186 Employer Nomination Scheme
186 Direct Entry Stream
The Direct Entry stream of the Employer Nomination Scheme visa (subclass 186) provides a pathway to immediate permanent residence for skilled workers nominated by an approved Australian employer, regardless of whether they have previously worked in Australia on a sponsored visa.
Who can apply
The Direct Entry stream suits workers applying from overseas, workers in Australia on a visa other than the 482 or 457, and workers in Australia on a 482 visa who do not yet meet the Temporary Residence Transition stream's two-year employment requirement.
To qualify, an applicant must be nominated by an approved employer for a genuine permanent position in an eligible occupation. The position must be full-time and intended to continue for at least two years. The salary must meet the Annual Market Salary Rate and the applicable income threshold.
The nominated occupation must appear on the eligible occupation list for the Direct Entry stream. Since the introduction of the Skills in Demand visa in December 2024, the Core Skills Occupation List also guides eligibility for this stream.
Skills assessment
A positive skills assessment from the relevant Australian assessing authority is required in most cases. The assessment confirms qualifications and experience meet Australian standards for the nominated occupation.
Work experience
At least three years of relevant full-time post-qualification work experience in the nominated occupation or a closely related field is required.
English language
Competent English is required, generally an IELTS score of at least 6.0 in each component or an equivalent score in an accepted English test. Some exemptions apply based on passport country.
Age requirement
Applicants must generally be under 45 years of age at the time the visa application is lodged. Limited exemptions apply for certain occupations and salary levels.
Permanent
Granted immediately
3 years
Work experience required
Under 45
Age at application
IELTS 6.0
Competent English
Why instruct Visa Plan for your Direct Entry application?
Skills assessment coordination
We confirm the correct assessing authority for your occupation before you apply, preventing the cost and delay of an assessment lodged with the wrong body.
Nomination preparation
The nomination must establish a genuine position, eligible occupation, and compliant salary. We prepare nominations that address each requirement with precision and supporting evidence.
Concurrent lodgement strategy
The visa application can be lodged at the same time as the nomination. We coordinate both stages to minimise overall processing time and ensure consistency across both applications.
186 Direct Entry stream information is sourced from the Department of Home Affairs and is current as at April 2026. Occupation list eligibility and salary thresholds are subject to change. This page provides general information only and does not constitute legal advice.