Employer Sponsored places: 58,040 for 2026-27.
Visa file / Employer sponsored visas
Employer Nomination Scheme visa 186
Permanent employer sponsored visa: Direct Entry, Temporary Residence Transition or Labour Agreement.
In force
File: 186
Main chargeA$6,140
Information checked22 October 2026
Personal adviceRegistered agent only
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.
Published 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 you apply from
In or outside Australia (not in immigration clearance).
Streams
- Direct Entry
- Temporary Residence Transition
- Labour Agreement
Related
From first enquiry to grant and after.
The usual steps, and where a registered migration agent can help at each one. Immi Worldwide gives general information and settlement support, never advice about your visa.
- 01
Employer and worker enquiry
Choose the stream.
Where a registered migration agent can helpTimes the Temporary Residence Transition dates exactly.
- 02
Service agreement
Before any personal advice or preparation, you receive a written service agreement and the OMARA Consumer Guide.
Where a registered migration agent can helpSets out the work, the fee and the refund policy in writing. No money is taken for visa work before the agreement is signed.
- 03
Nomination
The employer nominates and pays the levy.
Where a registered migration agent can helpPrepares the nomination and salary evidence.
- 04
Visa application
Lodge with or after the nomination, within 6 months of approval.
Where a registered migration agent can helpAnalyses age and English exemptions.
- 05
Health, police and biometrics
Health examinations, police certificates and biometrics when the Department asks.
Where a registered migration agent can helpTracks every request and deadline so nothing lapses.
- 06
Decision
Processing follows a Ministerial Direction from 19 September 2026.
Where a registered migration agent can helpManages long processing honestly, including bridging visas and travel.
- 07
Permanent residence
Citizenship when eligible.
Where a registered migration agent can helpPlans the next step.
Charges and processing times.
| Charge | Amount |
|---|---|
| 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 |
Source: Home Affairs Current visa pricing table, charges from 1 July 2026. Check the Visa Pricing Estimator before you rely on a figure.
| Stream | 50% decided within | 90% decided within |
|---|---|---|
| Direct Entry | 21 months | 25 months |
| Temporary Residence Transition | 21 months | 25 months |
| Labour Agreement | 50 days | 12 months |
Home Affairs Global visa processing times. Read 22 October 2026. Times change monthly and are not a promise. Global visa processing times.
| Cost | Amount |
|---|---|
| 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 |
Common refusal reasons
- 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. They are not Departmental statistics.
Document checklist
Worker
Employer
A general list. The Department's own document checklist for your application is the one that counts. Ticks stay on this page only.
What changed, and what people ask.
New processing order for skilled visas.
Sources
Information checked 22 October 2026. General information only, not advice about your circumstances.
Where this becomes advice
How any of these rules applies to a particular person, which visa to choose, and any application are immigration assistance, given only by a registered migration agent.
Immi Worldwide does not give immigration assistance. For advice about your own situation, Immi Worldwide can refer you to Sukh Sandhu, Registered Migration Agent, MARN 1384130, of The Immigration Worldwide Pty Ltd, or you can choose any registered migration agent.
Ask for a referral to Sukh Sandhu, Registered Migration Agent, MARN 1384130 Ask for a call back about a referral
The referral form opens with the box to pass your enquiry to the registered agent already ticked. Immi Worldwide does not charge for a referral.