1300 899 734

186 – Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS)

The Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS) 186 visa is Australia’s primary pathway to permanent residency (PR) for sponsored employees.

There are 2 primary streams for under the 186 visa:

  • Temporary Residence Transition (TRT);
  • Direct Entry (DE).

Temporary Residence Transition

The TRT stream requires the applicant to have worked a minimum of 3 years with the nominating employer on a 482 or 457 visa.¹ The TRT stream is an important pathway for candidates that have committed to their employment for the minimum duration, and do not hold a valid skills assessment for their occupation.

In order to apply for PR in the ENS program, the applicant must be nominated in an occupation on the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL).²

It is also generally a requirement that the applicant have a minimum ‘competent’ level of English in order to apply for PR under the ENS stream (both TRT and DE).

Direct Entry

The DE pathway is a fast track option to PR for applicants that are at a higher skill level for their occupation.

While also an employer sponsored pathway, an application under this pathway does not require the applicant to spend a minimum of 3 years on the 482 visa prior to becoming eligible for PR.

In addition to support from their Australian employer, the applicant must hold a positive skills assessment in an occupation on the MLTSSL. The requirements for a obtaining a positive skills assessment vary based on occupation and skill assessing authority. The application process for many occupations is also complex and time consuming.

If you would like to explore your options for permanent residency under the ENS 186 pathways, please get in touch with a MAPS registered migration agent on 1300 899 734 to arrange your eligibility assessment today.

¹ If the applicant holds a 457 visa, they may be eligible for TRT after 2 years, depending on the date they obtained their visa.
² If the applicant lodged or held a 457 visa prior to 18 April 2017, they may still be able to apply for TRT on a short term list occupation.