The Subclass 186 ENS visa (Employer Nomination Scheme visa) is a permanent residency visa that requires the sponsorship of a nominating employer.
Summary of Key Features
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Visa Streams | Transition stream, Direct Entry stream, Agreement stream |
| Occupation Requirement | Must have an occupation on the 186 Visa Occupations List |
| English Language | IELTS (or equivalent) score of 6 in each component |
| Age Limit | Maximum 45 years at time of application (Direct and Transition streams) |
| Integrity Measures | Genuine position requirement; removal of English and skills exemption for earnings over $180,000 |
Am I Eligible for a 186 Visa?
The Subclass 186 – Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS) allows Australian employers to fill highly skilled positions with suitably qualified migrants. The scheme assists employers who cannot meet their skilled workforce needs from the local labour market.
Employer Requirements
The business seeking to employ you must:
- Be actively and lawfully operating in Australia
- Genuinely need you to work in the nominated position under its direct control
- Have the capacity to employ you in this position for at least two years
Position Requirements
The position to be filled must:
- Be full-time and available for at least 2 years from the time your visa is granted
- Be an occupation on the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL)
- Have a salary of at least $76,515 per year (excluding non-monetary benefits)
- Meet the annual market salary rate (AMSR) for your nominated occupation
- Have conditions of employment no worse than those applying to Australians performing equivalent work
Visa Applicant Requirements
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| English Proficiency | Competent English (IELTS 6 in each component or equivalent) |
| Skills Assessment | Positive assessment from relevant assessing authority |
| Work Experience | Minimum three years full-time experience in nominated occupation |
| Age | Under 45 years at time of application |
| Licensing | Meet any mandatory licensing, registration or professional membership requirements |
| Health and Character | Satisfy relevant health and character criteria |
186 Visa Streams
1. Temporary Residence Transition Stream
For 457 visa / TSS 482 visa holders who have worked for their nominating employer.
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Visa Held | Subclass 457, TSS 482, or SID visa |
| Employment Period | Two years full-time work in nominated occupation while on visa (last three years) |
| Nomination | Nominated by employer for permanent position in same occupation |
| English | Competent English (IELTS 6 or equivalent) |
| Age | Under 45 unless exempt |
| Skills Assessment | Not required |
2. Direct Entry Stream
For applicants who have not worked on a 457/TSS visa with their nominating employer.
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Occupation | Must be on CSOL (Core Skills Occupation List) |
| Work Experience | Minimum three years relevant experience at skilled level |
| Skills Assessment | Positive skills assessment (less than three years old) |
| English | Competent English (IELTS 6 or equivalent) |
| Age | Under 45 unless exempt |
| Nomination | Nominated by employer within 6 months prior to applying |
3. Agreement Stream
For applicants sponsored by an employer through a labour agreement.
Application Process
Stage 1: Nomination Application
Your employer lodges a nomination application with the Department of Home Affairs. The Skilling Australians Fund (SAF) levy applies:
| Business Turnover | Levy Amount |
|---|---|
| Less than $10 million | $3,000 (one-off) |
| $10 million or more | $5,000 (one-off) |
Stage 2: Visa Application
Your visa application is lodged either at the same time as the nomination or within six months of nomination approval.
Skills Assessment Application
Before lodging your visa application (Direct Entry stream), you must obtain a formal skills assessment from the relevant assessing authority for your nominated occupation.
English Language Requirements
You can demonstrate Competent English by:
- IELTS score of at least 6 in each component (within last three years)
- Equivalent score in OET, TOEFL iBT, PTE, or CAE
- Holding a valid passport from UK, USA, Canada, New Zealand, or Republic of Ireland
Age Exemptions
You are exempt from the age requirement if:
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Academic | Nominated as senior academic by Australian university |
| Science | Nominated as scientist/researcher by government scientific agency |
| Medical Practitioner (Regional) | Worked for nominating employer on 457/482 visa for at least four years; position in regional Australia |
| Medical Practitioner (422 visa holders) | Worked on 422 visa followed by 457 visa for two years in last four years; regional position |
| New Zealand Citizens | Hold subclass 444 or 461 visa; worked for nominating employer for at least two of last three years |
| Long-term 457/482 Workers | Worked for nominating employer on 457 visa for at least four years; paid at or above Fair Work High Income Threshold each year |
| Legacy 457 Workers | Exempt from age requirement under grandfathering provisions |
English Exemptions
You are exempt from English language requirements if:
- You hold an exempt passport (UK, USA, Canada, New Zealand, Ireland)
- Your nominated earnings are at least equivalent to the current ATO top individual income tax rate (functional English required or second instalment applies)
- You completed at least five years full-time study in English (Transition stream only)
Recent Changes
| Change | Details |
|---|---|
| TRT Eligibility | Reduced from three years to two years for TSS visa holders |
| Occupation Lists | MLTSSL applies to ENS; additional occupations for regional RSMS |
| Minimum Salary | TSMIT minimum $76,515 from 1 July 2025 |
| Work Experience | Three years minimum for Direct Entry |
| Age Limit | Maximum 45 years at time of application |
| SAF Levy | $3,000 (small business) / $5,000 (other businesses) |
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: If I was granted a 457 visa after 18 April 2017 on the STSOL list, can I apply for a 186 visa?
A: You will not be allowed to apply for a permanent 186/187 visa under that occupation if it is on the STSOL.
Q: Will I be affected by the new three years’ work experience requirement if I have held a 457 visa for two years?
A: No, you may fall under grandfathering provisions.
Q: Can I apply for a 186 visa if I hold a Subclass 491 or 494 visa?
A: You must have held that visa for at least three years at the time of application.
Q: What is the age limit for the 186 visa?
A: Under 45 at time of application, unless exempt under specified categories.
Summary Table: Transition Stream vs Direct Entry Stream
| Feature | Temporary Residence Transition | Direct Entry |
|---|---|---|
| Occupation | Any occupation held on 457/TSS/SID visa | Any CSOL occupation |
| Work Experience | Two years full-time in nominated occupation while on visa (last three years) | Positive skills assessment + three years experience |
| Skills Assessment | Not required | Required |
| English | Competent English | Competent English |
| Age | Under 45 unless exempt | Under 45 unless exempt |
| Salary | Minimum $76,515 + AMSR | Minimum $76,515 + AMSR |
| SAF Levy | $3,000/$5,000 | $3,000/$5,000 |
Contact us today for a commitment-free briefing with our Registered Migration Agents in Melbourne to find out more about your 186 visa options.
