ENS permanent
residence
The Employer Nomination Scheme lets an Australian business sponsor a skilled worker for permanent residence - through Direct Entry, or the Temporary Residence Transition pathway after 482 sponsorship.
The nominated role must be a genuine, ongoing, full-time need in the business. Nomination refusals most often turn on this criterion - we audit the position before lodgement.
Direct Entry vs TRT
The 186 has two working streams. Direct Entry suits workers with a positive skills assessment and at least three years of relevant experience who have not held a long-term sponsored visa. The Temporary Residence Transition (TRT) stream is for holders who have worked for their sponsor on a 482 (or legacy 457) visa and are transitioning to permanent residence. The 2026‑27 program lifts Employer Sponsored planning to 58,040 places (from 44,000), making employer nomination the pathway of the year.
Nomination Requirements
- • A genuine, full-time position that is likely to exist for at least two years.
- • A salary at or above the market rate and the relevant income threshold (CSIT $79,499 for 2026‑27).
- • A positive skills assessment (Direct Entry stream) in the nominated occupation.
- • Applicant under 45 at application, unless an age exemption applies (for example, certain high earners).
Fees & Charges 2026‑27
Fees current as at 3 July 2026 (FY2026‑27); the charge at your lodgement date applies - confirm at immi.homeaffairs.gov.au. Nomination and levy figures are indicative only.
Common Questions
Do I need three years’ experience for the 186?
Direct Entry generally requires three years of relevant, post-qualification experience plus a positive skills assessment. The TRT stream substitutes a period of sponsored work for the same employer, so the experience test is met through your 482 employment rather than a separate assessment.
Is the 186 easier to get through TRT?
Neither stream is a formality. TRT removes the separate skills assessment but still requires a valid nomination, a genuine ongoing position and a compliant sponsor. Direct Entry is often the only route where there is no prior sponsored employment. We advise on which stream fits your history.
Can family be included?
Yes - partners and dependent children can be included, with additional applicant charges payable per person. Each family member must meet health and character requirements.
Nominate with confidence
A 186 stands or falls on the nomination. We act for employers and applicants on genuine-position evidence, skills assessments and lodgement for permanent residence Australia-wide.