Australia’s Subclass 186 Direct Entry visa is one of the most sought-after permanent residency (PR) pathways for skilled workers across the globe. Whether you’re a nurse, engineer, tradesperson, or IT professional, this visa stream can help you make your Australian dream a reality. However, as with all immigration processes, there are specific eligibility requirements—and knowing whether you qualify is the first step.
In this blog, we break down who can apply for the Subclass 186 Direct Entry visa, what the eligibility requirements are, and how working with an experienced immigration agent can simplify your journey.
What Is the Subclass 186 Direct Entry Stream?
The Subclass 186 Direct Entry stream is a part of the Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS) visa. It allows skilled workers to live and work in Australia permanently, provided they are nominated by an Australian employer for a job on the relevant skilled occupation list.
There are three streams under the Subclass 186 visa:
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Temporary Residence Transition (TRT)
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Direct Entry (DE)
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Labour Agreement
This blog focuses exclusively on the Direct Entry stream, which is designed for applicants who may not have previously worked in Australia or do not meet the criteria under the TRT stream.
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Who Can Apply for Subclass 186 Direct Entry?
To be eligible for the Subclass 186 Direct Entry stream, applicants must meet several key requirements. Below are the main criteria:
1. Nominated by an Australian Employer
First and foremost, you must be nominated by an Australian employer who is actively and lawfully operating in Australia. The employer must offer a full-time position in an occupation that appears on the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL).
The nomination must be approved by the Department of Home Affairs before you can apply for the visa. It’s important that the role is genuine, and that the employer has the financial capacity to support the position.
2. Occupation Must Be on the MLTSSL
The job you’re being nominated for must appear on the MLTSSL. This list includes a range of professions—from engineers and ICT professionals to healthcare workers and tradespeople. You must also have the skills and qualifications required for the role.
If you’re unsure whether your occupation qualifies, speaking to an immigration agent can help clarify your options.
3. Skills Assessment
Applicants must have a positive skills assessment from the relevant assessing authority for their nominated occupation. This step ensures that your qualifications and work experience meet Australian standards.
Each occupation has a specific assessing body (e.g., Engineers Australia, ANMAC for nurses, or ACS for IT professionals), and the process may involve submitting documents, evidence of work experience, and sometimes completing tests or interviews.
4. At Least 3 Years of Relevant Work Experience
You must have at least three years of full-time work experience in your nominated occupation. This experience should be post-qualification, and ideally within the last five years.
Note: Some exceptions may apply in certain cases or if the position requires less experience, but generally, three years is the standard.
5. English Language Proficiency
To apply for the Subclass 186 Direct Entry visa, you must demonstrate competent English. This typically means achieving:
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IELTS: At least 6.0 in each band
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PTE Academic: At least 50 in each band
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Or equivalent scores in TOEFL iBT or OET
There are some exemptions for applicants from English-speaking countries or those who have completed 5+ years of study in English.
6. Age Limit
You must be under 45 years of age at the time of application. There are a few exemptions for certain highly paid or nominated individuals, but these are rare and case-specific.
7. Health and Character Requirements
All applicants must undergo a health examination and provide police clearance certificates to satisfy Australia’s character requirements. This ensures that you’re medically fit and have no serious criminal history.
Why Work With an Immigration Agent?
Applying for the Subclass 186 Direct Entry visa can be a complex and time-consuming process. There are multiple stages—skills assessment, employer nomination, visa application, and sometimes even appeals or additional requests for evidence.
That’s where a registered immigration agent becomes invaluable.
Here’s how they can help:
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Assess your eligibility: Avoid wasting time and money by ensuring you meet all requirements before applying.
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Assist with skills assessments: They guide you through choosing the correct assessing body and preparing documentation.
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Liaise with your employer: Immigration agents help employers understand the nomination process and fulfill their obligations.
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Manage the application process: From filling out forms to responding to Department of Home Affairs inquiries, agents streamline the entire journey.
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Maximize success rates: With up-to-date knowledge of immigration laws, agents help reduce errors that can lead to refusals.
When choosing an agent, make sure they are MARA-registered (Migration Agents Registration Authority) for peace of mind and professional standards.
Final Thoughts
The Subclass 186 Direct Entry visa offers a direct pathway to permanent residency for skilled workers who have the qualifications, experience, and an employer willing to sponsor them. But success depends on understanding the fine print and ensuring all eligibility criteria are met.
Whether you’re planning to move from overseas or are already in Australia on a temporary visa, this stream could be your best shot at building a future down under.
Need expert help? A trusted immigration agent can assess your case and provide tailored guidance every step of the way.
Ready to Start Your 186 Visa Journey?
If you’re wondering whether the Subclass 186 Direct Entry stream is right for you, the best first step is a professional consultation. Don’t leave your future to chance—talk to a registered immigration agent and take your next step toward Australian permanent residency with confidence.
