03/04/2025
Australia offers various pathways for skilled professionals to secure permanent residency, and the 186 Visa Australia (Employer Nomination Scheme) is a prime option. If you are looking to migrate to Australia through employer sponsorship, the Subclass 186 under the Direct Entry stream might be the perfect choice. This guide covers the 186 visa requirements, eligibility criteria, application process, cost of 186 visa Australia, and more to help you successfully apply for the Australia Direct Entry Visa.
The Subclass 186 Visa Australia (Employer Nomination Scheme – Direct Entry) is a permanent residency visa designed for skilled workers nominated by an approved Australian employer. This visa is part of the Australia Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS) and is ideal for professionals who meet the eligibility requirements without needing prior temporary work experience in Australia.
The Direct Entry Stream is specifically for:
Skilled professionals living outside Australia who have never worked in the country but have the necessary qualifications and experience.
Temporary workers already in Australia who do not qualify for the Temporary Residence Transition Stream under the 186 visa but meet the eligibility criteria for direct entry.
Once granted, the 186 Subclass Visa Australia allows the holder to:
✔ Live, work, and study anywhere in Australia indefinitely.
✔ Sponsor eligible family members for Australian visas.
✔ Access Medicare (Australia’s public healthcare system).
✔ Apply for Australian citizenship if eligible.
Employer Nomination Requirement
An Australian employer must nominate you for a skilled position.
The employer must be actively operating in Australia and meet all sponsorship requirements.
Skilled Occupation Requirement
The nominated occupation must be on the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL).
A valid skills assessment is required to prove competency in the nominated field.
Work Experience & Age Limit
You must have at least three years of full-time work experience in the nominated occupation.
The age limit for applicants is below 45 years at the time of application (with some exemptions).
English Language Proficiency
A minimum Competent English level is required, usually proven by IELTS, PTE, or equivalent tests.
Permanent Residency & Benefits
Unlike temporary visas like the 482 Visa (TSS), the Australia 186 Visa Direct Entry grants immediate permanent residency upon approval.
By understanding these fundamental aspects, applicants can determine whether the Australia Direct Entry Visa is the right pathway to securing permanent residency and employment opportunities in Australia.
To qualify for the Australia Visa Subclass 186 (Direct Entry stream), applicants must meet the following conditions:
You must be nominated by an Australian employer who is an approved sponsor.
The employer must demonstrate a genuine need for the nominated position.
The job must be on the Medium and Long-Term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL).
The employer must meet training requirements and provide proof of efforts to hire locally before sponsoring a foreign worker.
A minimum of three years of full-time work experience in the nominated occupation is required.
The experience must be relevant to the occupation and gained after qualification completion.
Work experience must be in line with Australian standards and duties outlined for the occupation.
You must obtain a positive skills assessment from a recognized assessing authority for your occupation.
Each occupation has a different assessing body, such as Engineers Australia, VETASSESS, or CPA Australia.
The skills assessment ensures that your qualifications and experience meet Australian workplace standards.
Applicants must be under 45 years old at the time of application.
Exemptions apply for certain occupations, high-earning positions, and specific transitional arrangements.
You must demonstrate Competent English proficiency, which can be proven through tests such as:
IELTS (minimum score of 6.0 in each component)
PTE Academic (minimum score of 50 in each component)
TOEFL iBT (minimum score of 12 in listening, 13 in reading, 21 in writing, and 18 in speaking)
Exemptions apply for citizens of the UK, USA, Canada, Ireland, and New Zealand.
You and your family members must meet health and character requirements.
You will need to undergo a medical examination by an approved panel physician.
Police clearance certificates from every country you have lived in for 12+ months in the last 10 years must be provided.
You can include eligible family members (spouse, dependent children) in your application.
Family members must meet the health and character requirements as well.
Step-by-Step Process to Apply for the Subclass 186 Visa Australia (Direct Entry)
Ensure you meet all 186 visa requirements, including skills assessment, work experience, and English proficiency.
Your employer must submit a nomination application on your behalf to the Department of Home Affairs.
Prepare documents such as proof of employment, skills assessment, passport, and health & character certifications.
Once the nomination is approved, lodge your 186 Subclass Visa Australia application online.
The processing time varies but generally takes 5-12 months.
If successful, you will be granted permanent residency under the Australia Employer Nomination Scheme.
Benefits of the Australia Direct Entry Visa
Permanent residency status
No regional work requirements
Access to Medicare (Australia’s healthcare system)
Eligibility to sponsor family members
Pathway to Australian citizenship
Solution: Ensure your employer is an approved sponsor and meets all nomination criteria.
Solution: Apply early and ensure all supporting documents are correct.
Solution: Take an IELTS or equivalent test well in advance.
Solution: Plan finances accordingly and explore employer-sponsored financial support options.
The processing time for the 186 subclass visa Australia varies depending on factors such as the completeness of your application, employer nomination approval, and workload at the Department of Home Affairs. Here are the average timelines:
To avoid delays, ensure your application is complete with all required documents submitted correctly.
FAQs About 186 Visa Australia
The processing time varies but typically ranges from 5 to 12 months.
No, employer nomination is mandatory for this visa category.
Yes, the Temporary Residence Transition Stream is available for TSS visa holders.
The 186 visa grants permanent residency with no expiration date.
Yes, you are expected to stay with your sponsoring employer for at least 2 years.
Yes, family members can be included in your application and will receive the same permanent residency benefits.
For expert guidance on the Australia Employer Nomination Scheme, consulting a Migration Agent can simplify the process. If you are also exploring an employer-sponsored visa, make sure to review all available options before applying.
