The ENS (Subclass 186) visa is a permanent residence visa for people nominated by an Australian business. It has three streams. Which one you use depends on the role on offer and the applicant’s background.
If you already meet the Direct Entry (DE) criteria, use Direct Entry.
If you don’t yet meet the DE requirements, a common route is to hold a 482 (Skills in Demand) visa and, after sufficient time in the role, transition via Temporary Residence Transition.
The Labour Agreement stream applies only where an approved agreement sets different terms.
Direct Entry (DE)
Direct Entry suits applicants who can qualify now on skills and experience. The occupation must be on the relevant occupation list & a positive skills assessment is usually required. Unless an exemption applies, the applicant is under 45, has at least three years of relevant full-time experience, and meets Competent English (see our English language requirements guide).
The job offered must be full-time for at least two years from visa grant and paid at or above both the skilled-visa income threshold (applicable to ENS nominations) and the genuine market rate for the role and location. The employer lodges the nomination; the applicant lodges the visa.
When DE makes sense: you already tick the skills assessment, experience, age and English boxes, and the business can evidence the salary settings and genuine need now.
Temporary Residence Transition (TRTS)
TRTS is for primary holders of a 482 (or legacy 457) who have been sponsored in a relevant occupation. In most cases you must have worked full-time in the nominated occupation for at least two of the last three years on a primary 482/457. That service does not need to be with a single employer throughout, but the current sponsor must lodge the 186 nomination.
A skills assessment is generally not required at the visa stage in TRTS, however sandard age and English settings apply unless an exemption fits. The position must be available for at least two years from grant and paid at or above the relevant threshold and market rate.
When TRTS makes sense: You don’t meet the requirements for DE (for example, no skills assessment, or lack the requisite work experience), but you hold a 482 (or are eligible for a 482) and use your time as a 482 visa holder to meet the TRTS requirements.
Labour Agreement (LA)
This stream is available only where an approved labour agreement exists between the employer and the Department. The agreement sets the occupations and any variations to age, English, salary and experience. It suits genuine industry, regional or niche needs that don’t fit standard program settings. Evidence and process follow the terms of the agreement.
When LA makes sense: the role and candidate fit a live labour agreement and the employer can meet the additional compliance undertakings.
Common pitfalls that derail ENS cases
- Wrong stream for the facts (for example, applying DE without a required skills assessment).
- Occupation mismatch between the role’s duties and the nominated ANZSCO code.
- Salary evidence that doesn’t clear the relevant threshold and market rate, or isn’t consistent across the contract and nomination.
- English set too low (or relying on an exemption that doesn’t apply). See our English guide.
- TRT time-in-role gaps or breaks that don’t meet the “two of the last three years” setting.
How Leyton Stone Law can help
We scope the role, map it to the right occupation, and build a defendable salary position tied to the applicable threshold and local market. We identify the correct stream, prepare a decision-ready nomination and visa, align contracts and evidence, and manage timing so your 482 service translates cleanly to TRT where needed.
Book a consult today. Australia-wide.
Disclaimer: The information in this article is general in nature and does not constitute legal advice. Immigration matters can be complex — you should seek advice from a registered migration agent or immigration lawyer about your individual circumstances before making any decision.