The Department of Home Affairs has confirmed that it is currently experiencing high application volumes under the Employer Nomination Scheme (Subclass 186). As of 31 October 2025, the Employer Sponsored Program Delivery (ESPD) team has released updated timeframes for nomination and visa assessment.
This update is particularly important for employers, HR teams, and skilled workers navigating Australia’s sponsorship and permanent residency pathways.
👉 Need help fast-tracking your application or choosing the right sponsorship strategy? Book a Free Employer Strategy Call with Skyline Migration Lawyers today.
Key Takeaways
✔ Subclass 186 processing times now vary significantly based on occupation category and nomination type.
✔ Regional, healthcare, and teaching applications lodged in April 2025 are currently being assessed.
✔ Accredited Sponsor nominations lodged in October 2024 are under review.
✔ All other standard applications from March 2024 are now being processed.
Current Processing Timeframes for Subclass 186 Visa Applications
The Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS) Subclass 186 allows Australian employers to sponsor overseas workers for permanent residency. Due to record demand, processing times continue to shift based on priority sectors, sponsor type, and regional status.
As of 31 October 2025, the ESPD team has provided the following update:
🟢 Applications Being Assessed Now
Application Type |
Lodgement Date |
Notes |
|---|---|---|
|
Occupations in designated regional areas |
April 2025 |
Must meet all regional eligibility requirements |
|
Healthcare and teaching occupations |
April 2025 |
Includes nurses, doctors, AHPRA-regulated roles, early childhood teachers |
|
Nominations from Accredited Sponsors |
October 2024 |
Priority processing applies under Accredited Sponsor framework |
|
All other applications |
March 2024 |
Standard processing; includes non-priority occupations |
What This Means for Employers
For Australian businesses, these updated timeframes may affect:
-
Workforce planning
-
Onboarding timelines
-
Staffing for critical roles
-
Recruitment of overseas skilled workers
Accredited Sponsorship status continues to provide faster processing and may be worth pursuing for ongoing recruitment needs.
Skyline Migration Lawyers can help you assess whether becoming an Accredited Sponsor is right for your business.
What This Means for Skilled Workers
Your visa processing time may depend on:
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Your occupation
-
Whether your role is in a priority sector
-
Whether your employer is an Accredited Sponsor
-
Whether the position is regional
Skilled workers seeking faster outcomes may consider:
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Moving into priority occupations
-
Exploring regional opportunities
-
Ensuring complete, decision-ready applications
Our team can assess your eligibility and help position your application for faster processing.
Need Help Navigating Sponsorship or Visa Delays?
Skyline Migration Lawyers specialises in:
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Employer Sponsorship (ENS 186, SID sponsorship pathways)
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Nomination strategy and readiness checks
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Employer compliance and HR support
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Decision-ready visa preparation
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Complex and delayed applications
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Accredited Sponsor applications
