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Employer Nomination Scheme Visa (ENS) (Subclass 186)

The Employer Nomination Scheme Visa (ENS) (Subclass 186) allows skilled workers to live and work in Australia permanently, sponsored by an approved Australian employer/business.

Once the employer nominates the applicant (Stage 1), the permanent visa application may then be lodged (Stage 2).

Applicants who have worked for the employer for two years on a Skills in Demand Visa (SID) (Subclass 482) may qualify under the Temporary Residence Transition Stream (link).

In some cases, applicants may also be eligible to apply directly for permanent residency without holding a Skills in Demand Visa (SID) (Subclass 482), depending on their occupation and circumstances.

Given the complexity of the Work Visa process and the numerous eligibility requirements involved, we recommend booking a complimentary consultation with Andreas Athanasiou to discuss your specific circumstances and pathway options.

Olympus Migration – Australian Visas & Australian Citizenship – Andreas Athanasiou – Registered Migration Agent – Work Visas – 482 186 189 190 – (MARN: 1685134)

Eligibility

To be eligible to apply for the Employer Nomination Scheme Visa (ENS) (Subclass 186), an applicant must generally satisfy the primary visa and nomination requirements set out under the Migration Act 1958 and the Migration Regulations 1994, including the relevant Schedule 2 criteria:

Be under 45 years of age.
Not hold certain visas that prevent further onshore applications.
Have complied with all previous visa conditions.
Be nominated by an approved Australian employer or business sponsor.
Be employed on a Skills in Demand Visa (SID) (Subclass 482) in the nominated occupation for that sponsor (TRT only).
Select an occupation listed on the relevant Skilled Occupation List.
Possess the skills and employment background required for that occupation.
Have at least three years of verifiable work experience in the nominated role (DE only).
Hold the relevant qualifications (where required).
Obtain a positive skills assessment (DE only).
Meet the English language requirement.
Satisfy the character and health criteria.

The criteria listed above represent the minimum requirements only. Additional information and supporting documentation may be required from both the applicant and the sponsoring employer to confirm eligibility.

For personalised guidance and an assessment of your individual circumstances, you are welcome to contact our office for a complimentary consultation.

Streams of the ENS Visa

The Employer Nomination Scheme Visa (ENS) (Subclass 186) offers two main streams:

1. Temporary Residence Transition (TRT) Stream

Applicant is in Australia on a Skills in Demand Visa (SID) (Subclass 482) or a Bridging Visa linked to one.
Has worked for the sponsoring employer for at least two years and remains employed with them.
Can provide verifiable evidence of the two years of employment.
The nominated occupation must be included on the relevant Skilled Occupation List.

2. Direct Entry (DE) Stream

Applicant may be in or outside Australia.
Prior employment with the sponsor is not required.
Must have at least three years of post-qualification experience in the nominated occupation.
Must provide verifiable employment evidence covering the three-year period.
Must hold a positive Skills Assessment for the nominated occupation.
The occupation must appear on the relevant Skilled Occupation List.

Prerequisities (Sponsor)

Stage 1 – Nomination Application

The sponsor must nominate the applicant for a position that appears on the relevant Skilled Occupation List. This involves demonstrating a genuine need for the role and offering terms and conditions of employment that meet Australian standards, among other criteria. Some nominated occupations may also be subject to specific caveats or additional requirements. More information for Business Sponsors can be found in this link.

Only after the nomination has been submitted can the applicant apply for the Employer Nomination Scheme Visa (ENS) (Subclass 186), which is Stage 2.

The first stage, which involves the employer or sponsoring business, can be complex and document-intensive, requiring careful preparation and compliance with all Department of Home Affairs requirements. For personalised guidance and an assessment of your sponsor’s circumstances, you are welcome to contact our office for a complimentary consultation.

Evidence of Experience

For the Direct Entry Stream, the applicant must demonstrate that they possess the skills and experience necessary to perform the nominated occupation and have at least three years of verifiable work experience (post-qualification) and the qualifications required for that occupation. This experience must be full-time (or an equivalent period of part-time work) and verifiable.

To evidence this, applicants may provide (but are not limited to):

Qualification certificates and testamurs.
Professional registrations or licences.
Employment references from previous employers.
Updated curriculum vitae.
Payslips.
Bank statements showing wage deposits.
Superannuation records.

In some cases, if the applicant does not hold formal qualifications, additional relevant full-time experience may be accepted in lieu of qualifications, depending on the occupation and the specific requirements set by the Department of Home Affairs, depending on the circumstances.

