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Home » Employer-Sponsored Visas » Subclass 186 Direct Entry Stream

Your Pathway to Permanent
Residency in Australia

The Subclass 186 Direct Entry Stream offers skilled workers an opportunity to secure PR in Australia.

️ 🧮 Check My Eligibility

Visa Snapshot

Visa Type: Employer Nomination Scheme (Subclass 186) – Direct Entry Stream

PR Pathway: Permanent Residency for skilled workers who are nominated by an Australian employer

Processing Time: 3–18 months

Visa Fees: AUD 4910 (Base fee)

Nomination Required: Must be nominated by an approved Australian employer

Work Experience: At least 3 years of relevant work experience

English: English proficiency required

Family Inclusion: Yes, spouse and dependent children can be included

Health & Character: Must meet health and character requirements

🧭 Visa Overview & PR Benefits

The Subclass 186 – Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS) Visa offers skilled workers who are nominated by an Australian employer a direct path to permanent residency in Australia. This visa allows you to live and work in Australia indefinitely, providing numerous benefits for both you and your family.

Full Work Rights for you and your family in Australia

Permanent Residency granted immediately

Access to Medicare and other social benefits

Pathway to Australian Citizenship after meeting residency requirements

No Points Test: Simplified application process

Why Apply for Subclass 186 – Employer Nomination Scheme Visa?

This visa is ideal for skilled professionals looking to fill critical skill gaps in Australia’s workforce. It provides a straightforward and efficient pathway to permanent residency with additional advantages for families and career growth.

No Points Test required for eligibility

Direct Pathway to Permanent Residency

Family Inclusion: Bring your spouse and dependent children

Addressing Skill Gaps in Australia’s critical industries

Full Work Rights across Australia in your nominated occupation

Eligibility Criteria

To apply for the Subclass 186 Direct Entry Stream, applicants must meet the following eligibility requirements: 

Age: Be under 45 years old at the time of application.

Skills Assessment: Hold a positive skills assessment for your nominated occupation.

English Language: Meet the English language proficiency requirements.

Health & Character: Satisfy health and character criteria.

Core Skills Occupation List (CSOL): Occupation must be on the relevant skilled occupation list.

Employer Nomination: Be nominated by an Australian employer for a position that is full-time and ongoing for at least two years.

🧮 Download Eligibility Checklist

🔍 Application Process – Step by Step

1
Check Eligibility
2
Skills Assessment
3
Employer Nomination
4
Health & Character Checks
5
Visa Application
6
Wait for Decision
7
Visa Grant

Common Mistakes & Tips to Strengthen Your Application

Common Mistakes to Avoid ​​

Incorrect ANZSCO Code

Incomplete Documentation

Unsupported Claims

Expired Test Results

Tips to Strengthen Your Application:

Double-Check Your Skills Assessment

Provide Complete and Accurate Documentation

Ensure Your English Proficiency is Up to Standard

Seek Professional Advice

Carefully Prepare for Health & Character Checks:

Family Members You Can Include

Family Members

Your family members that can be included before the visa lodgement or during the application process are:

 Your partner

Your dependent child or stepchild

 Your partner’s dependent child or stepchild

 The dependent child or stepchild of your or your partner’s dependent child or stepchild.

All family members must meet health and character criteria.

After Visa Grant​

After you receive your Subclass 186 Direct Entry Stream visa,

 Permanent Residency: You and your family will have the right to live and work in Australia indefinitely.

 Full Work Rights: You can work anywhere in Australia in your nominated occupation.

 Full Study Rights: You and your family can study in Australia without restrictions.

 Access to Medicare: You and your family will be eligible for Australia's public healthcare system.

Pathway to Citizenship: You can apply for Australian citizenship once you meet the residency requirements.

 Family Inclusion: Your spouse and dependent children can join you in Australia and enjoy the same rights.

Required Documents

For your Subclass 186 Direct Entry Stream visa application, You will need:

Primary Applicant:

Passport and identity documents.

English language test results

Skills assessment (if applicable)

Health and character documents

Police Clearance

Partner / Dependents:

Proof of Relationship

Health and character documents

📥 Download Visa Requirement Checklist

Fees & Processing Time

TypeDetails & Fee (AUD)
🧾 Main ApplicantAUD 4,910
👥 Addtional Applicant 18+AUD 2,455
👥 Addtional Applicant below 18AUD 1,230
⏳ Processing Time2 to 18 Months (50% to 90% Application processed)

🧰 Tools & Downloads

Downcload Complete Subclass 186 DE Visa Pack
Downcload Complete Subclass 186 DE Visa Pack
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Check Your Eligibility
Check Your Eligibility
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❓Frequently Asked Questions

No, this stream does not require a points test; eligibility is based on other criteria.

Yes, you can apply for the Subclass 186 DE visa from outside Australia if you meet the criteria. 

Yes, eligible family members can be included in your application. 

Once granted, you will have permanent residency status and access to full work and study rights. 

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Disclaimer
The information on this page is for general guidance only and does not guarantee visa approval. All visa applications are subject to the discretion of the Australian Department of Home Affairs. For personalized guidance, please contact a registered migration agent at Visa Advisor.