The Employer Nomination Scheme visa (subclasses 121 and 856) closed to new applications on 1 July 2012. However, if you have already lodged a visa application on or before 30 June 2012, you may still be eligible. This visa allows Australian employers to sponsor foreign nationals for a permanent visa to work in Australia. It provides an opportunity for you and your family to live and work in Australia on a permanent basis.

About the Employer Nomination Scheme Visa

The Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS) visa is designed for applicants who were in Australia and lodged their visa application on or before 30 June 2012. This visa allows you and your family to live and work in Australia indefinitely. It also grants you certain rights and entitlements, such as the ability to enrol in the Medicare scheme for health-related care and expenses, access certain social security payments, and sponsor eligible members of your family unit for permanent residence.

Cost of the Visa

The cost of the Employer Nomination Scheme (subclass 121) visa is as follows:

• Additional applicant charge 18 and over - AUD1,050
• Additional applicant charge under 18 - AUD525

The cost of the Employer Nomination Scheme (subclass 856) visa is as follows:

• Additional applicant charge 18 and over - AUD1,555
• Additional applicant charge under 18 - AUD775

There is also an option for an extension of the Employer Nomination Scheme (subclass 856) visa, with the following additional applicant charges:

• Additional applicant charge 18 and over - AUD140
• Additional applicant charge under 18 - AUD70

Visa Holders

If you have been granted an Employer Nomination visa (subclass 121), it is important to understand your rights and obligations. You can use Visa Entitlement Verification Online (VEVO) to check your visa details and entitlements.

What the Visa Allows You to Do

The Employer Nomination Scheme visa (subclasses 121 and 856) is a permanent visa that allows you and your family to:

• Stay in Australia indefinitely
• Work and study in Australia
• Enrol in the Medicare scheme for health-related care and expenses
• Take out private health insurance
• Access certain social security payments
• Be eligible for Australian citizenship, if eligible
• Sponsor eligible members of your family unit for permanent residence
• Travel to and from Australia for five years from the date the visa is granted

Your Obligations

As a visa holder, you and your family must comply with all visa conditions and Australian laws.

Employer Obligations

If you are an employer sponsoring employees under the Employer Nomination Scheme, it is important to comply with all relevant Australian standards and workplace legislation for wages and working conditions.

Reporting Changes in Circumstances

It is essential to report any changes in your circumstances to the appropriate authorities. This includes changes in residential address, passport details, or changes in your family status such as pregnancy, birth, divorce, separation, marriage, de facto relationship, or death. To report these changes, you can use ImmiAccount or the relevant forms, such as Form 929 for change of address and/or passport details, and Form 1022 for notification of other changes in circumstances. Failure to provide updated information, especially regarding passport details, may result in significant delays and possible denial of permission to board your plane.