Employer Nomination Scheme

This page has additional general information about employer-sponsored migration to Australia.

It should be read in conjunction with information about the migration category that interests you.

If you decide you want to migrate, it is essential to read the detailed information in Booklet 5, Employer Sponsored Migration.

Contents of this page -
   Costs and charges
   Lodging an application
   Frequently asked questions
   Contact details
   General migration information
   Living in Australia

Costs and charges

Nomination fee
At the time of lodging an application for nomination under the Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS), employers are required to pay a fee. For up-to-date charges, see Charges (Fees).

Application charge
The visa nominee must pay the application charge at the time of making an application. Whatever the outcome of the application, this charge is non-refundable. For up-to-date charges, see Charges (Fees).

Medical costs
You will be required to pay for a medical examination for each family member included in your application.

For entry into Australia, medical examinations conducted overseas are generally only acceptable if conducted by panel doctors and radiologists accepted by the Australian Government.

Language assessment
The visa applicant may need to sit an International English Language Testing System (IELTS) test to demonstrate English ability.

Enquiries about IELTS should be directed to IELTS Australia, telephone + 6 2 6285 8222, email ielts@idp.com, or www.ielts.org.

Some professions require an Occupational English Test (OET) as part of the qualifications assessment.

Enquiries about the OET should be directed to Language Australia, GPO Box 372F, Melbourne, Victoria 3001, or Level 4, 51 Queen Street, Melbourne, Victoria 3000, telephone + 61 3 9612 2611, or www.languageaustralia.com.au.

Other costs
Visa applicants should also be prepared to pay other costs associated with their application, such as those required to obtain a character clearance from authorities in their country, and the cost of certified translations of some documents.

Lodging an application

To lodge an employer-sponsored migration application, you should obtain Booklet 5, Employer Sponsored Migration.

It has detailed information about what is required to come to Australia as an employer-sponsored migrant, and information about living in Australia.

Employers in Australia should lodge their nomination form at a departmental Business Centre. Visa nominees should lodge their application at their nearest migration office.

Time taken to process visas

Information on the approximate time it takes to process an application can be accessed from the processing times page.

Frequently asked questions

Answers to the most frequently asked questions about employer-sponsored migration.

Contact details

Regional Certifying Bodies.

Business Centres.

General migration information

Please note: documents marked with an asterisk (*) are PDF files - they require the Adobe Reader on your computer. For more information, please see Using PDF Files.

English language assessment
Form 966i*, Migrating to Australia, English language assessment

Health requirements
Form 1071i*, Health requirement for permanent entry to Australia

Panel doctors
For entry into Australia, medical examinations conducted overseas are generally only acceptable if conducted by panel doctors and radiologists accepted by the Australian Government.

Character requirements - overseas police certificates
Information and addresses of where to apply, what needs to be provided with your application and any fees that may be applicable - Form 47P*, Character requirement, police certificates.

Police records check within Australia
Use this form within Australia - Form 1101*, Police records check - important! Please complete both pages.

Charges (fees)
Charges (Fees) - see reference to costs under 'Employer Sponsored Migration (Booklet 5)'.

Notification of change in circumstances
For changes in circumstance that may affect your application - Form 1022*, Notification of change in circumstances

Notification of incorrect answers
The department requires you to notify any incorrect information you may have provided on your visa application, passenger card, or in dealings with the department if your visa has been considered for cancellation - Form 1023*, Notification of incorrect answer(s)

Client Service Charter
Among other things, the charter tells you of the standards of service you can expect, provides an avenue to comment on our performance and advises on how you can help us to serve you.

Review rights/appeals
If your visa is refused, you may be able to appeal the decision.

Use of a migration agent
You are not required by law to use a migration agent to assist with your application. However, if you want to use a migration agent, a list of registered migration agents is available from the Migration Agents Registration Authority (MARA) or at departmental offices.

Source: Australian Government