Employer sponsored · 186 · Direct Entry
The 186 Direct Entry stream: requirements, exemptions and cost
The Direct Entry stream lets an Australian employer nominate a skilled worker straight to permanent residence, without the worker first spending two years on a 482. It asks more of the worker up front: a skills assessment, three years of experience and an occupation on the Core Skills list. This page sets out the requirements as Home Affairs publishes them, checked 10 November 2026.
By Keshab Chapagain, registered migration agent (MARN 1576536) since 2015 · WIDEN, Sydney · Reviewed November 2026
Keshab Chapagain · MARN 1576536 · Registered since 2015 - Visa charge (main applicant)
- A$6,140
- Experience
- 3 years relevant (unless exempt)
- Age
- Usually under 45
- Occupation list
- CSOL
The migration agent that other migration agents learn from. WIDEN is an OMARA-approved CPD provider — our training is rated ★4.8 by 40+ registered migration agents.
About the CPD →Who Direct Entry is for
- Skilled workers overseas with an Australian employer ready to nominate them for a permanent role.
- Workers in Australia on another visa (for example a 485 or a partner's visa) who do not have two years on a 482 with the employer.
- 482 holders who already meet the Direct Entry requirements and do not want to wait for the Temporary Residence Transition stream.
The worker's requirements
- Occupation: on the Core Skills Occupation List.
- Skills assessment: a positive assessment in the nominated occupation, unless exempt.
- Experience: at least three years of relevant work experience in the occupation, unless exempt.
- Licensing: registration, licensing or membership where it is mandatory in the state or territory of work.
- Age: usually under 45 when you apply.
- English: at least competent English; adult family members need functional English or pay the second instalment.
- Timing: apply within 6 months of the nomination being approved.
- Health, character and history: the usual health and character requirements, no unpaid government debt, and your immigration history is considered.
Exemptions from the skills assessment, experience and age
Home Affairs exempts, in summary: academics nominated by an Australian university; scientists, researchers and technical (scientific) specialists at ANZSCO skill level 1 or 2 nominated by a government science agency or Australian university; and Special Category (444) or New Zealand citizen family relationship (461) visa holders who have worked for the nominating employer in the nominated position for at least 2 of the last 3 years. The exact wording differs slightly between the skills assessment and age criteria, so check the Home Affairs Direct Entry page for your case.
The employer's nomination
The employer must be actively and lawfully operating in Australia and nominate a genuine, full-time position in the occupation, paying at least the Core Skills Income Threshold (A$79,423 for nominations from 1 July 2026) and the annual market salary rate. The employer pays the nomination charge and the levy and cannot recover them from the worker. Employers: our sponsorship service and the full cost of sponsoring.
Cost
- Visa application charge, main applicant: A$6,140; each adult A$3,070; each child under 18 A$1,535 (from 1 July 2026).
- Nomination charge (employer): A$540.
- Skilling Australians Fund levy (employer, one-off): A$3,000 for turnover under A$10 million, A$5,000 otherwise.
- Skills assessment, English test, health checks and police certificates: set by each provider.
Processing time
Home Affairs' published figures (stamped 2 November 2026) for the Direct Entry stream: 50% within 22 months, 90% within 24 months. These are past decisions, not a forecast for any one application. See all processing times.
Source, checked 10 November 2026: Home Affairs, 186 Direct Entry stream. Charges from the Home Affairs pricing service (data file checked 6 November 2026).
Consultation
Keshab Chapagain, registered migration agent (MARN 1576536, registered since 2015, more than 10 years and hundreds of cases), can check whether Direct Entry or the TRT stream fits, your skills assessment and experience evidence, and the employer's nomination. A$330 inc. GST for 30 minutes or A$550 for 60, credited in full if you engage the practice. No outcome is promised. Book a consultation →
In other currencies: A$330 is about US$225, €205 or £170; A$550 is about US$380, €340 or £285 (approximate, November 2026).
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Book 30 minutes with Keshab.
Keshab Chapagain, registered migration agent (MARN 1576536), reads your situation with you and tells you which route fits, what it costs and what happens next.
Video consultation. A$330 inc. GST for 30 minutes, credited in full if you go ahead. Advice on your own case is given in the consultation, and you leave it with a clear plan in writing.
What you get
- 30 minutes (A$330) or 60 minutes (A$550) by video with a registered migration agent, Keshab Chapagain, MARN 1576536.
- A written summary of your options and next steps after the session.
- What to bring: Passport, current visa, CV, qualifications, English result, and a skills assessment or job offer if you have one.
- Prefer no call? The written pathway check is done in writing, A$550.
Book an employer-sponsored visa consultation — A$330 inc. GST, credited In writing, no call — A$550
Need 60 minutes, or bringing a partner, employer or documents to go through? Extended consultation, A$550 inc. GST.
MARN 1576536 · practising since 2015 · contact details
Questions we get asked first
What is the 186 Direct Entry stream?
It is the stream of the permanent Employer Nomination Scheme visa (subclass 186) for workers who have not completed the Temporary Residence Transition route, or who are applying from overseas. An Australian employer nominates the position, and the worker must have a positive skills assessment and at least three years of relevant experience unless exempt.
Do I need a skills assessment for 186 Direct Entry?
Most applicants do, in the nominated occupation. Home Affairs exempts some academics nominated by Australian universities, scientists, researchers and technical specialists nominated by government science agencies or universities, and some 444 or 461 holders who have worked for the nominating employer for at least 2 of the last 3 years. People exempt from the skills assessment are also exempt from the work experience requirement.
What is the age limit?
Usually under 45 when you apply, with the same limited exemptions (certain academics, scientific and research specialists, and some 444 or 461 holders).
What English do I need?
At least competent English for the main applicant. Adult family members need functional English or the second instalment of the visa application charge is payable.
Which occupations are eligible?
The occupation must be on the Core Skills Occupation List (CSOL). Check the occupation and any caveats on our CSOL page.
Is Direct Entry faster than the TRT stream?
Not on current figures. Home Affairs' published processing times (stamped 2 November 2026) put Direct Entry at 50% within 22 months, 90% within 24 months. Check the live figures before planning around them.
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