Employer Nomination Scheme Permanent Residence Pathway

The Employer Nomination Scheme (Subclass 186 visa) is one of the few Australian visas that takes a skilled worker straight to permanent residence, sponsored by an approved employer — with no temporary visa step required for most applicants. It has three streams — Temporary Residence Transition (TRT), Direct Entry, and Labour Agreement — and from 1 July 2026 the minimum salary (Core Skills Income Threshold) is AUD $79,423.

If you're already working in Australia on a 482 visa, on a job offer from overseas, or covered by a labour agreement, the ENS pathway could be your fastest route to a permanent visa. Here's what's current for 2026.

The Three Employer Nomination Scheme Streams

• Temporary Residence Transition (TRT): For 482/457 visa holders who've worked with their nominating employer for the required period. No skills assessment needed in most cases.
• Direct Entry: For applicants applying from overseas or without enough time on a 482 visa. Requires a positive skills assessment in most occupations, listed on the Core Skills Occupation List (CSOL).
• Labour Agreement: For employers with a formal labour agreement with the Australian Government, often used where standard occupation lists don't fit the role.

2026 Requirements at a Glance

• Core Skills Income Threshold: AUD $79,423 (nominations lodged 1 July 2026 – 30 June 2027)
• Age: Generally under 45 at time of application, unless an exemption applies
• English: Competent English required unless exempt
• Employer: Must be an approved Standard Business Sponsor (or hold a labour agreement)
• Health & character: Medical exam and police clearances required
• Visa charge: From AUD $6,140 for the main applicant (check the Visa Pricing Estimator for your exact cost)

How Long Does the Employer Nomination Scheme Take?

Processing varies significantly by stream (Department of Home Affairs data, most recently decided applications):

• Labour Agreement: 50% within 8 months, 90% within 10 months
• TRT: 50% within 11 months, 90% within 15 months
• Direct Entry: 50% within 10 months, 90% within 14 months

From 25 July 2026, subclass 186 applications are processed under Ministerial Direction 119, which sets new priority settings — meaning some applications, including certain regional-linked nominations, may be processed ahead of others regardless of lodgement date.