Employer · Subclass 186
Employer Nomination Scheme visa
Permanent employer sponsored visa: Direct Entry, Temporary Residence Transition or Labour Agreement.
New from 26 October 2026: biometrics for applications made in India. What it means for you →
Who it is for
Workers nominated by an Australian employer for a permanent position. Temporary Residence Transition: current sponsored workers with 2 years of eligible sponsored work in the last 3 years. Direct Entry: occupation on the Core Skills Occupation List, a skills assessment and 3 years of experience. Labour Agreement: under an employer's agreement.
Key eligibility
- Under 45 when you apply, with some exemptions.
- Competent English (Labour Agreement as specified).
- Direct Entry: a positive skills assessment and 3 years of relevant experience.
- Licensing or registration where required in your state.
- Nomination: a genuine business, salary at least the Core Skills threshold and market rate; apply within 6 months of nomination approval.
- Health and character.
Where to apply, and bridging visas
In or outside Australia (not in immigration clearance).
Your journey, step by step
Employer and worker enquiry
Choose the stream.
How a registered migration agent helps: A registered migration agent times the Temporary Residence Transition dates exactly.
Service agreement
Before any personal advice or preparation, you receive a written service agreement and the OMARA Consumer Guide.
How a registered migration agent helps: A registered migration agent sets out the work, the fee and the refund policy in writing. No money is taken for visa work before the agreement is signed.
Nomination
The employer nominates and pays the levy.
How a registered migration agent helps: A registered migration agent prepares the nomination and salary evidence.
Visa application
Lodge with or after the nomination, within 6 months of approval.
How a registered migration agent helps: A registered migration agent analyses age and English exemptions.
Health, police and biometrics
Health examinations, police certificates and biometrics when the Department asks. If you apply in India, the Department may ask you to give biometrics at a VFS Global centre after you lodge; book an appointment quickly using the instructions in the request letter.
How a registered migration agent helps: A registered migration agent tracks every request and deadline so nothing lapses.
Decision
Processing follows a Ministerial Direction from 19 September 2026.
How a registered migration agent helps: A registered migration agent manages long processing honestly, including bridging visas and travel.
Permanent residence
Citizenship when eligible.
How a registered migration agent helps: A registered migration agent plans the next step.
The Department of Home Affairs makes every decision. No one can promise a grant, an invitation or a faster decision.
Government charges from 1 July 2026
| Applicant or item | Charge |
|---|---|
| Main applicant | A$6,140 |
| Family member 18 or over | A$3,070 |
| Family member under 18 | A$1,535 |
| Second instalment, main applicant without functional English (where applicable) | A$9,800 |
| Second instalment, secondary applicant 18 or over | A$4,890 |
Employer costs
| Item | Charge |
|---|---|
| Skilling Australians Fund levy, turnover under A$10 million | A$3,000 one-off |
| Skilling Australians Fund levy, turnover A$10 million or more | A$5,000 one-off |
| Nomination fee | Check the Visa Pricing Estimator |
Streams: Direct Entry, Temporary Residence Transition, Labour Agreement.
Health checks, police certificates, translations, skills assessments and English tests are extra and paid to the provider. Our professional fee is separate and quoted in writing. Estimate total charges for your family.
Source: Home Affairs Current visa pricing table, charges from 1 July 2026, read 22 October 2026. Confirm in the Visa Pricing Estimator before you pay.
Processing times
Source: Home Affairs Global visa processing times. Read 22 October 2026. Check the current Home Affairs guide. A guide only; times change monthly and are not a promise.
Common refusal risks
- Nomination refused: position not genuine or ongoing, salary below threshold, business not operating.
- Fewer than 2 years of eligible sponsored work (Temporary Residence Transition) or 3 years of experience (Direct Entry).
- English or age.
- Nomination withdrawn.
- Adverse information about the employer.
Drawn from the published criteria and general practice experience, not Department statistics.
Document checklist
Tick items as you collect them. Ticks are saved in this browser only and are not sent to us. This is a general list; the Department may ask for more.
0 of 0 collected
The Immigration Worldwide. Sukh Sandhu, Registered Migration Agent, MARN 1384130. General information, checked 22 October 2026.
Recent changes
From 26 October 2026, if you apply for this visa in India, the Department may ask you to give biometrics (fingerprints and a facial image). This applies to new applications lodged from that date. The Department sends a request letter with instructions. Most people then book an appointment at a VFS Global Australian Biometrics Collection Centre; some eligible people can use the Australian Immi App instead.
Employer Sponsored places: 58,040 for 2026-27.
New processing order for skilled visas.
Sources and checks
- Home Affairs: Employer Nomination Scheme (subclass 186)
- Home Affairs: Biometrics
- Home Affairs Current visa pricing table, charges from 1 July 2026
Related
Information checked 22 October 2026. General information only, not advice about your situation. Australian advice is given by Sukh Sandhu, Registered Migration Agent, MARN 1384130.