About this Visa
The Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS) Visa (Subclass 186) is a permanent residency visa designed for skilled workers whom an Australian employer nominates. This visa allows skilled professionals to permanently live and work in Australia, addressing labor shortages in industries where local talent is unavailable.
With this visa, you can:
- Work and live in Australia indefinitely.
- Access Medicare, Australia’s public healthcare system.
- Apply for Australian citizenship if eligible.
- Sponsor eligible relatives for permanent residence.
- Include eligible family members who can live, work, and study in Australia.
You can apply for this visa from within or outside Australia.
Streams of the ENS Visa
The ENS Visa offers three streams tailored to different eligibility scenarios:
Direct Entry Stream:
- For skilled workers who have not previously
worked in Australia or have only briefly worked
there.
- Suitable for those applying directly from outside Australia.
- Stay: Permanent residency.
- Visa cost: AUD 4,640.
- Processing time: Approximately 6 to 8 months.
Requirements: Nomination by an Australian
employer, relevant occupation on the Medium
and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL), at least three years of work experience, and a skills assessment.
Important Note: Applicants must be under 45
years old and have English proficiency equivalent to IELTS 6.0 (with no band less than 6.0). Secondary applicants aged 18 or older must meet Functional English requirements (equivalent to IELTS 4.5 overall).
Labour Agreement Stream
- For skilled workers nominated under a labor
agreement between an employer and the
Australian government.
Stay: Permanent residency.
Visa cost: AUD 4,640.
- Processing time: Varies based on the labor
agreement.
-Requirements: Age, skills, and English language proficiency as specified in the agreement, along with compliance with visa conditions.
- Important Note: Occupations must align with
those on the Combined List of Skilled Occupations,
which includes both MLTSSL and Short-term
Skilled Occupation List (STSOL).
Temporary Residence Transition Stream
- For workers who hold a Subclass 457 or TSS Visa and have worked for their nominating employer in Australia for at least three years.
- Stay: Permanent residency.
Visa cost: AUD 4,640.
Processing time: Approximately 6 to 8 months.
Requirements: Full-time employment with the
nominating employer for at least three years, no need for a skills assessment, and English
proficiency equivalent to IELTS 5.0 (with no band
less than 5.0).
Important Note: Applicants must be under 45
years old unless exemptions apply.
Eligibility Requirements for Applicants
To qualify for the ENS Visa, applicants must:
- Be under 45 years of age (with some exemptions)
- Be nominated by an Australian employer for a skilled position.
- Apply for the visa within six months of receiving the nomination.
- Have the required skills and qualifications for the nominated occupation.
- Meet English language proficiency requirements unless exempted.
- Comply with the criteria of the specific stream they are applying under.
- Fulfill health and character requirements.
Exemptions: Age, English language, and skills assessment exemptions may apply in certain situations, such as highincome earners or regional nominations.
Additional Requirements:
No Outstanding Debt: Applicants must not have any outstanding debts to the Australian government.
Special Considerations for Hong Kong/British National (Overseas) Passport Holders: While there are some pathways for holders of these passports in other visa categories, the ENS Visa (Subclass 186) does not have specific provisions for these passport holders. Applicants should follow the standard eligibility criteria.
Application Process & Required Documentation
To apply for the ENS Visa (Subclass 186), ensure you have the following documentation:
Nomination by an Australian employer: A formal nomination letter from your employer.
Proof of English language proficiency: For applicants aged 18 to 45, this could include an IELTS score of at least 6.0, or other equivalent test scores.
Evidence of professional skills and qualifications: This may include a skills assessment report or documents supporting your experience in your nominated occupation.
Proof of employment: Details of your current or previous work, including contracts and pay slips if applicable.
Health and character documents: Medical examination results and police clearance certificates for the applicant and any family members included in the application.
Stream Comparisons
Benefits of Professional Assistance
Applying for the ENS Visa involves detailed documentation and strict compliance with regulations. Professional migration assistance can:
- Ensure accuracy and completeness of your application.
- Address complex scenarios like exemptions or labor agreements.
- Improve your chances of successful visa approval.
Our team of registered migration agents is here to guide you through every step of the application process.
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