The Employer Nomination Scheme (subclass 186) is one of the most attractive permanent residency pathways for skilled workers in Australia. However, it’s also one of the most complex. With strict eligibility requirements and detailed application steps, many applicants face delays—or worse, refusals—because of avoidable mistakes.
If you’re considering applying through the employer nomination scheme, understanding these common errors can save you time, money, and unnecessary stress. Or, if you just want to speak to someone who can answer any questions you have and more, then book a consultation here.
1. Not Meeting the Work Experience or Skills Requirements
A common misconception is that having an employer sponsor guarantees success. In reality, you must still meet strict skill and experience criteria.
Depending on the stream (Direct Entry or Temporary Residence Transition), you’ll need:
Relevant qualifications and at least three years of experience.
A positive skills assessment in your occupation (for most applicants).
Always confirm requirements on the Department of Home Affairs.
For more details on skills requirements, check our Skilled Migration Guide.
2. Choosing the Wrong ENS Stream
The ENS visa has three different streams:
Direct Entry stream – for applicants who haven’t worked in Australia on a 457 or 482 visa.
Temporary Residence Transition (TRT) stream – for those who have worked for their sponsoring employer on a temporary visa for at least 3 years.
Labour Agreement stream – for workers sponsored under a labour agreement between their employer and the Government.
Applicants often apply under the wrong stream, wasting time and money. Careful assessment of your background and visa history is essential.
Compare pathways with our Work Visa Guide.
3. Incomplete or Incorrect Employer Documentation
Because the ENS depends on an employer’s nomination, mistakes on their side can derail your application. These might include:
Missing business or training records
Incorrect nomination paperwork
Failing to meet salary or employment benchmarks
Even well-meaning HR teams sometimes overlook requirements. That’s why both employer and employee must be thorough.
For official details on workplace obligations, visit the Fair Work Ombudsman.
4. Poorly Prepared Health and Character Documents
All ENS applicants must meet health and character standards. Common problems include:
Submitting outdated police checks
Failing to attend medical exams promptly
Not disclosing past medical issues or offences
These can delay processing or even lead to refusal.
Learn more about visa health requirements.
5. Not Considering Similar Visas
Here’s a mistake many people overlook: focusing on the ENS visa without considering similar employer-sponsored or skilled migration visas. Options like the 482 Temporary Skill Shortage visa, the 494 Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional visa, or the Skilled Independent (189) visa may sometimes be a better fit.
Every applicant’s situation is different—what works for one may not work for another. That’s why speaking to an expert is so important: it helps you understand not just whether you qualify for the ENS, but whether another pathway may give you a faster, stronger, or more secure route to permanent residency.
6. Not Seeking Professional Advice Early Enough
Finally, many people wait until they’ve already been refused or delayed before seeking expert help. At that point, their options are often limited.
The ENS is one of Australia’s most detailed visas, and with so many similar pathways available, professional advice early on ensures you’re on the right track.
See how we help applicants with Employer Sponsored Visas and related migration options.
FAQs: Employer Nomination Scheme
How long does an ENS visa take to process?
Processing times vary but generally range from 6 months to over a year. See the latest Home Affairs processing times.
Can my family apply with me under the ENS visa?
Yes. Partners and dependent children can be included. Learn more about Family Visas.
Is the ENS visa permanent residency?
Yes, the employer nomination scheme grants permanent residency to successful applicants.
What if I’m not sure which visa I qualify for?
That’s where an immigration evaluation is key. It helps identify the visa pathway best suited to your skills, background, and family situation.
Final Thoughts
The employer nomination scheme offers a direct route to Australian permanent residency—but it’s not always the best or only option. With similar visas available and strict requirements to meet, choosing the wrong pathway can set you back months or even years.
At Immigration Consultants Australia, we guide you through your options, helping you avoid mistakes and find the pathway that truly fits your circumstances.
Book your consultation today and discover whether the ENS—or another visa—is the best route for you.