Am I Eligible for a 186 Direct Entry (DE) Visa? What You Need to Know

Looking for a direct pathway to permanent residency in Australia? The Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS) Subclass 186 Direct Entry (DE) visa might be your golden ticket. This visa allows skilled workers to secure PR immediately, without spending years under an employer first. However, navigating the eligibility requirements, like skilled work experience, English proficiency, skills assessments, and occupation lists can be tricky.

At Skylark Migration, we’ve helped countless clients successfully apply for the 186 DE visa. Here’s everything you need to know:

What is the 186 Direct Entry (DE) Visa?

The Subclass 186 Direct Entry (DE) visa is designed for skilled workers who:

✅ Have an Australian employer willing to nominate them for a permanent position

✅ Have at least 3 years of full-time skilled work experience relevant to their nominated occupation

✅ Want to apply directly for PR without needing to spend years on a Temporary Residence Transition (TRT) stream.

Key Difference

Unlike the 186 Temporary Residence Transition (TRT) visa, which requires 2 years of full-time work on a 482 visa (not necessarily with the same employer), the 186 DE lets you apply for PR straight away if you meet all the criteria.

Who Can Apply for a 186 DE Visa?

To be eligible for a 186 Direct Entry (DE) visa, you must meet the following requirements:

1️⃣ Employer Nomination

• You need an Australian employer to nominate you for a full-time, permanent role.

• Your occupation must be on the Core Skills Occupation List (CSOL) and specified as eligible for 186 DE.

• ⚠️ Not all occupations on the CSOL are eligible for 186 DE. Some are only valid for 186 TRT.

   

2️⃣ Skilled Work Experience (3 Years Minimum)

• You must have at least 3 years of full-time skilled work experience in your nominated occupation.

• The experience must be relevant and at the skilled level required for your occupation.

• ⚠️ Some occupations are considered “skilled” after a certain number of years of work experience rather than through qualifications.

   

3️⃣ Skills Assessment

• A positive skills assessment from the relevant assessing authority is required to confirm your qualifications and experience meet Australian standards.

• Important Note: Some occupations also require a skills assessment for the 482 visa. Whether or not a skills assessment is needed depends on the occupation. If you’re currently on a 482 visa and considering transitioning to 186 DE, check whether your occupation required a skills assessment at the 482 stage.

   

4️⃣ Age Requirement

• You must be under 45 years of age at the time of application.

• Some exemptions apply, but these are limited and specific to certain occupations

  .

5️⃣ English Language Proficiency

• You must demonstrate Competent English, which means either:

  • Achieving the required scores in an approved English language test, or

  • Holding a passport from the UK, USA, Canada, New Zealand, or Ireland.

     

6️⃣ Health & Character Checks

• You must meet standard health and character requirements, including medical examinations and police clearances.

Why Choose the 186 Direct Entry (DE) Visa?

The 186 DE visa offers several advantages over other pathways:

✨ Direct PR – Skip the wait and get permanent residency straight away. 

✨ Work & Stay Permanently – No need for renewals or visa restrictions. 

✨ Access to Medicare – Get covered under Australia’s public healthcare system. 

✨ Include Family Members – Your spouse and dependents can also get PR. 

✨ Pathway to Citizenship – Apply for Australian citizenship after meeting residency requirements.

186 Direct Entry (DE) vs. 186 Temporary Residence Transition (TRT)

Which pathway is right for you? Here’s a quick comparison:

The 186 Direct Entry (DE) visa is best for highly skilled workers with 3+ years of full-time skilled work experience who want PR from the start.

The 186 Temporary Residence Transition (TRT) visa suits those who have already spent at least 2 years working on a 482 visa. You can start the TRT process after just 1 year of full-time work experience. This stream doesn’t require a skills assessment, but you must meet all other eligibility requirements.

Why Choose Skylark Migration?

The 186 DE visa process can be complex, with strict eligibility requirements. A single mistake can delay your application or even lead to a visa refusal. That’s why Skylark Migration is here to help.

• Tailored Advice – We assess your situation and recommend the best visa pathway for you.

• Skills Assessment Assistance – We guide you through the process to secure a positive outcome.

• Full Application Support – From nomination to visa lodgement, we handle everything.

• Expert Team – With over 80 years of combined experience and a former Immigration Officer on our team, we know exactly how to maximise your chances of success.

Want to Learn More? Check These Out!

• Understanding Employer-Sponsored Visas in Australia

• How to Secure a Skills Assessment for Australian Visas

• 186 Visa: Direct Entry vs. Temporary Residence Transition

• Top 6 Tips from a Former Visa Case Officer