Employer Nomination Scheme Visa (Subclass 186): Direct Entry Stream

From AUD6,140 for the main applicant, plus charges for family members. Concessions apply in limited circumstances.

You can include your partner and dependent children in your application.

Your employer's nomination must be approved, and you must apply within 6 months of the nomination approval.

Unless exempt, you need at least 3 years of relevant work experience in the occupation. If you are exempt from the skills assessment, you are also exempt from this requirement.

Most applicants need a positive skills assessment. Exemptions include certain academics nominated by Australian universities, scientists nominated by government agencies, and some 444 or 461 holders who have worked for their employer for 2 of the last 3 years.

If your occupation needs a licence, registration or professional membership in the state or territory where you will work, you must hold it.

Usually you must be under 45 when you apply. Limited exemptions apply.

You must have at least Competent English. For example, at least IELTS 6 in each of the four components, or PTE Academic scores of at least 47 listening, 48 reading, 51 writing and 54 speaking. Other accepted tests have equivalent scores, and holders of certain passports (UK, USA, Canada, New Zealand or Republic of Ireland) are treated as having Competent English.

Your employer must be actively and lawfully operating a business in Australia.

You and family applying with you must meet the health requirement, and those aged 16 or over the character requirement. Permanent and provisional visa applicants, and family members applying with them, must have health examinations with an approved panel physician. Temporary visa applicants might need them, depending on the visa and their circumstances. For the character requirement, Home Affairs may ask for police certificates and Form 80.

Applicants aged 18 or over must read the Life in Australia booklet and sign the Australian Values Statement.

Debts to the Australian Government must be repaid or under a formal arrangement, and previous refusals or cancellations are considered.

You are expected to work for your nominating employer as intended when your visa was granted.

Travel in and out of Australia for 5 years from grant. After that, you need a Resident Return visa to return as a permanent resident.

After meeting the residence requirements, you may be able to apply for Australian citizenship.

Your nominee must apply for the visa within 6 months of the nomination approval.

Employ the worker on terms no less favourable than Australians doing the same work in the same place.

You must have a genuine need for a paid employee in a full-time position that is ongoing for at least 2 years.

The occupation must be on the Core Skills Occupation List.

The levy is paid when you lodge the nomination, where required.

Employ the worker on terms no less favourable than an Australian citizen or permanent resident doing the same work in the same place.

Keep the position available as nominated. Ask us if your business circumstances change.