Employer Nomination Scheme visa 186
Permanent employer sponsored visa: Direct Entry, Temporary Residence Transition or Labour Agreement.
In force
Who it is for
Workers nominated by an Australian employer for a permanent position. Temporary Residence Transition: current sponsored workers with 2 years of eligible sponsored work in the last 3 years. Direct Entry: occupation on the Core Skills Occupation List, a skills assessment and 3 years of experience. Labour Agreement: under an employer's agreement.
Main requirements
- Under 45 when you apply, with some exemptions.
- Competent English (Labour Agreement as specified).
- Direct Entry: a positive skills assessment and 3 years of relevant experience.
- Licensing or registration where required in your state.
- Nomination: a genuine business, salary at least the Core Skills threshold and market rate; apply within 6 months of nomination approval.
- Health and character.
Where you apply from
In or outside Australia (not in immigration clearance).
Streams
- Direct Entry
- Temporary Residence Transition
- Labour Agreement
Your journey, step by step
From the first enquiry to the decision and after, with how a registered migration agent helps at each step. No step promises an outcome.
- Employer and worker enquiry
Choose the stream.
How a registered migration agent helpsA registered migration agent times the Temporary Residence Transition dates exactly. - Service agreement
Before any personal advice or preparation, you receive a written service agreement and the OMARA Consumer Guide.
How a registered migration agent helpsA registered migration agent sets out the work, the fee and the refund policy in writing. No money is taken for visa work before the agreement is signed. - Nomination
The employer nominates and pays the levy.
How a registered migration agent helpsA registered migration agent prepares the nomination and salary evidence. - Visa application
Lodge with or after the nomination, within 6 months of approval.
How a registered migration agent helpsA registered migration agent analyses age and English exemptions. - Health, police and biometrics
Health examinations, police certificates and biometrics when the Department asks.
How a registered migration agent helpsA registered migration agent tracks every request and deadline so nothing lapses. - Decision
Processing follows a Ministerial Direction from 19 September 2026.
How a registered migration agent helpsA registered migration agent manages long processing honestly, including bridging visas and travel. - Permanent residence
Citizenship when eligible.
How a registered migration agent helpsA registered migration agent plans the next step.
Government charges from 1 July 2026
Paid to the Department of Home Affairs, not to us.
| Applicant or item | Charge (A$) |
|---|---|
| Main applicant | A$6,140 |
| Family member 18 or over | A$3,070 |
| Family member under 18 | A$1,535 |
| Second instalment, main applicant without functional English (where applicable) | A$9,800 |
| Second instalment, secondary applicant 18 or over | A$4,890 |
Employer or sponsor costs
| Skilling Australians Fund levy, turnover under A$10 million | A$3,000 one-off |
|---|---|
| Skilling Australians Fund levy, turnover A$10 million or more | A$5,000 one-off |
| Nomination fee | Check the Visa Pricing Estimator |
Check every charge in the Home Affairs Visa Pricing Estimator.
Processing times
Home Affairs Global visa processing times. Read 22 October 2026. A guide only, not a promise.
| Direct Entry | 50% in 21 months, 90% in 25 months |
|---|---|
| Temporary Residence Transition | 50% in 21 months, 90% in 25 months |
| Labour Agreement | 50% in 50 days, 90% in 12 months |
Common refusal reasons
- Nomination refused: position not genuine or ongoing, salary below threshold, business not operating.
- Fewer than 2 years of eligible sponsored work (Temporary Residence Transition) or 3 years of experience (Direct Entry).
- English or age.
- Nomination withdrawn.
- Adverse information about the employer.
Document checklist
Tick items as you gather them. Your ticks stay on this device only.
- Worker
- Employer
Recent and upcoming changes
- 12 May 2026
Employer Sponsored places: 58,040 for 2026-27.
- 19 September 2026
New processing order for skilled visas.
Talk it through before you apply.
The first 15 minutes are free and general. Personal advice starts after a written service agreement.
Information checked 22 October 2026. General information only, not advice for your situation. Rules and charges change; check the official sources before you act.