ENS Visa (186)
Secure permanent residency via employer nomination – eligibility streams and costs. Your direct pathway to Australian permanent residency through employer sponsorship.
ENS Visa Streams
Choose your pathway to permanent residency
Direct Entry Stream
For skilled workers nominated directly by an employer, including those not eligible for the Temporary Residence Transition stream
Skills Assessment
Obtain positive skills assessment from relevant authority
3-6 monthsFind Employer
Secure job offer from approved Australian employer
VariableNomination
Employer lodges nomination application
2-4 monthsVisa Application
Lodge visa application with supporting documents
6-12 monthsDirect Entry Stream Requirements
Associated Costs
Understanding the financial requirements
Nomination Fee (Employer)
Around AU $540
Paid by employer for nomination application
Skilling Australians Fund Levy
AU $3,000 or AU $5,000
One-off levy paid by the employer per nomination (higher rate for businesses with turnover of AU $10m or more)
Visa Application Charge
AU $6,140
Main applicant visa fee from 1 July 2026
Additional Costs
Variable
Skills assessment, English tests, health checks, police clearances
Important Considerations
Age Ceiling
Generally under 45 years, but exemptions apply for certain occupations, high earners, and those with exceptional circumstances.
Australian Consumer Law
The ENS visa provides permanent residency with full work rights and access to Medicare, with a pathway to Australian citizenship after 4 years.
Employer Obligations
Employers must meet training benchmarks, pay market salary rates, and contribute to the Skilling Australians Fund levy.
Processing Priority
Transitional Residence stream typically processes faster than Direct Entry due to established employment relationship and reduced documentation.