Furthermore, applicants are also required to complete a Skills Assessment to verify that their skills meet Australian standards for the nominated occupation.

Applicants under the Temporary Residence Transition (TRT) Stream must provide verifiable evidence that they have worked for their sponsoring employer(s) throughout the duration of their Skills in Demand Visa (Subclass 482).

English Language Requirements

If the applicant holds a valid passport from New Zealand, Canada, the Republic of Ireland, the United Kingdom, or the United States of America, they are exempt from undertaking an English language test.

Applicants who do not hold a passport from one of the above countries, or who do not meet any other exemption, must achieve the minimum required English test scores in a single attempt within three years prior to lodging the visa application.

Accepted English language tests include:

IELTS General Training.
IELTS Academic (International English Language Testing System).
PTE Academic.
LanguageCert Academic.
Michigan English Test (MET).
Occupational English Test (OET).
CELPIP General (Canadian English Language Proficiency Index Program).
TOEFL iBT.

Important: The Department of Home Affairs does not accept online or remote-proctored English tests (also known as “at-home” tests). Only results from officially supervised, in-person tests are accepted for Australian visa purposes.

Visa Application Charge

The Department of Home Affairs (DHA) charges an application fee of AUD $6,140 for an Employer Nomination Scheme Visa (ENS) (Subclass 186).

If a spouse and/or dependent children are included in the application, additional DHA fees apply.

In addition to the DHA fee, applicants should also budget for other potential costs, which may include:

Immigration health examinations.
Skills Assessment (DE only).
Australian police clearance certificates.
Overseas police clearance certificates.
Registration of relationship (if applicable).
Certified translations of documents.
Bank or credit-card surcharges.
Professional fees charged by the appointed Migration Agency.*

*To help reduce financial pressure, Olympus Migration offers flexible payment plans, allowing professional fees to be paid in instalments over a period of up to 15 months.

After the Visa Lodgement

If the applicant is overseas at the time of applying for the Employer Nomination Scheme Visa (ENS) (Subclass 186), it is generally recommended that they remain outside Australia while awaiting a decision.

If the applicant is in Australia when lodging the visa, and depending on the visa currently held, they will usually be granted a Bridging Visa A (BVA) on the day of application. This BVA takes effect the day after their current substantive visa expires, allowing them to remain lawfully in Australia until a decision is made on their Employer Nomination Scheme Visa (ENS) (Subclass 186).

Should the applicant wish to travel overseas during this time, they must first apply for and be granted a Bridging Visa B (BVB) before leaving Australia.

The Department of Home Affairs (DHA) currently indicates an average processing time of several months to 1.5 years, though this varies regularly. Processing times are determined entirely by the Department and cannot be influenced by a migration agent. Visa applications prepared and lodged by Andreas Athanasiou are submitted in a detailed, decision-ready format that clearly address all evidentiary and procedural requirements.

After the Visa Decision

Once the Employer Nomination Scheme Visa (ENS) (Subclass 186) is granted, the applicant becomes a permanent resident of Australia.

As a permanent resident, they may live, work, and travel freely within Australia and overseas, while continuing employment with their sponsoring business for at least two years.

In the following link, you can view genuine testimonials from past clients and individuals who have received immigration advice from our Director, Andreas Athanasiou. These are sourced directly from our Google page and reflect consistently outstanding client feedback.

Google Maps location marker with five yellow stars below.– Olympus Migration | Andreas Athanasiou | Australian Visas

Testimonials

20 Recent Work Visa Grants

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The Olympus Migration Difference

Expert Advice

Our Director, Andreas Athanasiou, is a Registered Migration Agent (MARN 1685134) and a member of the Migration Institute of Australia (MIA), bringing over a decade of experience and having managed 1,000+ visa lodgements across a wide range of complex and straightforward migration matters successfully.

The Difference– Olympus Migration | Andreas Athanasiou | Australian Visas | Partner Visas | Work Visas | Citizenship | Free Consultations

Fixed Fees

We believe clarity builds trust. That’s why we operate on a fixed-fee basis — no hidden costs or surprise charges at any stage of your matter. To ease financial pressure, we also offer flexible payment plans of up to 15 months, including post-lodgement, tailored to suit your individual circumstances and financial situation.

Direct & Prompt

You deal directly with our Director, not a case manager or junior staff, ensuring clear and consistent communication. We respond promptly and are available 365 days a year, with your matter personally managed from start to finish, providing experienced oversight, strong accountability, and confidence at every stage.

