.

    Thanks again Ian, you and your team have been a great help.

    Great news – we’re very pleased with this result. Many thanks to AustraliaMigrate for all your hard work in getting this over the line. Have a lovely weekend!

    Wow that was fast. Thank you very much Mariola and Ian. Great job.

    This is brilliant news we thank you and Ian for helping us out gaining our permanent residency.

    Thank you Ian and your team for making it possible for Sebastian to stay with us.

    I am so happy that my visa application is being accepted, thank you for your help and availability, have a good weekend, and thanks again.

    Hi Ian, A big thanks to you and Lynn for all your help.

    Hi Ian, Thank you so much for your time and hard work. Marilia and myself are both thrilled.

    Thank you so much for all your help and assistance with the application.I am very happy!

    Hi Ian, Thanks foor making my day, week, month and year! This is truly amazing news! Please thank the extended team that worked on our application.

    That’s fantastic, big thanks to all for your kind support and assistance.Many thanks.

    Dear Ian, Izzy and I would like to thank you and your staff so much for all the hard work in helping us to obtain Nazma’s visa in Australia. We know that it could not have happened without you. Many thanks again Ian and will keep in touch. All the best to you and your team for all their assistance.

    Hi Ian, First of all THANK YOU and your team! Thank you for working with us on this application till the very end, thank you for the magnificent news! Although the process was stressful, the result is the only thing that matters and we couldn’t be happier! And the date couldn’t be better! We will always have fireworks on our PR day! And Thank you for your kind wishes! Wish you all the best!

    Thanks so much for your kind efforts to help Sumit and his wife to grant 457 visa.Actually I was overseas and came back yesterday. I am extermely happy for their decision. they both are coming on 12th of March.

    Hi Ian, Amazing news 🙂 Thank you so much to you and your team for all your help. Warren and I are very grateful. We will definitely keep recommend you to friencts and people we know.: )

    Hi Ian and Mariola, Thanks so much for all your help, that’s great news!!

    That’s awesome guys! Thank you guys for all!

    Hi Ian. I just drove through to Neil’s work to tell him and he’s over the moon. It has been such a journey to get here and we have been through SO much to make it all happen – but we would never have done it without you and your amazing team. Thank you from the bottom of my heart. Have a great evening.

    Hello Lynn and Ian, How are you? I just wanted to let you know that my Visa has been granted. I have my Permanent Residency! Thank you for everything, Lynn has been so helpful during the all process. I could never have done it without you. I hope everything is going all right for you guys. Take care.

    Thanks Ian for pushing these through in time.

    Dear Ms Lynn, Thank you for the information, appreciated your time and effort for lodging our visa. Looking forward to seeing you for the future visa. Thank you.

    Hi Kathy & Ian, Thank you so much for this. It’s great news. Thank you once again.

    Hello IAN,Thank you again. It was a wonderful experience working with you.

    Dear Ian and Kathy, I can’t believe it, such good news! Thank you so so much for all your help and effort!!! Richard and I really appreciate it. I can’t find the right words to describe how grateful we are. Thank you! May both of you have a wonderful weekend.

    WOW! This is amazing. Ian, Mariola and team, I cannot express my gratitude enough for all the effort and hard work you put in to making this happen. Thanks you so so much!!!

    Ian and Lynn, Pete and I would like to thank you both for all your direction and hard work to make this happen. We really appreciate it. We’re elated that the Partnership Visa has finally been granted! We will be eternally grateful to both of you for making this tedious process easier for us. We couldn’t have done it without your expertise and guidance. Thank you, thank you, thank you… Have a wonderful day,

    Thank you so much this has made my day 😍😍😍😍😅

    I can’t believe it after all these years

    Thanks again JUST BRILLIANT NEWS!!

    Thank you so so so much for your hard work and support!!! We are very happy and emotional!! Today is actually our wedding anniversary, and this email made today even special.

    I truly appreciate your support all the way.

    Thank you very much for this great news. I am very glad that the wait is over and that I can finally start working

    Thank you for the excellent news 🙂 and thank you for all your help. I really appreciate it!

    You will be hearing from me in the near future.

    Wishing you both all the best, especially in these unpredictable times.

    Thank you so much for all of your help with this application. I have no doubt we would not have looked to so good without your expertise and support.

    You guys have a done a great job and Mariola your professionalism is brilliant.

    Thank you both again.

    OMG

    That is the best news EVER!

    Thank you so so much for all your help to you and Ian! I am so glad I chose you to help me with all my visas all these years!

    Will highly recommend Australia Migrate if I heard anyone looking for an agent 🙂

    Thanks again!

    Hi Ian & Lynn,

    Thanks for your email! We are really thrilled to hear the news!

    Jessica and I really appreciate your support during this time. Without your help, the application process won’t be so smooth.

    Thank you so much.

    WOW WOW WOW!!

    That is amazing!! So super stoked and happy!

    Again, thank you so much for all your effort and work put into this process!!

    My Family & I thanks you from the bottom of their hearts!

