The Australian Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS), officially known as the Subclass 186 visa, is a cornerstone of Australia's skilled migration program. It offers a direct pathway to permanent residency for skilled workers who are nominated by an eligible Australian employer.

As of July 2025, understanding the nuances of the ENS is more critical than ever, especially following recent updates to income thresholds and application processes. This in-depth guide provides a detailed overview of the ENS visa, outlining eligibility criteria, application steps, and crucial policy changes to help both employers and prospective migrants successfully navigate this complex visa pathway.

What is the Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS) Subclass 186 Visa?

The Employer Nomination Scheme (Subclass 186) visa is a permanent residency visa designed to allow Australian businesses to fill genuine skill shortages by sponsoring qualified overseas workers. Unlike temporary work visas, the ENS grants permanent residence status, enabling the visa holder to live, work, and study in Australia indefinitely.

The ENS visa is structured around three distinct streams, each catering to different circumstances for the applicant and the nominating employer:

1. Temporary Residence Transition (TRT) Stream: For skilled workers who have already held a temporary sponsored work visa (such as the Subclass 482 or Subclass 457) and are transitioning to permanent residency with their current employer.
2. Direct Entry (DE) Stream: For skilled workers who are applying for the ENS directly, often from overseas or while in Australia, without having held a previous temporary sponsored visa, provided they meet the stringent skills assessment and work experience requirements.
3. Labour Agreement Stream: For employers who have a formal labour agreement with the Australian government, often used for niche industries or specific regional needs where standard visa criteria do not apply.

Key Eligibility Requirements for the ENS Visa (July 2025 Updates)

To be eligible for the Employer Nomination Scheme visa, both the applicant and the nominating employer must meet specific criteria set by the Department of Home Affairs.

Applicant Requirements

As of July 2025, key requirements for the visa applicant include:

• Age: Generally, applicants must be under 45 years of age at the time of application, unless specific age exemptions apply.
• English Language Proficiency: A minimum of "Competent English" is required (e.g., IELTS score of 6.0 in each band or equivalent).
• Skills Assessment: Applicants in the Direct Entry stream must typically hold a positive skills assessment from the relevant Australian assessing authority for their nominated occupation.
• Work Experience:
  • Direct Entry (DE) Stream: Requires a minimum of three years of relevant post-qualification work experience in the nominated occupation.
  • Temporary Residence Transition (TRT) Stream: Requires having worked in eligible sponsored employment for the nominating employer for at least two years on a full-time basis (Note: requirements for the TRT stream may vary based on visa history).
• Health and Character: Meeting the health and character requirements is mandatory.

Employer Nomination Requirements

The nominating employer must demonstrate a genuine need for the position and meet specific criteria:

• Financial Capacity and Active Business: The employer must be an actively operating business in Australia.
• Genuine Position: The nominated position must be genuine, full-time, and available for at least two years from the time the visa is granted.
• Salary Requirements (Crucial Update for July 2025): The annual salary offered must meet both the Annual Market Salary Rate (AMSR) and the relevant income threshold.

Effective 1 July 2025, the Temporary Skilled Migration Income Threshold (TSMIT), which applies to ENS nominations, increased from $73,150 to $76,515 AUD. Employers nominating under the ENS must ensure the proposed salary meets or exceeds this new threshold and the AMSR for the occupation.

Deep Dive into the Three ENS Streams

Understanding which stream applies to your situation is vital for a successful application.

1. Direct Entry (DE) Stream

This stream is suitable for highly skilled workers who have a positive skills assessment and meet the work experience criteria, regardless of whether they have previously worked in Australia.

Example Scenario: A highly skilled Software Engineer living in London is offered a position with an Australian tech company. The engineer has 4 years of experience and a successful skills assessment from the Australian Computer Society (ACS). Since they haven't worked for the Australian employer previously, they would apply via the Direct Entry stream.

2. Temporary Residence Transition (TRT) Stream

The TRT stream is the most common pathway for skilled workers who have already been working in Australia on a temporary visa (e.g., Subclass 482 – Temporary Skills Shortage visa).

Actionable Advice for TRT Applicants: Ensure you have fulfilled the required period of employment with your sponsoring employer before applying. Maintaining strong communication and demonstrating a consistent, full-time work history is essential.

3. Labour Agreement Stream

This stream is less common and applies only when an Australian employer has a negotiated Labour Agreement with the Department of Home Affairs. These agreements are typically used to address unique or specific skill needs not covered by standard migration programs.

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The ENS Application Process: Step-by-Step Guide

The application process for the ENS visa involves two main stages: the employer's nomination and the visa applicant's application.

