subclass 186
Employer Nomination Scheme (Subclass 186) Visa
The primary permanent employer sponsored visa. Two streams: the Temporary Residence Transition (TRT) stream for workers who have held a 482 visa for 2–3 years with the same employer, and the Direct Entry stream for workers with 3+ years experience in their nominated occupation. Grants permanent residence from day of visa grant.
- Permanent Residence
- TRT stream: 6–12 months
- Govt fee: ~$4,640
- Direct Entry: 12–24 months
What Is the ENS (Subclass 186) Visa?
The Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS) Visa (Subclass 186) is Australia’s primary permanent employer sponsored visa. Unlike the 482 which is temporary, the 186 grants permanent residence from the date it is granted — meaning the worker can live and work anywhere in Australia permanently and sponsor family members.
For most sponsored workers, the 186 is the destination after spending 2–3 years on a 482 visa. It has two main streams: the Temporary Residence Transition (TRT) stream for existing 482 holders, and the Direct Entry stream for workers applying from outside the employer sponsorship system.
The Two Streams
Temporary Residence Transition (TRT) Stream
- For workers who have held a 482 visa for 2 years (Specialist Skills stream) or 3 years (Core Skills stream)
- Must have worked for the same employer in the same occupation for the required period
- No LMT required — employer simply nominates the worker
- Most straightforward pathway for existing sponsored workers
- Worker must be under 45 years of age (some exemptions apply)
Direct Entry Stream
- For workers with 3 years of recent, relevant work experience in the nominated occupation
- Does NOT require prior 482 visa — can apply directly from overseas or onshore
- LMT generally required
- Skills assessment may be required for some occupations
- Must earn at least the Temporary Skilled Migration Income Threshold (TSMIT)
- Must be under 45 (some exemptions — e.g. scientists, academics, recognised professions)
Employer Requirements
- Be an Approved Standard Business Sponsor (ASBS) or apply to become one simultaneously
- Be actively operating a lawful business in Australia
- Have a genuine need for the nominated position
- Pay the nominated worker at least the market salary rate for the occupation
- Pay the Skilling Australians Fund (SAF) levy
- Complete Labour Market Testing for most Core Skills stream nominations
Worker Eligibility Requirements
- Be under 45 years of age at time of nomination (exemptions apply for some high-value occupations)
- Have at least competent English (or hold an exempt passport)
- Meet health and character requirements
- Have the required skills, qualifications and work experience for the nominated occupation
- TRT stream: have held 482 and worked for the sponsor for the required period
- Direct Entry: have 3 years relevant work experience and a valid skills assessment (where required)
Benefits for the Employer
- Retain your best overseas workers permanently — no more visa renewals or uncertainty
- No SAF levy on the 186 nomination itself (levy was paid on the 482)
- Permanent workers are not restricted from changing employers — but in practice, workers who gain PR often remain with the sponsoring employer as a gesture of loyalty
- Demonstrates your commitment to the worker’s future — a powerful retention tool