top of page
Engineer Checking Rails

Employer Nomination Scheme visa

Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS) visa 

Are you a qualified and experienced worker wanting to settle down in Australia permanently?  

The Subclass 186 Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS) visa could be your pathway to building a lasting future for you and your family in Australia, with the support of an Australian employer. 

​

This visa is for skilled workers who are nominated by an approved Australian business to live and work in Australia on a permanent basis. Whether you are already working in Australia or applying from overseas, we can guide you through the process to help you pursue permanent residency and make the most of this valuable opportunity to contribute your skills to Australia. 

 

There are multiple streams available to suit different work and migration circumstances: 

  1. Direct Entry Stream 

  2. Temporary Residence Transition Stream 

  3. Labour Agreement Stream 

​​​​​Requirements for the ENS Visa

​​

The following outlines general eligibility requirements. Specific criteria will vary depending on the stream.

​

As the sponsoring employer, the business must generally:

​

  • Be lawfully and actively operating and financially capable of employing the nominee (the visa applicant) 

  • Nominate a genuine, full-time position in an eligible occupation listed under the relevant stream (Core Skills Occupation List (CSOL) for Core Skills Stream, Major Groups 1,2,4,5 or 6 of Australian and New Zealand Standard Classification of Occupations (ANZSCO) for Specialist Skills Stream, or specified occupation under the terms of a Labour Agreement), for at least 2 years from the visa is granted 

  • Offer a salary and employment conditions that meet Australian workplace laws and market rates 

  • Demonstrate a commitment to employing local workers and comply with sponsorship obligations 

  • In some cases (Direct Entry and Labour Agreement streams), provide evidence of labour market testing (LMT) to show no suitable Australian workers are available 

​​

​

As the visa applicant, you will need to:​

​

  • Be nominated by an eligible Australian employer for a position on the relevant skilled occupation list 

  • Be under 45 years of age at the time of application (some exceptions apply) 

  • Meet the skills, qualifications, and work experience requirements for the nominated position  

    • Direct Entry Stream: At least 3 years of full-time (or part-time equivalent) work experience in a relevant occupation, a formal skills assessment is required. 

    • Temporary Residence Transition Stream: At least 2 years of (or part-time equivalent) work experience in a relevant occupation, while holding a Subclass 457 or 482 visa. 

  • Have competent English language skills, unless exempt (requirements may vary by stream and occupation), such as: 

    • IELTS: Minimum score of 6 in each band 

    • PTE: 47 for listening, 48 for reading, 51 for writing, and 54 for speaking 

      *Test scores on or after 7 August 2025 

  • Meet health and character requirements 

​​

Employer Nominated Scheme: Stages at a Glance

Cost for Employer Nominated Scheme Visa

Applying for a Subclass 186 Employer Nominated Scheme visa involves several costs, which can vary depending on your specific circumstances and the number of applicants included in your application. Below is a detailed breakdown of current fees as set by the Department of Home Affairs:

​​​

Nomination Application:

  • Nomination application fee: AUD 540.00

For the Non-Direct Entry Stream, nomination fee is nil for positions in regional areas of Australia.

​

  • Skilling Australians Fund (SAF) Levy:

    • Small businesses (annual turnover under AUD 10 million): AUD 3,000.00

    • Other businesses (annual turnover over AUD 10 million): AUD 5,000.00

​

Visa Application Charges:

  • Main applicant: AUD 4,910.00

  • Secondary applicants aged 18 years and over: AUD 2,455.00 per applicant.

  • Dependent applicants under 18 years: AUD 1,230.00 per applicant.

​

Please note that additional costs may apply, including health examinations, police clearance certificates, translations, and our professional service fees.

​

All amounts are subject to change. 

Simplifying the Subclass 186 Visa Journey with Niche

Navigating the Subclass 186 visa process can be complex and time consuming. We are committed to making the journey as smooth, secure, and rewarding as possible for both employers and visa applicants.

 

For Employers

We understand the demands of running a business while trying to recruit and retain skilled talent. Our experienced team works closely with you to streamline the sponsorship process and ensure compliance at every step.

  • Safeguarding your business and employee records with strict confidentiality

  • Managing end-to-end compliance

  • Handling all documentation efficiently to save time and reduce administrative burden

  • Developing tailored sponsorship strategies aligned with your workforce needs

​

Let us handle the paperwork so you can focus on your business.

​

For Visa Applicants

We recognise that a 186 visa can be life-changing. That is why we treat every application with the care and attention it deserves.

  • Step-by-step guidance through the visa process and documentation requirements

  • Ongoing support and communication to keep you informed at every stage

  • Strict protection of your personal information and privacy

  • Compassionate, responsive support from a team that genuinely cares about your success

​

​

Ready to begin?

Schedule your appointment today with one of our registered migration agents

bottom of page