Stage 1: The Nomination (Employer's Role)

The employer must lodge a nomination application with the Department of Home Affairs, providing evidence of the genuine need for the position and adherence to Australian employment laws, including the new salary thresholds.

Key Documentation for Employers:

• Organizational charts and business financials.
• Detailed position description and evidence of the Annual Market Salary Rate.
• Evidence of business operations and financial capacity to support the position.

Stage 2: The Visa Application (Applicant's Role)

Once the nomination is approved, the applicant can lodge their visa application via ImmiAccount.

Crucial Step: ImmiAccount and MFA (July 2025 Update): As of June 18, 2025, Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) is mandatory for all ImmiAccount users. Applicants must ensure they have enabled MFA before lodging their application to avoid delays.

Key Documentation for Applicants:

• Passport and identity documents.
• Skills assessment results (if applicable).
• English language test results (IELTS, PTE, etc.).
• Police clearance certificates from all countries lived in for 12 months or more over the past 10 years.
• Health examination results.

Processing Times and Costs for the ENS Visa

While processing times can fluctuate based on the quality of the application and departmental volume, the Department of Home Affairs provides guidance for Subclass 186 visa processing.

• Processing Times (General Estimates as of Mid-2025):
  • Direct Entry and Temporary Residence Transition streams often take between 12 to 18 months for 90% of applications to be finalized.
  • Labour Agreement stream applications typically have shorter processing times, often finalized within 5 months for 90% of applications.
• Visa Application Charges (VACs) (July 2025 Update):
  • Visa application charges have seen a general increase of around 3% effective 1 July 2025, in line with the Consumer Price Index (CPI). The current base application fee for the Subclass 186 visa is AUD 4,910 (Note: Fees are subject to change and should be confirmed on the official Home Affairs website).

The Benefits of the Employer Nomination Scheme

The ENS visa offers significant advantages for skilled migrants seeking a long-term future in Australia.

Permanent Residency and Australian Citizenship

The ENS visa is a permanent visa, granting the holder the right to live and work in Australia indefinitely. This provides a clear pathway to Australian citizenship, typically after four years of permanent residency.

Access to Services and Family Inclusion

Permanent residents under the ENS visa gain access to Australia’s public healthcare system (Medicare) and public education system. Furthermore, the visa allows for the inclusion of eligible family members in the application, offering the opportunity for the entire family to relocate to Australia permanently.

Helpful Resources and External Links

Navigating the ENS requires accurate and current information. The following official resources are essential:

• Australian Department of Home Affairs (Immigration and Citizenship): The authoritative source for all visa requirements, application processes, and policy updates. Visit the Department of Home Affairs website
• Department of Home Affairs Visa Processing Times: Check the latest processing times for Subclass 186 applications.
• Registered Migration Agents (OMARA): For professional advice and assistance with your ENS application, utilize the official register of Australian Registered Migration Agents.

The Employer Nomination Scheme remains a vital tool for both Australian employers and skilled international talent. By staying informed about current requirements, particularly the changes effective July 2025, applicants and employers can maximize their chances of a successful outcome and unlock the opportunities of permanent residency in Australia.

Final Thoughts on the Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS)

The Employer Nomination Scheme (Subclass 186) visa remains a highly sought-after pathway to permanent residency in Australia for skilled workers. It provides a strategic solution for Australian businesses facing talent shortages while offering international professionals the opportunity to build a long-term future in a stable and thriving economy.

As demonstrated throughout this guide, successfully navigating the ENS requires meticulous attention to detail and up-to-date knowledge of evolving Australian migration policies. The recent changes effective from July 2025, including the increased TSMIT and visa application charges, underscore the dynamic nature of skilled migration.

Whether you are an employer seeking to secure skilled talent or a migrant looking to transition to permanent residency, understanding the specific requirements of the Direct Entry, Temporary Residence Transition, or Labour Agreement streams is paramount.

For a successful application and to ensure compliance with the latest regulations, including the new income thresholds and the mandatory ImmiAccount MFA, professional guidance is highly recommended. The Employer Nomination Scheme offers significant rewards, and with expert support, both employers and applicants can confidently pursue this permanent residency pathway.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How does the Employer Nomination Scheme work?

The Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS) visa (subclass 186) is a highly sought-after permanent residency visa that allows skilled workers nominated by an Australian employer to live and work in Australia indefinitely. It's designed to address genuine skill shortages in the Australian labour market.

