Planning to apply for PR?
So you’re nearing two years on a 482 visa and starting to think of applying for permanent residency. What should you organise in advance? And how early should you start considering an Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS) Transitional visa?
From employer sponsorship and English requirements to medical checks and application fees, knowing what to expect can save you time, stress, and costly mistakes.
Let’s look at some of the key requirements for the Subclass 186 Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS) Transitional visa, and how to prepare.
Employer Sponsorship – the Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS) Transitional visa requires a Nomination application from your most recent 482 sponsoring employer.
- Applicants must speak with their employer to discuss their plans to apply for permanent residency, as certain costs must be met by the sponsor as part of the process. It’s best to start the discussions around 2 months prior to the eligibility date.
- Sponsors must provide company financial documents and evidence of a genuine position as part of the Nomination.
Held a 482 visa for at least 2 years before lodging an Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS) transitional application – this can include bridging visas between 482 applications, for those who needed to extend or renew.
- Applicants should ensure they have copies of their 482 visa grant notifications for easy reference.
Working in the nominated occupation for at least 2 years – changes introduced on 7 December 2024 removed the requirement to work with one sponsor for the 2-year period and instead allows holders to count work in their nominated occupation with multiple sponsors.
- Applicants must provide reference letters, payslips, income summaries, and confirmation of any unpaid leave from each employer counted towards the 2 years
- Where there has been a transfer to a new employer, applicants should record the dates when the Nomination was lodged and approved
Competent level English – it is not possible to evidence Competent level English ability based on schooling
- Applicants must provide an exempt passport or formal English test undertaken less than 3 years before applying
English for dependents – family members over the age of 18 included in the ENS visa will be required to demonstrate Functional level English
- Dependent applicants who cannot demonstrate functional English based on education should organise a formal English test to be taken less than 12 months before applying or be prepared to pay a $4890 Visa Application Charge.
Medicals and Police Clearances – all applicants must meet health and character requirements.
- As these clearances are only valid for 12 months from the date of issue, applicants should consider the visa processing times before proceeding with medicals and police checks.
Application Fees – DHA application fees must be paid in full at the time of lodgement
- Applicants should ensure they have sufficient funds to cover the application fees to cover themselves and their dependents:
- Visa Application – Main Applicant – $4,910
- Visa Application – Dependent Applicant over 18yrs of age (each) – $2,455
- Visa Application – Dependent Applicant under 18yrs of age (each) – $1,230
What happens after lodgement?
Applicants who are in Australia on a 482 visa at the time of lodgement will automatically be granted a Bridging Visa A to remain here during processing. The BVA will have full work and study rights but does not have international travel rights. Applicants who need to travel overseas after their 482 visa expires will need to apply for a Bridging Visa B.
Onshore applicants are eligible for Medicare from the date of lodgement of the permanent visa.
As of 29 July 2025, Immigration advises the standard processing time for Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS) Transitional visa applications is 14 to 18 months from lodgement.
Applicants are expected to continue to work in their nominated occupation with their sponsoring employer for the entire processing period.
Can I get help with this process?
AVIE’s team has a wealth of experience with corporate migration and can assist both you and your sponsoring employer through the Transitional ENS process. Contact us today!