    Thank you so much for all your help. We really appreciate it and we are soooo happy – I can’t even described 😊🙏🏻🤗

    Thank you again!

    Latest News

    Update on Temporary Residents’ Rights to Buy Homes in Australia

    Moving to Australia, you may hope to recreate home with a

    Read More

    What are the Benefits of a 491 Visa in Australia?

    Australia offers various skilled working visas to eligible applicants. One of

    Read More

    Subclass 491 Visa: Your Pathway to Living & Working in Regional Australia

    Understanding the Subclass 491 Visa The Subclass 491 visa, officially known

    Read More

    Common Mistakes to Avoid When Applying for an Australian Sponsorship Visa

    Australia’s Sponsorship Visa is an exciting pathway for individuals and businesses

    Read More

    Ultimate Guide To Finding an Employer Sponsor in Australia

    Are you spending nights scrolling through job openings only to find

    Read More

    Changes to Student Visa Requirements: A Guide for Applying in 2025

    Australia is known for its high-quality education system. In 2024, the

    Read More

    Subclass 186 Frequently Asked Questions

    I want to apply for permanent residence based on Employer Nominated Sponsorship, Subclass 186 –what are the overall pathways?

    There are two application pathways for this category:

    Pathway One – 186 Temporary Residence Transition:

    Once 482 visa holders have been employed for two years out of the last 3 years on a 482 visa, which could have been with the same employer/sponsor or a combination of previous sponsor and current sponsor, they can apply for 186 Temporary Residence Transition. They must be sponsored on a 482 visa by their current employer who will nominate them in their Employer Nominated Sponsorship application, subclass 186 application.

    The visa holder can hold any occupation, both from the previous Consolidated Skilled Occupation List (CSOL) and the current Core Skilled Occupation List (CSOL) so long as they hold a 482 visa.

    The application must be lodged before turning 45 years old, unless they meet specified exemptions. One of these is that their salary (net of superannuation) has met the high-income threshold in two of the last three years as applicable in the year they hold that visa. The current high-income threshold for 2024 is set at $175,000.

    Pathway Two – Direct Entry:

    The nominated occupation must be on the Core Skilled Occupation List (CSOL). The 186-visa applicant must complete a Skills Assessment from the assessing authority of that occupation and demonstrate that they have had at least three years of post-qualification work experience in that occupation. Applicants need to be under 45 years old at the time of application. There are no exemptions for age under 186 Direct Entry.

    In both Pathway One and Two, the employer has to present a range of documents to meet the requirements of the nomination. These include financial documents, position description, employment contract, organization chart, a statement about why the position is genuine, evidence that the salary is market related etc.

    AustraliaMigrate is a trusted leader in immigration & visa services. Led by Director Ian Singer and a team of five registered migration agents.

    Follow Us

    Quick Links

    Useful Links

    Contact Us

    Newsletter

    • Subscribe to our newsletter to get our latest updates and news.

    ©2025 AustraliaMigrate Pty Ltd | ABN 62 091 202 345 | Registered Migration Agent 0001947 | Migration Agent Code of Conduct

    Latest News

    April 28, 2025

    Update on Temporary Residents’ Rights to Buy Homes in Australia

    Moving to Australia, you may hope to recreate home with a comfortable living space in a neighbourhood you love. However, the latest restriction on migrants buying houses in Australia could …

    Continue reading “Update on Temporary Residents’ Rights to Buy Homes in Australia”

    Read More
    April 28, 2025

    What are the Benefits of a 491 Visa in Australia?

    Australia offers various skilled working visas to eligible applicants. One of the most attractive options is the subclass 491 visa. It provides a pathway to permanent residency and excellent rewards. …

    Continue reading “What are the Benefits of a 491 Visa in Australia?”

    Read More
    April 28, 2025

    Subclass 491 Visa: Your Pathway to Living & Working in Regional Australia

    Understanding the Subclass 491 Visa The Subclass 491 visa, officially known as the Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Visa, is a points-tested visa that enables skilled workers and their families to …

    Continue reading “Subclass 491 Visa: Your Pathway to Living & Working in Regional Australia”

    Read More
    March 20, 2025

    Common Mistakes to Avoid When Applying for an Australian Sponsorship Visa

    Australia’s Sponsorship Visa is an exciting pathway for individuals and businesses looking to engage in skilled labour and contribute to the country’s thriving economy. Whether you’re a business sponsoring a …

    Continue reading “Common Mistakes to Avoid When Applying for an Australian Sponsorship Visa”

    Read More

    Talk to us today. We'd love to hear from you.

    immigration consultant

    AustraliaMigrate Suite 601,
    10 Help Street, Chatswood
    NSW 2067 Australia

    immigration consultant +61 2 9411 6000

    VISA TYPE

    ABOUT US

    EVENTS & NEWS

    USEFUL RESOURCES

    © 2014 - 2025 AustraliaMigrate Pty Ltd | ABN 62 091 202 345 | Registered Migration Agent 0001947 | Migration Agent Code of Conduct