There are generally three streams under the ENS:

• Temporary Residence Transition (TRT) Stream: This is the most common pathway. It's for holders of a Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) 482 visa (or its predecessor, the 457 visa) who have worked for their nominating employer for a specified period (now typically two years, reduced from three) in the same nominated occupation. The employer then nominates them for permanent residency.
• Direct Entry (DE) Stream: This stream is for skilled workers who have not recently held a 482 visa or who meet specific criteria directly. It generally requires a positive skills assessment in their nominated occupation, substantial work experience, and competent English language ability.
• Labour Agreement Stream: This stream is for skilled workers nominated by an employer who has a formal labour agreement with the Australian government. These agreements are typically negotiated for specific industries or occupations where there's a demonstrated ongoing need for overseas workers that cannot be met through standard visa programs.

The process involves two main stages:

1. Nomination Application: The employer first applies to nominate the skilled worker for a specific position, demonstrating a genuine need for the overseas worker and compliance with Australian labour laws, including paying the market salary rate and contributing to the Skilling Australians Fund (SAF) levy.
2. Visa Application: Once the nomination is approved, the skilled worker (and their eligible family members) can apply for the ENS visa, meeting requirements such as age limits (generally under 45, with some exemptions), English language proficiency, and health and character criteria.

How much does the Employer Nomination Scheme cost?

The costs associated with the Employer Nomination Scheme can be significant and are broadly divided into government fees and potential professional fees.

Government Fees (as of early 2025, subject to change):

• Sponsorship Fee: AUD 420 (paid by the employer)
• Nomination Fee: AUD 540 (for ENS 186, paid by the employer)
• Skilling Australians Fund (SAF) Levy: This is a substantial component, paid by the employer at the time of nomination. The amount depends on the business turnover and the proposed period of stay (for temporary visas) or is a one-off payment for permanent visas:
  • Small businesses (annual turnover less than AUD 10 million): AUD 3,000 (one-off for ENS)
  • Other businesses (annual turnover of AUD 10 million or more): AUD 5,000 (one-off for ENS)
• Visa Application Charge (VAC) for the Primary Applicant: From AUD 4,910
• Additional Applicant Charges:
  • For a partner and any child over 18: AUD 2,455 each
  • For each child under 18: AUD 1,230 each

Other Potential Costs:

• Skills Assessment: Variable, typically AUD 300 - AUD 1,000 (if required for your occupation and stream).
• English Language Test: Approximately AUD 350.
• Medical Examinations: Approximately AUD 400 per adult and AUD 350 per child.
• Police Checks: Variable, depending on the countries lived in.
• Migration Agent/Lawyer Fees: If you engage professional assistance, these fees can range from several thousands of Australian dollars, depending on the complexity of your case and the services provided.

How to get nominated by an Australian employer?

Securing an employer nomination is a crucial step. Here's how to enhance your chances:

• Identify In-Demand Skills: Research Australia's current skilled occupation lists (such as the Medium and Long-Term Strategic Skills List - MLTSSL and the Short-Term Skilled Occupation List - STSOL) to understand which professions are in high demand. Tailor your job search and skills development accordingly.
• Networking and Job Search Platforms: Actively engage with Australian recruiters, attend online job fairs, and leverage professional networking platforms like LinkedIn. Utilise major Australian job boards (e.g., Seek, Indeed Australia, Jora) to find opportunities specifically advertising sponsorship.
• Target Companies with Sponsorship History: Some companies have a history of sponsoring overseas workers. Researching such companies and directly approaching them can be effective.
• Demonstrate Value and Fit: When applying, clearly articulate how your skills and experience directly address a specific need within the Australian employer's business that cannot be filled by the local labour market. Showcase your qualifications, relevant work experience, and any professional registrations or licenses required in Australia.
• Prepare a Strong Resume and Cover Letter: Tailor your application documents to Australian standards, highlighting your accomplishments and aligning them with the job description.
• Competent English Language: Ensure you meet the English language proficiency requirements (e.g., IELTS, PTE Academic) as this is a fundamental requirement for most skilled visas.
• Consider Regional Opportunities: Employers in regional areas often face greater skill shortages, and some visa pathways offer concessions for regional nominations.

What is the 482 employer nomination scheme?

The Subclass 482 visa, officially known as the Skills in Demand (SID) visa (it replaced the Temporary Skill Shortage or TSS visa), is not an "employer nomination scheme" in the same way the 186 ENS is. Instead, it's a temporary employer-sponsored visa that allows Australian employers to sponsor skilled overseas workers to fill temporary skill shortages.

The 482 visa has three streams:

• Short-Term Stream: For occupations on the Short-Term Skilled Occupation List (STSOL). These visas are typically granted for up to two years (or four years if an International Trade Obligation applies).
• Medium-Term Stream: For occupations on the Medium and Long-Term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL). These visas are generally granted for up to four years and historically offered a clearer pathway to permanent residency.
• Labour Agreement Stream: For workers nominated by employers who have a labour agreement with the Australian government.

