In the current migration landscape of Australia, it is a great thing if you find a genuine employer who is ready to sponsor you, because this can completely change your upcoming journey towards Australia.
Among all available Employer-sponsored pathways, the ENS 186 Direct Entry stream has become one of the most preferred pathways for aspiring migrants nowadays. When eligibility is properly met and employer sponsorship is genuine, this option proves to be the fastest and most structured pathway to secure Permanent Residency.
So, if you want to understand more about this golden opportunity and explore the right Australia PR process, then keep reading this blog.
What Is ENS Subclass 186?
The Employer Nomination Scheme (Subclass 186 visa Australia) is a permanent residency visa that allows Australian employers to sponsor skilled workers for full-time positions.
This visa has three streams:
- Direct Entry
- Temporary Residence Transition
- Labour Agreement
But here, we will only discuss the Direct Entry Stream that gives a direct Permanent Residency opportunity for skilled professionals.
What Is ENS 186 Direct Entry?
The ENS 186 Direct Entry stream allows skilled professionals to apply for Australia PR through employer sponsorship without depending on any type of points system. Here, the biggest advantage is that you get permanent residency rights from day one without needing to hold any type of temporary visa that you have to upgrade later.
Whether you are overseas or in Australia, holding another temporary visa like student/working holiday/partner, you can apply for this visa if you have a suitable employer ready to sponsor.
What are the Eligibility Requirements for ENS 186 Direct Entry?
- First and foremost, a need for an employer who is ready to sponsor, pay a market salary, and whose business is lawfully operating in Australia
- Your occupation must be present on the Core Skills Occupation List (CSOL)
- You must have at least three years of relevant work experience in your occupation.
- You need to be registered, licensed, or a member of a professional organisation if it is required in the state or territory where you plan to work.
- You should have a positive skills assessment related to your work, assessed by the relevant Australian skills assessing authority for your occupation.
- Usually, your age must be less than 45 years at the time of application
- You must demonstrate competent English through an approved English test, such as IELTS, PTE, or any other, which is part of standard Australian PR requirements.
What is the Process to Apply for ENS 186 Direct Entry?
Step 1: Before doing anything else, make sure you meet all core criteria, without which the application cannot proceed.
Step 2: If your occupation requires it, you must obtain a positive skills assessment from the relevant assessing authority.
Step 3: Now, your employer must submit a nomination application in which the employer needs to prove that the position is genuine and full-time, the salary meets market standards, and they genuinely require your skills.
Step 4: Once the nomination is submitted (or sometimes together), you can lodge your visa application. Here, you must provide Identity documents, skills assessment, English test results, employment reference letters, and health-related documents.
Step 5: Complete the required health examination and secure police clearance certificates.
Step 6: The department will assess your eligibility, employer compliance, genuineness of the position, and all supporting documents. If everything works well, you will be granted Permanent Residency of Australia.
What Is the Cost of ENS 186 Direct Entry?
Below is a simple cost breakdown for the Employer Nomination Scheme Subclass 186 Direct Entry stream:
| Cost Type | Amount (AUD) | Details |
| Main Applicant Fee | 4,910.00 | Base visa application charge |
| Additional Applicant Fee | Varies | Extra charge for each included family member |
| Second Instalment (if applicable) | 4,890.00 | For each family member aged 18+ without Functional English |
| Other Costs | Varies | Skills assessment, English test, health checks, police clearance, biometrics |
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Many applications face delays or refusals because of avoidable errors. Here are the most common mistakes:
- Choosing the wrong ANZSCO occupation code for the nominated role
- Not having enough documented work experience in the right occupation
- An outdated skills assessment
- Weak evidence from the employer about the genuineness of the position
- Missing or incorrect police clearances or medical documents
- Not meeting English language requirements for all family members over 18
How Growmore Immigration Can Support You
At Growmore Immigration, we specialise in employer-sponsored visa strategies. We focus on:
- Clear Subclass 186 eligibility assessment
- Employer compliance review
- Step-by-step documentation support
- Structured PR strategy
If you believe this pathway suits your profile and want to move to Australia through this, the next important step is professional guidance from a Registered migration agent in Australia.
Email: info@growmore.one | WhatsApp: +61 434 202 021 | Phone: +61 3 8764 3334
FAQs
The ENS 186 Direct Entry visa is an employer-sponsored permanent residency visa that allows skilled workers to live and work permanently in Australia without first holding a Temporary Skill Shortage (482) visa.
No. You can apply from inside or outside Australia. You just need to meet all eligibility and nomination requirements.
Yes. This visa grants immediate permanent residency upon approval. It allows you to live, work, and study in Australia indefinitely.
Yes. You can include eligible family members, such as your spouse and dependent children in the same application for permanent residency.
To qualify, applicants must:
1. Be under 45 years of age (unless exempt)
2. Have a positive skills assessment
3. Have at least 3 years of relevant work experience
4. Be nominated by an approved Australian employer
5. Meet English, health, and character requirements