186 direct entry visa: Requirements, process & expert guidance

The 186 direct entry visa is one of 3 streams of the Employer Nomination Scheme (Subclass 186 visa) and allows overseas workers nominated by an approved Australian employer to live permanently in Australia. Under the direct entry system, individuals apply directly if they meet the skills, qualification, and English requirements. Its primary purpose is to fill genuine skill shortages by allowing employers to recruit migrant workers. Some of its benefits for visa holders include:

• Having this visa allows you to live, work, and study in Australia indefinitely.
• It allows you to sponsor eligible family members to come to Australia.
• It allows you to apply for Australian citizenship.

The employer and nominee must fulfill a few requirements for the 186 direct entry visa, such as:

Employer requirements to sponsor an employee for the 186 direct entry visa:

• They must be a lawfully and actively operating business in Australia to sponsor an overseas employee for the 186 direct entry visa.
• Offer a full‑time, ongoing skilled position (with a genuine need for the role) for at least two years from the date of visa grant.
• Offer a salary at or above the required minimum AUD 79,423. Also ensure fair pay comparable to an Australian worker in a similar role/location.
• The employer must pay the AUD 540.00 nomination application fee and the following fee to the Skilling Australians Fund (SAF) levy:

Requirements for nominee of the 186 direct entry visa:

English language requirements:

• IELTS: minimum 6 in all components.
• PTE: 47 for listening, 48 for reading, 51 for writing, and 54 for speaking.

Other requirements for nominee:

• Must be nominated for an occupation on the Core Skills Occupation List.
• Must have at least 3 years of experience in a relevant work field, unless an exception applies.
• Must have a positive skills assessment before you submit your application, unless an exception applies.
• 186 direct entry visa age limit is under 45 years old on the date you submit your application (with exceptions in some cases).
• Must meet all of the health and character requirements.
• Meet any of the mandatory licensing, registration, or professional membership requirements.

The costs required to apply for an 186 direct entry visa are:

• 50% were processed in 10 months for some applicants.
• 90% were processed in 14 months for others.

Step 1: Confirm that your occupation is on the Core Skills Occupation List (CSOL) before applying for the 186 direct entry visa.

Step 2: Secure a positive skills assessment from the relevant authority; exceptions may apply, and ensure your employment documentation verifies your claims.

Step 3: Your employer submits a nomination application, providing evidence of the position's genuineness, salary, and business legitimacy.

Step 4: You send your visa application and await a decision from the Department of Home Affairs.

Search Education is a trusted and registered education and migration consultancy based in Sydney. What sets us apart is the team of QAEC-certified counsellors and registered migration agents who can legally provide qualified immigration advice under Australian law. For a complex permanent residency visa like the subclass 186 - direct entry stream, this legal expertise is invaluable, as it ensures your application is accurate and professionally prepared. Why choose us? Well:

• We have over 10 years of experience assisting people with their desired visas.
• Our migration agents and counsellors will guide you in preparing your documents.
• We will help with IELTS and PTE preparation.
• We provide pre-departure counselling.