Crucially, while the 482 visa is employer-sponsored, it is temporary. However, it often serves as a stepping stone towards permanent residency through the ENS (subclass 186) visa, particularly via the Temporary Residence Transition stream.

Does 482 guarantee PR?

No, holding a 482 visa does not guarantee permanent residency (PR). However, it can provide a strong pathway, particularly through the Temporary Residence Transition (TRT) stream of the Employer Nomination Scheme (subclass 186) visa.

Recent changes (as of late 2023/early 2024 and continuing into 2025) have significantly expanded PR pathways for 482 visa holders:

• Broader Eligibility: All 482 visa holders, including those in the Short-Term and Labour Agreement streams, are now eligible to apply for the ENS 186 visa via the TRT stream, provided they meet other criteria. Previously, this was primarily limited to Medium-Term stream holders.
• Reduced Work Experience: The work experience requirement for PR eligibility through the TRT stream has been reduced from three years to two years of full-time work with the sponsoring employer on the 482 visa.
• Occupation List Flexibility: The restriction that the nominated occupation for PR must be on a specific skilled occupation list has been eased. The occupation must now generally align with the same four-digit ANZSCO unit group code as the one held on the 482 visa.

While these changes have made PR more accessible, it's still contingent on meeting all ENS 186 visa requirements and your employer being willing to nominate you for permanent residency.

What is the minimum wage for sponsor 482?

As of July 1, 2025, the minimum salary threshold for the Skills in Demand (SID) visa (formerly 482 visa) is set to increase.

• Core Skills Income Threshold: AUD 76,515 per year (excluding superannuation). This is the general minimum salary for most occupations.
• Specialist Skills Income Threshold: AUD 141,210 per year (excluding superannuation). This applies to specific higher-skilled occupations.

It's important to note that the employer must pay the overseas worker no less than the Annual Market Salary Rate (AMSR) for the nominated occupation. This means the salary offered must be at least the market rate paid to an Australian worker for the same position, and in any case, it must meet or exceed the relevant income threshold.

How much is PR after 482?

The cost of obtaining Permanent Residency (PR) after holding a 482 visa primarily refers to the fees for the Employer Nomination Scheme (subclass 186) visa. As detailed earlier, the government visa application charge for the primary applicant for the ENS 186 visa is from AUD 4,910. Additional costs apply for dependent family members.

Remember to also factor in other potential costs like skills assessment (if applicable), English language tests, medicals, police checks, and migration agent fees.

Can I work two jobs on a 482 visa?

Generally, no, you cannot work two jobs on a 482 visa unless specific conditions are met, or it's within the scope of your primary sponsored employment. The 482 visa is tied to your sponsoring employer and nominated occupation.

The key conditions (Condition 8107 and 8607) for 482 visa holders are:

• You must work only for your approved sponsoring employer (or an associated entity, depending on the stream).
• You must work only in your nominated occupation.
• You cannot be out of work for more than 60 consecutive days.

Working a second job for a different employer, or in a different occupation, would typically be a breach of your visa conditions. If you wish to change employers, your new employer must lodge a new nomination and a new 482 visa application (or apply for a different visa entirely).

However, there might be very limited exceptions where a second job is permitted if it's:

• For the same sponsoring company and
• In the same field as your visa-sponsored occupation, and
• Related to your current role as a minor addition to your main job responsibilities.

It is crucial to seek professional advice from a registered migration agent or the Department of Home Affairs before undertaking any additional employment to ensure compliance with your visa conditions.

What happens if I quit my job on a 482 visa?

If you quit your job on a 482 visa, you enter a critical period with specific implications:

• 90-Day Window: You generally have 90 consecutive days from the cessation of your employment to either find a new sponsoring employer who is willing to nominate you for a new 482 visa, or apply for a different visa that allows you to remain in Australia, or depart Australia.
• Employer Obligations: Your former employer is obliged to notify the Department of Home Affairs within 28 days of your employment cessation. They may also be required to pay for your travel expenses out of Australia, depending on your employment contract and visa conditions.
• Risk of Visa Cancellation: If you fail to secure new sponsorship or another valid visa within the 90-day period, your 482 visa may be cancelled, and you could become an unlawful non-citizen, which has significant negative consequences for future visa applications.

It is highly advisable to start exploring new employment opportunities or other visa pathways before resigning from your current position to ensure a smooth transition and maintain your legal status in Australia.

Can I apply for PR after 1 year on a 482 visa?

