ENS 186 Visa Australia:
The Complete Guide
Australia's Subclass 186 Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS) visa is the permanent residency pathway for employer-sponsored skilled workers — and the most common destination for South African tradespeople who entered on a 482 visa.
A note on visa guidance: RecruitUp Global is a recruitment agency, not a migration agent. All content on this site is for general educational purposes only. For immigration advice or to lodge a visa application, consult a MARA-registered migration agent. RecruitUp specialises in finding and placing qualified South African tradespeople with Australian employers who are ready to sponsor — we handle the recruitment side, not the visa lodgement.
What Is the ENS 186 Visa?
The Subclass 186 Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS) visa is a permanent visa that allows Australian employers to permanently employ skilled overseas workers in positions they cannot fill from the local labour market.
Unlike the Subclass 482 (Skills in Demand) visa — which is temporary and ties the worker to a specific employer — the ENS 186 grants permanent residency. Once granted, the visa holder can live and work anywhere in Australia for any employer.
For employers, the 186 is a powerful retention tool. For workers, it's the destination of the 482 pathway — the point at which sponsorship becomes settlement.
Key Facts at a Glance
Most South African tradespeople placed by RecruitUp arrive on a 482 visa. After the required qualifying period working with their sponsoring employer, the employer nominates them for permanent residency via the 186 TRT stream. The 482 visa is the start of the journey — the 186 is the destination.
The Three Streams of the ENS 186 Visa
The ENS 186 has three streams. The Temporary Residence Transition stream is the most common pathway for workers already in Australia on a 482 visa.
Temporary Residence Transition (TRT) Stream
For workers who have held a Subclass 482 or 457 visa and worked for their sponsoring employer in the nominated occupation for the required period (currently 2–3 years). This is the most common pathway for South African tradespeople who entered Australia on a 482 visa through RecruitUp.
Direct Entry Stream
For highly skilled workers who have not previously held a 482 or 457 visa with the nominating employer — or held one for fewer than 2 years. Requires a formal skills assessment and at least 3 years of relevant work experience.
Labour Agreement Stream
For workers sponsored under a formal labour agreement between the employer and the Department of Home Affairs. Terms are negotiated on a case-by-case basis and vary by agreement.
Eligibility Requirements
The following is a general overview only. Eligibility is assessed individually by the Department of Home Affairs. Always confirm requirements with a registered migration agent.
For the Worker
Age
Must be under 45 at the time the nomination is lodged. Certain occupations and circumstances may qualify for an exemption — confirm with a migration agent.
Skills & Experience
TRT stream: worked in the nominated occupation with the sponsoring employer for 2–3 years on a 482/457 visa. Direct Entry: formal skills assessment and 3+ years relevant work experience.
English Language
Must meet minimum English language proficiency requirements via accepted tests (IELTS, PTE, TOEFL, OET, Cambridge C1) or a qualifying exemption.
Health & Character
Standard Australian visa health checks and police clearances apply to all applicants and included family members.
Salary
Must be offered at least the Temporary Skilled Migration Income Threshold (TSMIT) and the applicable market salary rate for the occupation and location.
For the Employer
Approved Sponsor
The employer must be an Approved Standard Business Sponsor or become one as part of the application process.
Genuine Position
The nominated position must be a real, ongoing role within the business at the required skill level.
Labour Market Testing
For the Direct Entry stream, the employer must demonstrate that no suitably qualified Australian citizen or PR holder is available for the role.
Training Obligations
The employer must meet training obligations — contributing to the training of Australian workers as part of the sponsorship commitment.
Processing Times
The ENS 186 visa typically takes longer to process than the 482 because each application is individually assessed. Planning for a total timeline of 6–18 months from nomination lodgement to visa grant is prudent for the TRT stream.
| Stage | 75% | 90% |
|---|---|---|
| Sponsorship | 1–3 months | 4–5 months |
| Nomination (TRT) | 3–6 months | 6–12 months |
| Visa Grant (TRT) | 3–6 months | 6–12 months |
Approximate Fees
The ENS 186 involves separate fees for employer nomination and the worker's visa application. Unlike the 482, there is no SAF levy for the 186 visa. Fees are set by the Department of Home Affairs and updated periodically.
Indicative Fee Schedule
Fees are indicative only and subject to change. Always verify current government fees before lodgement.
From First Hire to Permanent Resident
RecruitUp Global specialises in the first step: sourcing and placing the right South African tradesperson with the right Australian employer via the 482 visa. We get the match right from the start — so that when the time comes for the 186, both the employer and the worker are ready.
We don't manage immigration directly — that's handled by MARA-registered migration agents, either yours or one we can refer. What we do is ensure the placement itself is solid, so the visa process has every reason to succeed.
482 Visa Entry
Worker placed via RecruitUp Global's recruitment process. Employer sponsors on the Core Skills stream.
2–3 Years with Employer
Worker builds the qualifying period working in the nominated occupation. Employer prepares the 186 nomination.
186 ENS — Permanent Residency
Employer nominates via TRT stream. Visa granted — worker becomes a permanent Australian resident.
ENS 186 Visa — Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between the ENS 186 and the 482 visa?
How long do I need to work on a 482 visa before I can apply for the 186?
Can the employer change after I'm on the 186 visa?
Is there an age limit for the ENS 186 visa?
Does the employer have to pay the SAF levy for a 186 visa?
Do South African applicants need an English test for the 186 visa?
Related Guides
Everything you need to understand the full 482→186 pathway.
482 Visa Australia: The Complete Guide
Everything employers and workers need to know about the Subclass 482 Skills in Demand visa — the stepping stone to the 186.
Read guide482 Visa to Permanent Residency
The full 482→186 pathway explained — timeline, requirements, and what employers and workers need to prepare.
Read guide482 Visa Requirements
Full eligibility criteria for employers and workers under the Skills in Demand visa.
Read guide482 Visa Processing Times
How long each stage of the 482 visa takes and what affects your timeline.
Read guideSkilled Worker Shortages Australia
Why Australian employers are turning to international recruitment — and why the 482→186 pathway is a retention strategy, not just a compliance exercise.
Read guideHiring Solution for Employers
How RecruitUp Global sources and places South African skilled tradespeople for Australian businesses, end to end.
Read guide