Employer Nomination Scheme (subclass 186)
Permanent residency for skilled workers nominated by their employer.
About this visa
The Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS) is a permanent residence visa for skilled workers whose employer nominates them for an ongoing, full-time role. It is one of the most direct employer-sponsored routes to permanent residency.
The visa has two main streams: the Direct Entry stream, for people applying from outside the transition pathway, and the Temporary Residence Transition stream, for those who have already worked for their sponsor on an eligible visa for the required period.
As a permanent visa, the ENS gives you and your included family members the right to live, work and study indefinitely, access to healthcare arrangements, and a pathway to citizenship once you meet the residency requirements.
This may suit you if
- You have an employer willing to nominate you permanently
- Your occupation is eligible for the scheme
- You meet the skills, experience and English requirements
- You want permanent residency from the outset or after transition
Eligibility & key requirements
- Nomination by an approved employer for a genuine, ongoing position
- An eligible occupation for the relevant stream
- A positive skills assessment where required
- The required period of relevant work experience
- Competent English (with limited exemptions)
- Health and character requirements, and being under the age limit unless exempt
The two streams
- Direct Entry - for those not using the transition pathway
- Temporary Residence Transition - after qualifying work for your sponsor
- Permanent residency for you and eligible family
- Access to healthcare and a pathway to citizenship
How the process works
Every application follows the same disciplined path, so you always know the next step.
Assess
We review your full profile, confirm the visas you realistically qualify for and recommend the strongest route for your goals.
Plan
You receive a clear written plan setting out timelines, costs, the documents needed and any gaps to close before lodging.
Prepare
We draft your submissions, complete every form and assemble your evidence so the application is accurate and decision-ready.
Lodge
We lodge your application, track its progress and respond on your behalf to any request from the authorities.
Outcome
We see you through to the decision, and support you afterwards with arrival, conditions, renewals and future permanent residency or citizenship.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a job offer before I apply?
Can an employer-sponsored visa lead to permanent residency?
How long will my application take?
Can I include my family?
Do I have to visit your office in Jalandhar?
From first question to grant
- Confirm your occupation is on the relevant list and check any caveats
- Manage the skills assessment and English requirements
- Prepare the nomination and visa together, decision-ready
- Plan the pathway from a temporary visa to permanent residency
Questions about this visa?
Book a consultation or request a free assessment. We will give you a clear, honest view of your options.