🇦🇺work Visa
Employer Nomination Scheme Visa
Australia
Last updated: December 17, 2025
Duration
Permanent residence (indefinite stay)
Visa Fee
$3,017
Time
6–12 months
Complexity
High
About this Visa
The Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS) visa (subclass 186) is a permanent residence visa for skilled workers who are nominated by an approved Australian employer to fill a skilled position. It is available through three streams: Temporary Residence Transition, Direct Entry, and Labour Agreement.[1][2][3][7][8]
Key Benefits
- Permanent residence in Australia from grant of visa[2][3][7][8]
- Right to work and study in Australia without restriction[2][3][4][7][8]
- Access to Medicare, Australia’s public health care scheme[2][3][5]
- Ability to include eligible family members in the application[2][3][5][7][8]
- Ability to sponsor eligible relatives for permanent residence[3]
- Pathway to Australian citizenship after meeting residence requirements[3]
- Unlimited travel to and from Australia for 5 years from visa grant[2][3]
Eligibility & Requirements
Eligibility Criteria
- Must be nominated by an approved Australian employer in an eligible skilled occupation on the relevant ENS occupation list[1][3][7][8]
- Must have the necessary skills for the nominated position, generally including at least three years of relevant work experience[2][3][5][6]
- Must usually be under 45 years of age at time of application (limited exemptions may apply)[1][3][5][8]
- Must meet English language requirements (typically at least IELTS 6.0 or equivalent in each component for the main applicant, with lower ‘functional English’ for adult secondary applicants)[1][5][6][8]
- Must meet health and character requirements, including medical examinations and police clearances[1][2][3][5][6][8]
- Employer must demonstrate genuine need for the position, pay at least the Australian market salary, and comply with Australian workplace laws and training obligations[1][5][7][8]
- For Direct Entry stream, generally must have a positive skills assessment in the nominated occupation and at least three years of relevant experience[1][3][6][8]
- For Temporary Residence Transition stream, must usually have worked in the same nominated occupation for the nominating employer in Australia on an eligible temporary work visa (such as subclass 482 or certain 457 arrangements) for the required qualifying period[1][5][7][8]
- Must not have had certain visas cancelled or previous ENS applications refused, subject to Public Interest Criteria and Schedule 3 where applicable[3][7][8]
- No specific nationalities are globally banned under this visa class; however, applicants from some countries may face additional security, health, or documentary scrutiny under general Australian migration law (not ENS‑specific)
Financial Requirement
No fixed savings threshold is specified, but the employer must offer a salary at or above the Australian market salary rate and relevant minimums, and the applicant must show they can support themselves and accompanying family on that income.[1][5][7][8]
Documents
- Valid passportCurrent valid passport for the main applicant and all family members included in the application as proof of identity and nationality.
- Employer nomination approvalEvidence that an approved Australian employer has lodged and obtained approval (or is lodging concurrently) for a valid nomination for the ENS subclass 186 position, including nomination transaction reference number and nomination approval notice.[1][3][5][7][8]
- Employment contract and position detailsSigned employment contract or letter of offer outlining job title, duties, salary, hours, and conditions that meet Australian market salary and Fair Work standards.[1][5][7][8]
- Skills assessmentPositive skills assessment from the relevant Australian assessing authority for the nominated occupation (generally mandatory for Direct Entry stream and for many occupations), valid at time of application.[1][3][6][8]
- Evidence of work experienceDetailed CV, reference letters, payslips, tax records, and other documents showing at least three years of relevant full‑time work experience in the nominated occupation (or equivalent part‑time).[1][2][3][5][6]
- Educational and professional qualificationsDegree certificates, trade certificates, transcripts, professional registrations, and licences required to perform the nominated occupation in Australia.[1][3][6][8]
- English language test resultsValid English test results (such as IELTS, PTE, TOEFL or equivalent) meeting the prescribed score for the relevant stream and role, usually at least IELTS 6.0 (or equivalent) in each band for the main applicant; evidence of functional English for adult secondary applicants where required.[1][5][6][8]
- Health examination reportsPanel physician medical examination results for the main applicant and all accompanying family members to satisfy health criteria, uploaded via eMedical where applicable.[2][3][5][6][8]
- Police clearance certificatesPolice certificates from each country in which the applicant and adult family members have lived for 12 months or more in the last 10 years, to demonstrate good character.[1][2][3][5][6][8]
- Evidence of relationship and family compositionMarriage or registered partnership certificates, evidence of de facto relationships, and birth certificates for dependent children included in the application.[2][3][5][7][8]
- Evidence of current visa status (if in Australia)Copy of current Australian visa grant notices and any associated Bridging visas to demonstrate lawful status at time of application if applying onshore.[7][8]
- Labour Agreement documentation (if applicable)Copy of the relevant labour agreement and evidence that the nomination and visa application are made in accordance with the agreed terms, where applying under the Labour Agreement stream.[1][5][7][8]
Disclaimer: The information on this page is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or immigration advice. Visa requirements, fees, and processes change frequently. Please verify all information with official government sources and consult a qualified immigration attorney before making decisions.