Subclass 186 — Employer Nomination Scheme visa

The Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS), subclass 186, is a permanent visa requiring an Australian employer nomination. Its three streams are Direct Entry, Temporary Residence Transition and Labour Agreement; eligibility must be assessed under the stream actually used.

Aarish Haider · Registered Migration Agent · MARN 2619656
Updated 2026-10-22 · General information · Official-source check 2026-10-22

Rules and program availability can change. Check the official sources below before making an application or committing to a course, job or relocation.

Key facts

At a glance
Status	Permanent residence if the employer nomination and visa criteria are satisfied.
Direct Entry	Generally requires a CSOL occupation, a suitable skills assessment before application and at least three years of relevant skilled full-time work, unless exempt.
Temporary Residence Transition	Generally requires eligible temporary skilled visa history and at least two years of eligible full-time sponsored employment in Australia during the preceding three years, subject to exceptions.
Labour Agreement	Available where an effective employer labour agreement permits the occupation and ENS nomination.
Employer approval	A 186 nomination is a separate process; Standard Business Sponsorship is not a universal prerequisite for ENS.
EOI and points	No SkillSelect EOI or points-tested invitation.

Requirements

Check the stream’s age, English, skills, health and character criteria and any exemption. Direct Entry usually needs a formal assessment. TRT uses its own skills evidence rules, and the Department can request a demonstration of skills. The employer must satisfy the nomination requirements for a genuine ongoing position, salary and business capacity. A labour agreement can set different permitted requirements.

Process

Compare the three streams against the worker’s occupation, visa history and employment record.
For TRT, check which visa periods and work periods count; unpaid leave and other non-qualifying work cannot simply be included.
Prepare the employer nomination and the worker’s stream-specific visa evidence.
Coordinate application timing and verify that the nominated position remains available.

Common issues

Two years on a 482 visa is not, by itself, eligibility for 186. The work history, eligible visa holdings, current nomination and all other criteria must be checked. Direct Entry does not require the worker to complete a 482 pathway first.

Official sources

Employer Nomination Scheme visa (subclass 186): Direct Entry streamAustralian Government, Department of Home Affairs · Source check 2026-10-22
Employer Nomination Scheme visa (subclass 186): Temporary Residence Transition streamAustralian Government, Department of Home Affairs · Source check 2026-10-22
Employer Nomination Scheme visa (subclass 186): Labour Agreement streamAustralian Government, Department of Home Affairs · Source check 2026-10-22
Department of Home Affairs — Skilled occupation listsAustralian Government, Department of Home Affairs · Source check 2026-10-22
Migration Regulations 1994, compilation 289, volume 1Australian Government, Federal Register of Legislation · Source check 2026-10-22
Migration Regulations 1994, compilation 289, volume 2Australian Government, Federal Register of Legislation · Source check 2026-10-22

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