Employer Nomination Scheme (Subclass 186) – Direct Entry stream
Permits skilled workers nominated by an Australian employer to live and work in Australia permanently. Requires a positive skills assessment (unless exempt), 3 years relevant experience (unless exempt), an occupation on the CSOL, and competent English.
$6,140
Varies significantly by lodgement date and occupation category under Ministerial Direction No. 119 — use official processing time guide tool for current estimate, do not hardcode a number
Not Required
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Official Information
Processing Time
Varies significantly by lodgement date and occupation category under Ministerial Direction No. 119 — use official processing time guide tool for current estimate, do not hardcode a number
Visa Fee
$6,140
Minimum Points
Not Required
Second Instalment Charge
Family member 18+ applying with main applicant who cannot show Functional English
$4,890Requirements
- Under 45 years old at application date, unless exempt
- Nominated for an occupation on the Core Skills Occupation List
- At least 3 years relevant work experience, unless exempt
- Positive skills assessment before lodging, unless exempt
- Competent English
- Meet health and character requirements
- Nominated by an actively and lawfully operating Australian employer
- Hold mandatory state/territory licensing/registration/membership if applicable
Application Steps
- 1Get skills assessment (if required, valid ≤3 years, not from a 485 assessment)
- 2Sit English test if required (valid ≤3 years)
- 3Employer lodges nomination application and receives Transaction Reference Number (TRN)
- 4Lodge visa application in ImmiAccount with TRN (no need to wait for nomination approval)
- 5Attach identity, skills, English, health, character documents
- 6Pay visa application charge (application not processed until paid)
- 7Respond to any request for biometrics or additional information
- 8Wait for nomination approval (visa cannot be granted before this) and visa decision