Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS)

Permanent residency through your Australian employer

Best for: 482 holders transitioning to permanent residency with their current employer

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Points test

This visa is not points-tested. Eligibility depends on the specific requirements for the subclass rather than a points score.

Key facts at a glance

Visa type

Permanent

Validity

Permanent

Work rights

Full unrestricted - any employer, anywhere

Pathway to PR

Direct PR - this IS a permanent visa

Application fee

AUD $4,910 (from 1 July 2025)

Processing time

6-18 months

Age limit

Under 45 (Direct Entry) / No age limit (TRT stream)

Occupation lists

CSOL (Direct Entry) / Any occupation (TRT stream)

Employer sponsorship

Required

State nomination

Not required

Strengths

Permanent residency from day one
No points test required
TRT stream has no age limit for 482 holders
Live and work anywhere in Australia once granted

Things to weigh up

Requires a long-term employer committed to permanent sponsorship
Direct Entry requires 3 years relevant work experience
Employer must have been trading for at least 12 months
Can be slow - 6-18 months processing

Explore further

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General information only, not personal migration advice. Fees, points settings, occupation lists and eligibility are set by the Australian Government and change regularly; always confirm current details with the Department of Home Affairs. Afrovo is QEAC-certified and coordinates formal visa lodgement with MARA-partnered registered migration agents.