For skilled professionals looking to make Australia their permanent home, the 186 Visa Direct Entry stream offers a reliable and structured pathway. Also known as the Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS) Subclass 186 Visa, this route allows Australian employers to sponsor overseas workers directly for permanent residency. In this post, we’ll walk you through the 2025 updated process for the 186 direct entry stream, what you need to qualify, and how an immigration consultant can make the journey smoother.
What Is the 186 Visa Direct Entry?
The Subclass 186 Visa – Direct Entry stream is one of the three streams under the ENS visa. It is designed for skilled workers who are nominated by an Australian employer and who may or may not have previously worked in Australia.
Unlike the Temporary Residence Transition (TRT) stream, the direct entry path does not require the applicant to have worked in Australia for a long period before applying. This makes it a great option for skilled migrants currently overseas or working in Australia on short-term visas.
Key Benefits of the 186 Direct Entry Visa
- Permanent Residency: This visa grants you and your family permanent residency from day one.
- Work and Study: You can work, study, and live anywhere in Australia.
- Path to Citizenship: After meeting residency requirements, you may be eligible to apply for Australian citizenship.
- Bring Your Family: Eligible family members can be included in your application.
Eligibility Criteria (2025 Update)
To apply for the 186 direct entry stream in 2025, you must meet several core requirements:
1. Nomination by an Employer
You must be nominated by an Australian employer who is actively and legally operating in Australia. The job must be on the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL).
2. Skills Assessment
A positive skills assessment from a relevant assessing authority is required unless exemptions apply. This proves that you have the necessary qualifications and skills for the nominated occupation.
3. Work Experience
You need at least 3 years of relevant work experience in your nominated occupation. This can include overseas experience and doesn’t have to be gained in Australia.
4. Age Limit
You must be under 45 years of age at the time of application. Some exemptions apply for high-income earners or academic professionals.
5. English Language Proficiency
You must demonstrate competent English, which generally means achieving at least:
- IELTS: 6.0 in each component, or
- PTE Academic: 50 in each component
6. Health and Character Requirements
Applicants must meet Australia’s health and character criteria, including a police check and medical examination.
Step-by-Step Process for 186 Direct Entry (2025)
Here’s how the process typically unfolds:
Step 1: Confirm Eligibility
Review the eligibility requirements with or without the help of an immigration consultant to ensure you’re on the right path.
Step 2: Skills Assessment
Apply for a skills assessment through the relevant authority for your occupation. This can take several weeks or even months, so it’s wise to start early.
Step 3: Employer Nomination
Your employer must lodge a nomination application with the Department of Home Affairs. This involves:
- Proving genuine need for the role
- Demonstrating the business is operating legally
- Committing to employ you full-time for at least 2 years
Step 4: Gather Supporting Documents
Prepare all required documents, such as:
- Skills assessment results
- Proof of work experience
- English test results
- Identity and character documents
Step 5: Submit Visa Application
Once the nomination is approved (or submitted simultaneously), you can lodge your 186 visa application online. You must apply within 6 months of the employer’s nomination.
Step 6: Health and Police Checks
After submission, you’ll be asked to complete health examinations and provide police clearance certificates.
Step 7: Await Decision
Visa processing times in 2025 may vary, but typically take between 5–9 months. Having an experienced immigration consultant can help avoid delays and ensure all documents are properly prepared.
Costs Involved
Here’s a breakdown of the key costs involved in the 186 direct entry visa process (as of 2025):
- Skills Assessment: AUD $500–$1,200 (varies by authority)
- English Test (IELTS/PTE): AUD $300–$400
- Visa Application Charge:
- Primary applicant: AUD $4,640
- Additional adult: AUD $2,320
- Child under 18: AUD $1,160
- Health Checks & Police Certificates: AUD $300–$500 (varies by country)
Why Use an Immigration Consultant?
The 186 visa process can be complex and time-sensitive. A registered immigration consultant can assist by:
- Ensuring eligibility and helping you gather accurate documentation
- Lodging both the nomination and visa applications correctly
- Advising on potential exemptions (e.g., age or English language)
- Reducing the chance of refusals or delays
Choosing a MARA registered migration agent ensures you’re working with someone recognized by the Australian government.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Incomplete or incorrect skills assessment
- Employer not meeting nomination requirements
- Missing documents or incorrect English test scores
- Applying outside the permitted timeframe
- Not using professional help when unsure
Final Thoughts
The 186 direct entry stream is a powerful and direct path to Australian permanent residency for skilled professionals. With the right employer, proper preparation, and possibly the guidance of an experienced immigration consultant, the process can be smoother and more successful.
If you’re serious about migrating to Australia in 2025, now is the time to start gathering documents, assessing your skills, and connecting with potential employers.