If you’re a skilled worker looking to make Australia your permanent home, the Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS) Subclass 186 visa offers a strong pathway to permanent residency (PR). One of its key options is the Direct Entry (DE) stream, which is perfect for applicants who either haven’t worked in Australia on a temporary visa or don’t meet the eligibility requirements for the Temporary Residence Transition (TRT) stream.

Who Is It For?

• Those who haven’t held a 482 visa long enough to qualify for TRT
• Workers with the required skills, qualifications and a job offer from an Australian employer — and perhaps most importantly, a positive skills assessment at the time of application

Key Requirements:

• A job offer in an occupation listed on the Core Skills Occupation List (CSOL)
• At least three years of relevant full-time work experience
• A formal skills assessment by the relevant assessing authority (unless exempt)
• Be under 45 years of age (some exemptions apply)
• Competent English – PTE score of at least 50 in each band (IELTS equivalent no longer considers overall score). Exemptions apply for high income earners and passport holders from the UK, USA, Canada, Ireland, and NZ

Why Choose DE?

While the Direct Entry (DE) stream offers a pathway to permanent residency without a prior temporary visa, it is typically used where the Temporary Residence Transition (TRT) stream is not available or there has been an arrangement between an employer and employee to secure residency through this preferred stream. Many employers historically begin with a Subclass 482 (temporary) visa, which provides a lower-risk, more flexible pathway. However, the DE stream remains a valuable option for highly skilled workers offshore or for those who do not meet TRT requirements due to insufficient time on a 482 visa or other eligibility gaps.

Already working in Australia on a 482 visa? You might be eligible for the TRT stream instead.

Need Help Navigating the ENS 186 Streams? Whether you’re an employee unsure which stream fits your journey, or an employer wanting to support a valued worker through sponsorship, we’re here to guide you. Contact our expert team at [email protected] for tailored advice and support.