The Department’s Employer Sponsored Program Delivery (ESPD) team has advised that it is currently receiving a high volume of applications under the Employer Nomination Scheme (subclass 186) visa program. On 31 October 2025, the ESPD confirmed that while it cannot provide a definitive timeframe for assessment, it is currently assessing Sc 186 nomination and visa applications lodged in:
• April 2025 for occupations in designated regional areas
• April 2025 for healthcare and teaching occupations
• October 2024 for applicants nominated by an Approved sponsor with Accredited Status
• March 2024 for all other applications
The Subclass 186 ENS visa Employer Nomination Scheme visa (subclass 186) Direct Entry stream lets skilled workers, who are nominated by an employer, live and work in Australia permanently. Here are the processing times based on the 186 visa stream:
186 Direct Entry Processing Times
- 25% of applications: 4 Months
- 50% of applications: 10 Months
- 75% of applications: 11 Months
- 90% of applications: 13 Months
186 Temporary Residence Transition stream Processing Times
- 25% of applications: 7 Months
- 50% of applications: 10 Months
- 75% of applications: 11 Months
- 90% of applications: 14 Months
186 Labour Agreement stream Processing Times
- 25% of applications: 4 Months
- 50% of applications: 7 Months
- 75% of applications: 11 Months
- 90% of applications: 11 Months
Book a meeting today for a commitment free briefing with our Registered Migration Agents in Melbourne to find more about your visa options.
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