Quick answer
The Employer Nomination Scheme visa (subclass 186) allows skilled workers nominated by their employer to live and work in Australia permanently [2]. It is a permanent visa [5]. The cost starts from a base price, with concessions applying in limited circumstances [5]. Processing times can be checked using the visa processing time guide tool, which shows times for recently decided applications and is a guide only [7].
Key facts
| Visa validity | Permanent[5] |
| Visa type | Permanent residence[1] |
| Purpose | Allows skilled workers to live and work in Australia permanently if nominated by an Australian employer.[1] |
| Streams | Temporary Residence Transition stream and Direct Entry stream[2][3] |
| Eligibility for Temporary Residence Transition stream | Must have held a subclass 457 or TSS visa and worked for the nominating employer for at least 3 years.[2] |
| Eligibility for Direct Entry stream | For applicants who have never held a subclass 457 or TSS visa, or who are not eligible for the Temporary Residence Transition stream.[3] |
Am I eligible?
Temporary Residence Transition stream
- Hold a subclass 457 or TSS visa
- Have worked for the nominating employer for at least 3 years
Direct Entry stream
- Have never held a subclass 457 or TSS visa
- Or not eligible for the Temporary Residence Transition stream
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Requirements in detail
You must be nominated by an approved Australian employer for a position in your occupation.
Your occupation must be on the relevant skilled occupation list and you must meet any applicable requirements.
Generally you must be under 45 years of age at the time of application, unless an exemption applies.
You may need to have your skills assessed by the relevant assessing authority for your occupation.
You must meet the required level of English language proficiency unless exempt.
You must meet health and character requirements, including police checks and medical examinations.
The visa application fee must be paid. The base fee is AUD 4,640, with concessions applying in limited circumstances.
Documents you'll need
- Evidence of your identity (e.g., passport)
- Evidence of your skills and qualifications (e.g., skills assessment, qualifications)
- Evidence of your employment history (e.g., references, payslips)
This list adjusts automatically based on your nationality and category.
How to apply
- 1
Check if you meet the eligibility requirements for the relevant stream.
- 2
Gather all required documents, including evidence of identity, skills, and employment.
- 3
Submit an online application through the Department of Home Affairs website.
Frequently asked questions
What is the Employer Nomination Scheme visa (subclass 186)?
It is a permanent residence visa that allows skilled workers to live and work in Australia if nominated by an Australian employer.
Related visas
Sources
One numbered entry per specific claim — several entries may point to the same underlying document, each with its own locator.
- [1]
Visa purpose
Primary source · Last verified: Aug 15, 2026Verified — deep-linked - [2]
Visa validity
Primary source · Last verified: Aug 15, 2026Verified — deep-linked - [3]
Cost information
Primary source · Last verified: Aug 15, 2026Verified — deep-linked - [4]
Processing times
Primary source · Last verified: Aug 15, 2026Verified — deep-linked - [5]
Employer Nomination Scheme visa (subclass 186) allows skilled workers to live and work in Australia permanently if nominated by an Australian employer.
Primary source · Last verified: Aug 15, 2026Verified — deep-linked - [6]
The Temporary Residence Transition stream is for subclass 457 or TSS visa holders who have worked for their nominating employer for at least 3 years.
Temporary Residence Transition stream · Last verified: Aug 15, 2026Verified — deep-linked - [7]
The Direct Entry stream is for applicants who have never held a subclass 457 or TSS visa, or who are not eligible for the Temporary Residence Transition stream.
Direct Entry stream - Immigration and citizenship · Last verified: Aug 15, 2026Verified — deep-linked
This page reflects Australia's officially published requirements as of the dates above. It is not legal advice, and final approval is solely at the discretion of Australia's immigration authorities. For a case-specific compliance check against your own documents, try VisaBook free.