Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS) Visa – Subclass 186
The Employer Nomination Scheme (Subclass 186) is a permanent residency visa that allows skilled workers nominated by an Australian employer to live and work in Australia permanently.
There are three main streams under Subclass 186:
- Direct Entry Stream
- Labour Agreement Stream
- Temporary Residence Transition (TRT) Stream
The Direct Entry Stream allows nominated skilled workers to live, work, and study in Australia permanently. You may also be able to include eligible family members in your application.
- Live and work in Australia permanently
- Study in Australia
- Access Medicare (public healthcare)
- Eligible applicants may apply for Australian citizenship
- Travel in and out of Australia for up to 5 years
- Main applicant: AUD $4,115
- Additional charges apply for family members
- Estimated processing: 5 to 8 months (may vary)
The Labour Agreement Stream allows skilled workers nominated under an approved Labour Agreement to obtain permanent residency. You may be eligible if you work (or will work) for an employer who is a party to a labour agreement.
- Permanent residency in Australia
- Medicare access
- Option to include eligible family members
- Travel facility for up to 5 years
- Main applicant: AUD $4,115
- Additional charges apply for family members
- Estimated processing: 15 to 24 months (may vary)
The Temporary Residence Transition Stream allows eligible Subclass 457 or Subclass 482 visa holders to transition to permanent residency after working for their employer for the required period.
- Permanent residency pathway for 457 / 482 holders
- Medicare access
- Eligible applicants may apply for citizenship
- Option to include eligible family members
- Main applicant: AUD $4,115
- Additional charges apply for family members
- Estimated processing: 9 to 16 months (may vary)
Want to apply for Subclass 186?
Contact Zen Migration for eligibility assessment, nomination guidance, and complete application support.