Historically, the standard work experience requirement for applying for PR via the Temporary Residence Transition (TRT) stream of the ENS 186 visa was three years on a 482 visa.

However, recent significant changes have reduced this to two years of full-time work with the sponsoring employer on your 482 visa for eligibility for the ENS 186 TRT stream.

As of late 2024, the work experience requirement for the Skills in Demand Visa (Subclass 482) itself was reduced to one year of relevant work experience. This is an eligibility requirement for the 482 visa application, not for the PR pathway after holding the 482.

Therefore, while you may be eligible to apply for a 482 visa with one year of experience, you generally need to have worked for your sponsoring employer for two years on your 482 visa to be eligible for the PR pathway through the ENS 186 TRT stream.

Can I drive Uber on a 482 visa?

Driving for ride-sharing services like Uber on a 482 visa is generally not permissible as it typically falls outside the scope of your specific sponsored employment and nominated occupation.

The 482 visa is very restrictive regarding the type of work you can do and for whom you can do it. You are tied to your sponsoring employer and the occupation for which your visa was granted. Driving Uber would be considered a separate employment activity and would likely breach your visa conditions (Condition 8107 and 8607).

Breaching visa conditions can lead to visa cancellation and impact your ability to apply for future Australian visas. If you are considering any form of additional work, it is paramount to consult with a registered migration agent to understand the specific implications for your visa.

What is the new rule for the 482 visa?

The Australian government has introduced several significant changes to the employer-sponsored visa program, particularly impacting the former 482 visa (now known as the Skills in Demand - SID - visa). These changes aim to streamline the system and better address Australia's labour market needs.

Key "new rules" (implemented from late 2023 through 2025):

1. Renaming to Skills in Demand (SID) Visa: The Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) 482 visa has been rebranded as the Skills in Demand (SID) visa, operating under a new three-tier system:
   • Core Skills Stream: For occupations on a new Core Skills Occupation List (CSOL), set to replace the current STSOL and MLTSSL.
   • Specialist Skills Stream: For highly skilled occupations (Major Groups 1, 2, 4, 5, or 6 in ANZSCO) with a salary exceeding the Specialist Skills Income Threshold (AUD 141,210 from July 1, 2025). This stream has no occupation list requirement and faster processing.
   • Essential Skills Stream: Expected to be for lower-paid essential workers, though details are still being developed.
2. Reduced Work Experience Requirement for the SID Visa: As of late 2024, applicants for the SID visa only need one year of relevant work experience, down from two years.
3. Increased Income Thresholds:
   • Core Skills Income Threshold (CSIT): Increased to AUD 76,515 from July 1, 2025.
   • Specialist Skills Income Threshold (SSIT): Increased to AUD 141,210 from July 1, 2025.
4. Expanded Permanent Residency Pathways from 482/SID Visa:
   • All 482/SID visa holders (including those from the Short-Term and Labour Agreement streams) now have a clearer pathway to permanent residency through the Employer Nomination Scheme (subclass 186) visa's Temporary Residence Transition (TRT) stream.
   • The work experience requirement for the 186 TRT stream has been reduced from three years to two years with the sponsoring employer on the 482/SID visa.
   • The nominated occupation for PR generally needs to align with the same four-digit ANZSCO unit group code as the one held on the 482/SID visa, providing more flexibility.
5. Unlimited Onshore Applications: The previous cap on onshore applications for Short-Term stream 482 visas has been removed, allowing visa holders to extend their stay and pursue PR without limitation.
6. Stricter Employer Obligations and Compliance: The new framework includes increased responsibilities for sponsoring employers, with more rigorous checks on genuine need, adherence to Australian labour laws, more stringent Labour Market Testing (LMT), and mandatory contributions to the Skilling Australians Fund (SAF) levy.
7. Potential for Mandatory Skills Assessments: Some roles may now require a mandatory skills assessment, even for applicants from countries previously exempt.

These changes are designed to make Australia's skilled migration program more responsive, efficient, and better aligned with the country's economic and labour market needs.

Why Choose Go Ahead Migration for Your ENS Visa Journey?
Navigating Australia’s Employer Nomination Scheme (Subclass 186) can be complex—but with Go Ahead Migration, you’re in trusted hands. Led by industry expert Sukhwinder Singh, with over 15 years of proven experience, our team offers tailored migration solutions, honest advice, and end-to-end support. Whether you're an employer looking to sponsor skilled talent or a visa applicant planning your permanent residency pathway, we simplify the process and maximize your success. Contact Go Ahead Migration today to turn your Australian migration goals into reality with confidence.

📍 Based in Melbourne | ✔️ Registered Migration Experts

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