{"id":153,"date":"2025-07-03T13:06:50","date_gmt":"2025-07-03T03:06:50","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.leytonstonelaw.com\/blog\/?p=153"},"modified":"2025-09-01T12:04:12","modified_gmt":"2025-09-01T02:04:12","slug":"employer-nomination-scheme-ens-subclass-186-visa","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.leytonstonelaw.com\/blog\/2025\/07\/03\/employer-nomination-scheme-ens-subclass-186-visa\/","title":{"rendered":"The Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS) Subclass 186 Visa"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

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\u2019s background. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you already meet the Direct Entry (DE) criteria, use Direct Entry. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you don\u2019t yet meet the DE requirements, a common route is to hold a 482 (Skills in Demand) visa<\/a> and, after sufficient time in the role, transition via Temporary Residence Transition. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Labour Agreement stream applies only where an approved agreement sets different terms.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Direct Entry (DE)<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

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<\/a>).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

When DE makes sense:<\/strong> you already tick the skills assessment, experience, age and English<\/a> boxes, and the business can evidence the salary settings and genuine need now.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Temporary Residence Transition (TRTS)<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

TRTS is for primary holders of a 482<\/a> (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<\/strong> sponsor must lodge the 186 nomination.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A skills assessment is generally not<\/strong> required at the visa stage in TRTS, however sandard age and English<\/a> 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

When TRTS makes sense:<\/strong> You don\u2019t 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. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Labour Agreement (LA)<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

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<\/a>, salary and experience. It suits genuine industry, regional or niche needs that don\u2019t fit standard program settings. Evidence and process follow the terms of the agreement.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

When LA makes sense:<\/strong> the role and candidate fit a live labour agreement and the employer can meet the additional compliance undertakings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Common pitfalls that derail ENS cases<\/h2>\n\n\n\n