How long does the Employer Nomination Scheme (Subclass 186) take?

End to end, the Employer Nomination Scheme (Subclass 186) typically takes 6 to 24 months. Preparing a complete application (6 stages) usually takes around 15 months; the rest is government processing, which varies with caseload and country of application.

What slows down ENS 186 applications?

The most common delays are incomplete evidence triggering requests for more information, missing or expired documents (police certificates and medicals have validity windows), and backlogs at specific processing offices. Filing a decision-ready application is the single biggest controllable factor.

Can I speed up the ENS 186?

You cannot skip the queue in most cases, but you can avoid adding to it: submit complete evidence the first time, respond to requests immediately, and keep documents valid. Some categories offer premium or priority processing — check the official government page for current options.

🇦🇺 Australia · ENS 186

Employer Nomination Scheme (Subclass 186): Processing time

Typical end-to-end timeline: 6–24 months. Here is where that time actually goes, stage by stage.

Typical processing time

6–24 months

from first preparation to final decision

Government processing times move with caseload. Check the official processing-time page for the current published estimate — our platform tracks these automatically.

The 6 stages of a ENS 186 application

1
Employer Obtains Standard Business Sponsorship
≈ 42 days
The nominating employer must apply to be an approved standard business sponsor (if not already). This authorises them to nominate overseas workers. Processing typically takes 4–6 weeks.
2
Employer Submits Nomination
≈ 30 days
The employer lodges a nomination for the specific position. They must demonstrate the position is genuine, pays at or above the TSMIT, and could not be filled by an Australian worker (Labour Market Testing for DE stream).
3
Applicant Lodges Visa Application
≈ 7 days
After the nomination is submitted (can be concurrent), lodge your Subclass 186 visa application in ImmiAccount. Upload all supporting documents and pay the application fee.
4
Skills Assessment (Direct Entry Stream Only)
≈ 60 days
DE stream applicants must obtain a positive skills assessment from the relevant assessing authority. TRT stream applicants are generally exempt.
5
Health Examinations and Police Clearances
≈ 30 days
Complete mandatory health examinations through an approved panel physician. Obtain police clearances for all countries where you have lived for 12+ months in the past 10 years.
6
Await Grant Decision
≈ 270 days
Home Affairs processes the nomination and visa application. Processing times vary based on stream and complexity.

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The 6 stages of a ENS 186 application

Employer Obtains Standard Business Sponsorship

≈ 42 days

The nominating employer must apply to be an approved standard business sponsor (if not already). This authorises them to nominate overseas workers. Processing typically takes 4–6 weeks.

Employer Submits Nomination

≈ 30 days

The employer lodges a nomination for the specific position. They must demonstrate the position is genuine, pays at or above the TSMIT, and could not be filled by an Australian worker (Labour Market Testing for DE stream).

Applicant Lodges Visa Application

≈ 7 days

After the nomination is submitted (can be concurrent), lodge your Subclass 186 visa application in ImmiAccount. Upload all supporting documents and pay the application fee.

Skills Assessment (Direct Entry Stream Only)

≈ 60 days

DE stream applicants must obtain a positive skills assessment from the relevant assessing authority. TRT stream applicants are generally exempt.

Health Examinations and Police Clearances

≈ 30 days

Complete mandatory health examinations through an approved panel physician. Obtain police clearances for all countries where you have lived for 12+ months in the past 10 years.

Await Grant Decision

≈ 270 days

Home Affairs processes the nomination and visa application. Processing times vary based on stream and complexity.