Subclass 186 Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS) visa
Skilled workers nominated by an Australian employer for a permanent role.
The Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS) visa (subclass 186) is an Australian employer sponsored visa. This guide covers who the 186 visa is for, the key eligibility criteria, the indicative 2025–26 cost (≈ $4,910 (main applicant)) and processing time (≈ 5–12 months), the pathway to permanent residence, common pitfalls, and frequently asked questions — in plain English.
Who the 186 visa is for
Skilled workers nominated by an Australian employer for a permanent role.
This visa IS permanent residence.
Subclass 186 eligibility criteria
- Employer nomination of an eligible, genuine, full-time position
- Temporary Residence Transition (from a 482/TSS) or Direct Entry stream
- Relevant skills and experience; skills assessment for Direct Entry
- Generally under 45 (with exemptions)
- Competent English
Subclass 186 cost & processing time (2025–26)
The indicative government visa application charge for the Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS) visa (subclass 186) is ≈ $4,910 (main applicant), with an indicative processing time of ≈ 5–12 months. Figures are for 2025–26 and government charges usually change on 1 July.
| Visa type | Permanent |
|---|---|
| Location | Onshore or offshore |
| Length of stay | Permanent |
| Work rights | Unlimited — full PR work rights |
| Study rights | Yes |
| Government charge | ≈ $4,910 (main applicant) |
| Processing time | ≈ 5–12 months |
| Pathway to PR | This visa IS permanent residence. |
Pathway & next steps
This visa IS permanent residence.
Many applicants also compare the 482 (Skills in Demand visa (SID)), the 494 (Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (Provisional) visa), the 189 (Skilled Independent visa). Run a free 60-second VisaChief check to see which subclass best fits your profile, then prepare a lodgement-ready application reviewed by a registered migration agent.
Common 186 visa pitfalls we fix
Subclass 186 visa — frequently asked questions
How much does the subclass 186 visa cost?
The Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS) visa (subclass 186) base application charge is ≈ $4,910 (main applicant). Government charges are indicative for 2025–26 and usually change on 1 July — always confirm the current visa application charge at immi.homeaffairs.gov.au before lodging.
How long does the subclass 186 visa take to process?
Indicative processing time is ≈ 5–12 months. Actual timeframes depend on the Department of Home Affairs caseload, how complete your application is, and your individual circumstances.
Does the subclass 186 visa lead to permanent residence?
This visa IS permanent residence.
Can I work on the subclass 186 visa?
Work rights on the Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS) visa (subclass 186): Unlimited — full PR work rights.
Who can apply for the 186 visa?
Skilled workers nominated by an Australian employer for a permanent role.