Subclass 186 ENS Processing Times Blow Out: What Employers and Applicants Need to Know (2026 Update)

Processing times for the Subclass 186 Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS) visa have increased significantly, creating new risks for both employers and visa applicants if applications are not carefully planned.

Previously published processing times of 8 to 19 months have now extended to up to 20 months, depending on the ENS stream. As a result, Immigration has issued guidance advising ENS applicants not to complete medical examinations and police checks too early, as they are likely to expire before a decision is made.

This update is critical for anyone considering, or currently progressing, an ENS application.

What Is the Subclass 186 Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS) Visa?

The Subclass 186 ENS visa allows skilled workers to obtain Australian permanent residency with the support of an Australian employer.

It is a key long-term solution for businesses seeking to retain skilled staff and offers visa holders full permanent resident rights, including unrestricted work rights and access to Medicare.

There are three ENS pathways, each with distinct eligibility requirements:

• Direct Entry Stream

• Temporary Residence Transition (TRT) Stream

• Agreement Stream

Current Subclass 186 ENS Processing Times (February 2026)

As of 2 February 2026, Immigration advises the following ENS processing times:

This represents a substantial increase, particularly for Direct Entry and TRT applicants.

Why Have ENS Processing Times Increased?

ENS applications are processed under Ministerial Direction No. 105, which prioritises applications in the following order:

1. Employer-sponsored roles in designated regional areas

2. Healthcare and teaching occupations

3. Applications lodged by Accredited Sponsors

4. All other applications, processed in order of lodgement

While ENS visas remain a priority within the migration program, they are still subject to annual planning levels. For 2025–26, Immigration has allocated 44,000 ENS places, and once this quota is reached, no further applications can be processed until the new financial year (i.e. from 1 July 2026).

Recent allocation data shows that non-priority cases ENS applications finalised in the past month had been lodged as far back as June 2024.

Immigration Warning: Delay Medical and Police Checks

One of the most important consequences of extended ENS processing times is the risk of expired health and character checks.

Medical examinations and police certificates are typically valid for 12 months. With current processing times now exceeding this period, applicants who complete these checks too early may be required to repeat them, resulting in:

• Additional costs

• Further delays

• Increased uncertainty

The ImmiAccount system currently issues an auto-request for medicals after lodgement, however, Immigration now explicitly advises ENS applicants to wait before undertaking medical examinations and police clearances.

Subclass 186 ENS Visa Requirements (Summary)

All ENS streams require:

• Nomination by an actively operating Australian employer

• A genuine position paid at or above the Core Skills Income Threshold (CSIT) – $76,515

• Payment of the Skilling Australians Fund (SAF) levy

• Health and character requirements (with limited waivers in some cases)

Direct Entry Stream

• Under 45 (unless exempt)

• Occupation on the CSOL

• Formal skills assessment

• Minimum 3 years relevant experience

• Competent English

Temporary Residence Transition Stream

• Under 45 (unless exempt)

• At least 2 years on a Subclass 482 or SID visa

• Occupation in ANZSCO

• Competent English

• Health waiver available

Agreement Stream

• Criteria set by the labour agreement

• Age and English concessions may apply

• Typically the fastest processing stream

What Employers and ENS Applicants Should Do Now

Given current processing conditions, ENS applicants and sponsors should:

• Plan applications early but lodge strategically

• Avoid upfront medicals and police checks unless advised

• Ensure nominations are decision-ready

• Consider accredited sponsorship, where possible

• Closely manage visa expiry dates and bridging visa status

Poor timing can lead to unnecessary delays, repeat checks, and increased costs.

How AVIE Can Help with ENS Applications

At AVIE, we actively monitor ENS processing trends and Immigration policy updates to ensure applications are aligned with current realities.

We provide:

• Strategic ENS eligibility assessments

• Advice on when to complete medicals and police checks

• Employer nomination and sponsorship support

• Accredited sponsor guidance

• End-to-end Subclass 186 ENS visa management

If you are considering or progressing a Subclass 186 ENS visa, speak with an AVIE specialist to ensure your application strategy reflects current processing times.