Peace of Mind

We have an outstanding record, however if your application is refused, we may assist with a merits review, at our discretion, without additional professional fees. This reflects our ongoing commitment to you — our Peace of Mind Policy, because once you engage us, you are family, and we stand by you every step of the way.

Our Step-by-Step Process

1. Book your Free 1-Hour Consultation

Begin by contacting our office via phone, email, or online enquiry to arrange your complimentary 1-hour consultation. Our friendly team is here to assist you, and we are available 365 days a year. We offer both face-to-face meetings in Melbourne and Zoom consultations for clients across Australia and worldwide, ensuring flexibility no matter your location.
2. Meet with Andreas Athanasiou (RMA)

During your complimentary 1-hour, obligation-free consultation, you will speak directly with our Director, who will take the time to understand your circumstances in detail. You will have the opportunity to ask questions, receive a clear assessment of your eligibility, and be provided with tailored advice along with a written outline of the most suitable visa pathways available to you.
3. Formally Appoint us to Act for You

If you decide to proceed and meet the relevant eligibility criteria, you may formally appoint our office to act on your behalf. You will be provided with a comprehensive Agreement for Services and Fees, clearly outlining the scope of work, professional fees, and terms of engagement. Once this is reviewed and signed, you officially become a valued client of Olympus Migration.
4. We Prepare & Lodge Your Application

Following your appointment, we will issue you with a detailed checklist of required documents tailored to your specific matter. As you begin providing the necessary information, we will carefully prepare your application and supporting documentation. Once you have reviewed and approved our work, we will lodge your application with the Department of Home Affairs.
5. Ongoing Support Until the Decision

After lodgement, our office will manage all correspondence with the Department of Home Affairs on your behalf. We will keep you informed of updates and requests, and remain in contact throughout the process. We may request additional documents after lodgement to ensure your application remains complete. Our representation continues until a final decision is made.
6. Our Commitment to our Clients

We have an outstanding record of successful outcomes; however, in the scenario that your application is refused, Olympus Migration will, where appropriate and subject to your ongoing eligibility and instructions, assist you with preparing and lodging a further application or a merits review to the Tribunal, without additional professional fees. This is our ‘Peace of Mind’ policy.

Book a Free 1-Hour Consultation

Email Us Directly

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Call Us (1300 804 204)

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Olympus Migration – Australian Visas & Australian Citizenship – Andreas Athanasiou – Registered Migration Agent – (MARN: 1685134)

All communication is handled directly by our Director and Registered Migration Agent, Andreas Athanasiou (MARN: 1685134), ensuring clear, consistent, and expert guidance throughout your matter.

Learn more about Andreas on our About Us page.

In-person consultations in Melbourne are available by appointment only.

Award-Winning Immigration Agency.Over a decade of success.Our clients are treated like family.Available 365 days a year.120+ 5-star Google reviews.

Contact Andreas Athanasiou directly. Book your free 1–hour consultation.

Employer Nomination Scheme Visa (ENS) (Subclass 186)

Eligibility

Streams of the ENS Visa

Prerequisities (Sponsor)

Evidence of Experience

English Language Requirements

Visa Application Charge

After the Visa Lodgement

After the Visa Decision

In the following link, you can view genuine testimonials from past clients and individuals who have received immigration advice from our Director, Andreas Athanasiou. These are sourced directly from our Google page and reflect consistently outstanding client feedback.

SC186 Visa

SC186 Visa

SC186 Visa

SC482 Visa

SC482 Visa

SC482 Visa

SC482 Visa

SC186 Visa

SC482 Visa

SC186 Visa

SC482 Visa

SC482 Visa

SC186 Visa

SC186 Visa

SC186 Visa

SC482 Visa

SC482 Visa

SC186 Visa

SC186 Visa

The Olympus Migration Difference

Expert Advice

Fixed Fees

Direct & Prompt

Peace of Mind

1. Book your Free 1-Hour Consultation

2. Meet with Andreas Athanasiou (RMA)

3. Formally Appoint us to Act for You

4. We Prepare & Lodge Your Application

5. Ongoing Support Until the Decision

6. Our Commitment to our Clients

Book a Free 1-Hour Consultation

or

or

Award-Winning Immigration Agency.
Over a decade of success.
Our clients are treated like family.
Available 365 days a year.
120+ 5-star Google reviews.