The 186 Employer Nomination Scheme (Direct Entry): permanent residence without the two-year wait
The other way onto the subclass 186 visa: for skilled workers an employer nominates directly, with no prior 482 required. What the skills assessment, work experience and CSOL occupation rules ask for, and what it costs from 1 July 2026.
Reviewed MARN 0317382Jul 2026 published6 min read
The Direct Entry stream is the other way onto the subclass 186 Employer Nomination Scheme visa. Where the Temporary Residence Transition stream is for people who have already worked two years on a sponsored visa, Direct Entry is for skilled workers an employer nominates without that history, most often someone recruited straight from overseas. You need an occupation on the Core Skills Occupation List, a positive skills assessment no more than three years old, and generally three years of relevant work experience. From 1 July 2026 the visa application charge is $6,140 for the primary applicant.
Who Direct Entry is for
Most people who reach the subclass 186 arrive through the Temporary Residence Transition stream, because they already hold a Skills in Demand (482) visa and have two years of sponsored work behind them. Direct Entry exists for everyone else an employer wants to nominate for permanent residence straight away: an offshore hire with no Australian work history, someone whose 482 time doesn't add up to two years, or an employer who wants to skip the temporary step entirely and sponsor a permanent hire from day one.
What you need to qualify
Five things carry a Direct Entry application.
An eligible occupation. Your nominated occupation must be on the Core Skills Occupation List (CSOL).
A positive skills assessment. Most applicants need one showing they have the skills for the nominated position. It can't have been issued more than three years before you apply, and it must be current when you lodge. Skills assessments obtained for a subclass 485 visa are not accepted. Exemptions apply if you're nominated as an academic (university lecturer or faculty head, Academic Level A to E) by an Australian university, as a scientist, researcher or technical specialist at ANZSCO skill level 1 or 2 by a government science agency or university, or if you hold a Special Category (subclass 444) or New Zealand Citizen Family Relationship (subclass 461) visa and have worked for your nominating employer in the nominated position for at least two of the last three years.
Relevant work experience. Unless you're exempt from the skills assessment, you generally need at least three years of relevant work experience in your occupation. If you're exempt from the skills assessment, you're exempt from this too.
Age. You must usually be under 45 when you apply. The same exemptions that apply to the skills assessment (academics, government-nominated scientists and researchers, and eligible NZ 444/461 visa holders) also lift the age limit.
English and the rest. Competent English, health and character requirements, and a valid nomination from an employer whose business is actively and lawfully operating apply as they do across the visa. If your occupation requires a licence, registration or professional membership to work in your state or territory, you need that too.
Direct Entry or Temporary Residence Transition?
If you already hold a Skills in Demand (or earlier 482/457) visa and have two years of work for an approved sponsor behind you, the Temporary Residence Transition stream is almost always the easier path: it leans on time already served rather than a fresh skills assessment. Direct Entry is the route when that work history doesn't exist yet, or doesn't add up. See The 186 Employer Nomination Scheme (TRT) for the two-year rule and what changed on 29 November 2025.
| Direct Entry | Temporary Residence Transition | |
|---|---|---|
| Who it's for | Skilled workers without the sponsored work history, often an offshore hire | Current 482 / SID (or 457/TSS) holders |
| Key test | Skills assessment + 3 years' experience | 2 years' work for an approved sponsor |
| Skills assessment | Required, unless exempt | Not usually required |
What it costs
From 1 July 2026 the visa application charge is $6,140 for the primary applicant. A family member included in the application who is 18 or older and can't show at least Functional English attracts a second instalment of $4,890, invoiced once you've met the visa's other requirements. On top of that you may need to budget for health checks, police certificates and biometrics. Your employer's nomination carries its own costs, a nomination fee and the Skilling Australians Fund levy, and those are the sponsor's by law, not yours.
Once you're granted the visa
Home Affairs expects you to work for your nominating employer for at least two years after the visa is granted, and you agree to begin that employment within six months of entering Australia (if you were outside the country) or of the grant date (if you were already here). The visa itself is permanent and gives you five years of travel rights before you need a Resident Return visa to come back as a permanent resident.
General information only, current at 18 July 2026. Not immigration assistance or advice for your circumstances. Visacorp Pty Ltd — MARN 0317382 · 1799004.
Common questions
Do I need to have held a 482 visa first to use Direct Entry?
No. Direct Entry is specifically for skilled workers without that sponsored work history, most commonly someone an employer is recruiting from overseas. If you already hold a 482 and have two years of sponsored work behind you, the Temporary Residence Transition stream is usually the simpler path.
How recent does my skills assessment need to be?
It must show a positive outcome and can't have been issued more than three years before you lodge your application. A skills assessment obtained for a subclass 485 visa is not accepted for this visa.
Is there an age limit for Direct Entry?
You must generally be under 45 when you apply. Exemptions exist for academics nominated at Academic Level B to E, scientists or researchers at ANZSCO skill level 1 or 2 nominated by a government science agency or university, and holders of a Special Category (subclass 444) or New Zealand Citizen Family Relationship (subclass 461) visa who've worked for the nominating employer for at least two of the last three years.
What English level do I need?
At least Competent English. Any family member included in your application who is 18 or older needs at least Functional English, or you'll need to pay a second instalment of $4,890 for them when asked.
What if my occupation isn't on the Core Skills Occupation List?
You won't be eligible for Direct Entry through that occupation. Occupation lists are reviewed periodically, so it's worth checking the current CSOL against your nominated occupation before you start gathering documents.
Unsure where your situation fits?
Twenty minutes with a registered agent is the fastest way to a straight answer.