Navigating Australia’s Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS) subclass 186 can feel daunting—but with the right guidance, you’ll breeze through the Direct Entry Stream. In this comprehensive article, we cover every step: from eligibility checks and document preparation to lodgement tips and processing times. Let’s get started!
What Is the 186 Visa Direct Entry Stream?
The Subclass 186 Visa (ENS) allows skilled workers, who are nominated by an approved Australian employer, to live and work in Australia permanently. The Direct Entry Stream is designed for:
- Overseas applicants who have not worked in Australia
- Temporary Skilled Migrants who hold a 457 or TSS visa but do not meet the Temporary Residence Transition requirements
Key benefits of the Direct Entry Stream include:
- Permanent residency for you and eligible family members
- Full work and study rights
- Access to Medicare and social security benefits
Also Check: Australia Digital Nomad Visa 2025: Eligibility, Requirements & How to Apply
Key Eligibility Criteria
To qualify under the Direct Entry Stream, applicants must meet all of the following:
| Eligibility Factor | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Age | Under 45 years at the time of application (some exemptions apply) |
| Skills Assessment | Positive assessment from the relevant assessing authority, valid at time of application |
| English Language | Competent level (IELTS 6.0 or equivalent in all four bands) |
| Nomination | Must be nominated by an approved Australian employer for a position on the Skilled Occupation List |
| Work Experience | At least 3 years of relevant work experience (unless exempt) |
| Health & Character | Meet Australia’s health and character requirements |
Pro tip: If you’re over 45 years old, check for age exemption categories, such as high-earning individuals or ex‑government employees.
Detailed Document Checklist
Assemble your supporting documents before you start your online application. A clear, well‑organized submission reduces processing delays.
- Identity Documents
- Passport bio-data page
- Birth certificate or national ID
- Skills Assessment
- Issued by the relevant authority (e.g., VETASSESS, ACS, ANMAC)
- Confirmation letter or certificate
- English Proficiency
- IELTS, PTE Academic, TOEFL iBT or OET certificate
- Ensure all test results are valid (within 3 years)
- Employment Evidence
- Reference letters on company letterhead
- Pay slips, tax returns or employment contracts
- Job description outlining duties and hours
- Nomination Approval
- Form 407 (Nomination approval letter) from your Australian employer
- Health and Character
- Completed health examination (by Pan‑American Health Organization-approved panel)
- Police clearance certificates from every country lived in for 12 months+ in the last 10 years
- Additional Documents (if applicable)
- Marriage certificate or evidence of de facto relationship
- Evidence of change of name (if names differ across documents)
Step‑by‑Step Application Process
Follow these steps to lodge a successful Direct Entry application:
- Secure Employer Nomination
Your Australian employer applies to the Department of Home Affairs and, once approved, receives a nomination approval. - Prepare Your Documents
Gather all identity, skills, English, employment and health/character documents. Make sure translations are certified. - Create an ImmiAccount
Register at the Home Affairs portal and complete your profile. - Complete Form 80 & Form 1221 (if required)
Provide personal history and marriage declarations as requested by the online form. - Upload Documents & Pay Fees
Attach all scanned originals in PDF format, then pay the application charge (current fee – see next section). - Monitor Your Application
Check ImmiAccount regularly for requests for more information (RFIs). Respond promptly—within 28 days—to avoid delays. - Receive Outcome
Once approved, you’ll receive a visa grant letter. You and your family can then plan your move to Australia.
Processing Times and Fees
| Stream | Application Charge (AUD) | Average Processing Time¹ |
|---|---|---|
| Direct Entry (186) | 5,000 | 75% in 10 to 15 months |
¹ Processing times vary based on case complexity and documentation completeness. Always refer to the Home Affairs statistics for the latest data.
Tips to Improve Application Success
- Double‑check completeness: Incomplete applications are the leading cause of delays.
- Use precise job titles: Match your role to the ANZSCO occupation description.
- Seek a registered migration agent: A MARA‑registered agent can review your application and catch errors.
- Maintain honest communication: Discrepancies between documents and declarations can lead to refusals.
- Prepare for RFIs: Keep all originals and certified copies handy in case the Department requests further evidence.
Conclusion
Applying for the Australia 186 Visa Direct Entry Stream is a clear pathway to permanent residency—as long as you tick every box, submit complete documentation and respond swiftly to any requests. Use this guide as your roadmap: review each requirement, prepare thoroughly, and stay organized. Before you know it, you’ll be ready to embark on your new life Down Under.
FAQs
1. Can I include my spouse and children on my 186 visa application?
Yes—dependents under 23 years old, or dependent children of any age, can be added. Spouses must also meet character and health requirements.
2. What if my skills assessment expires during processing?
Your skills assessment must remain valid until decision. If it expires, you’ll need to renew it before a visa grant.
3. Is work experience in Australia mandatory?
No. The Direct Entry Stream allows applicants without Australian work experience, provided you have at least three years abroad.
4. Do I need to attend an interview?
Interviews are rare. If required, Home Affairs will notify you via ImmiAccount.
5. Can I travel while my application is in progress?
Yes, but you should return to Australia before any bridging visa expires if you hold a valid visa. Check your visa conditions carefully.