Employer Nomination Scheme visa (subclass 186)
Home Affairs (updated 5 June 2026): from AUD 6,140.00 (concessions apply in limited circumstances).≈ $3,991
Home Affairs processing tool (updated 29 September 2026), direct entry stream: 50% processed in 21 months and 90% in 25 months. Estimates, not a guarantee.
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Source-backed requirements
Eligibility
(3)English Proficiency
DocumentMandatoryDirect Entry/TRT require competent English with accepted evidence; distinguish permitted passport evidence from exemption to the requirement. TRT has no English-requirement exemption. Labour Agreement follows its actual terms and concessions. Check current test-date tables and evidence; no single IELTS score or new test applies to everyone.
Verified officialSkills and Qualifications
MandatoryFor direct entry, unless a specified exemption applies, have a suitable skills assessment before application and at least three years of full-time work at the occupation’s required skill level. A subclass 485 assessment is not accepted; the assessment must remain valid and be within three years or its shorter validity period. For temporary residence transition, demonstrate skills if requested. Labour agreement skills and experience follow the actual agreement.
Verified officialAge Limit
MandatoryUse the actual 186 stream’s age rule and genuine exemption: Direct Entry/TRT generally require under 45 at application, with specified exceptions; Labour Agreement follows its applicable agreement conditions. Do not transfer an exemption between streams.
Verified official
Qualification
(1)Employer Nomination
MandatoryAn employer nomination must meet the chosen 186 stream’s conditions. Direct Entry occupation eligibility, TRT eligible visa/sponsored employment and Labour Agreement terms differ. A job offer alone does not establish an approved valid nomination.
Verified official
Preparation
(1)Health and Character
DocumentMandatoryMeet the health and character requirements for your stream. Health criteria differ between the temporary residence transition stream and the direct entry or labour agreement streams. Applicable family members, including some not applying, may also need assessment; provide the examinations and evidence requested for each person.
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Immigration Documents & Forms
Source citations
Migration Regulations1994 — skilled visa grant criteria
Department of Home Affairs / Federal Register of Legislation
Readfullstatutoryclauses189.222–224,190.212–216,491.211–217and491.612; suitable assessments and competent English are invitation criteria, actual scores must meet invitation and qualifying scores, nominations must remain effective, health applies to required family.191compliance and tax evidence are separate. LaterOct2studentreform does not alter these clauses. Initial graduate study windows, English evidence, AFP timing exception, insurance and regional branches; holiday passport, resources, children and public-interest criteria. Read with October student amendments, which leave these clauses unchanged. Full official C288 volume 2 retrieved. The later F2026L01347 instrument effective 2 October 2026 amends student application/visa provisions only; no changes to 482 or 186 reviewed clauses. Bounded statutory review, not case acceptance.
LIN 19/216 — subclass 186 age and skills exemptions
Australian Government — Federal Register of Legislation
Latest register C04 dated 7 December 2024 matched full official text. Sections 5 and6 define distinct direct entry and temporary residence transition exemption classes. Individual exemption membership not assessed.
Official links
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