The Employer Nomination Scheme (Subclass 186) visa is a permanent residency visa for skilled workers who are nominated by an Australian employer. This visa provides an important pathway to Australian permanent residency for professionals who have skills in demand, including current subclass 482 visa holders and overseas-qualified workers.

The employer nomination scheme allows eligible workers to live and work in Australia permanently, provided that both the nominating employer and the visa applicant meet certain requirements.

This visa comprises three streams, but the most commonly used are:

  • Direct Entry stream
  • Temporary Residence Transition stream (TRT)

Understanding the differences between these two streams is critical for making an informed decision about your migration pathway. This article explains each stream, eligibility requirements, employer obligations and how AIM Lawyers can help manage your visa from nomination to permanent residency.

For a broader overview of the visa subclass, visit our 186 visa requirements page.

Overview of the Direct Entry and TRT Streams

Direct Entry Stream

The Direct Entry stream is suited to skilled workers who are either outside Australia or not eligible under the TRT pathway. This may include:

  • Applicants applying from overseas
  • Onshore applicants who have not worked for the sponsoring employer on a subclass 482 visa
  • Individuals in Australia on other visa types who meet the skills and experience requirements

Temporary Residence Transition Stream (TRT)

The TRT stream is for skilled workers who are already in Australia on a subclass 482 or 457 visa, and who have been working for their sponsoring employer in the same occupation for a required period. This pathway enables eligible temporary visa holders to transition to permanent residency after establishing a genuine employment relationship.

If you are currently a 482 visa holder, see our guide to the 482 to PR pathway to learn more about your options.

Eligibility Requirements for Each Stream

While both the Direct Entry and TRT streams lead to permanent residency, their eligibility criteria differ in several key areas.

Direct Entry Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible under the Direct Entry stream, the applicant must:

  • Be nominated by an eligible Australian employer
  • Be under 45 years of age (unless exempt)
  • Demonstrate competent English (equivalent to IELTS 6.0 or equivalent in each component)
  • Have a positive skills assessment in the nominated occupation (unless exempt)
  • Have at least three years of relevant post-qualification work experience

This stream is more document-intensive, requiring a formal skills assessment and verification of professional experience.

TRT Stream Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible under the Temporary Residence Transition stream, the applicant must:

  • Hold a valid subclass 482 or 457 visa
  • Have worked for the sponsoring employer in the same occupation for at least two years (some transitional rules may require three years)
  • Be under 45 years of age (unless exempt)
  • Demonstrate competent English
  • Be nominated by the current sponsoring employer for a permanent role

For further information specific to your current visa, refer to our 482 visa requirements article.

Which Stream Suits Your Circumstances

If you are a 482 visa holder

You may be eligible under the TRT stream if you have worked for your sponsor in the same nominated occupation for the required period. This stream is generally more streamlined as it does not usually require a new skills assessment.

If you are unsure about when you meet the employment requirement or whether TRT applies to you, we encourage you to speak with AIM Lawyers for personalised advice.

If you are an overseas skilled worker

You may be eligible under the Direct Entry stream if you have not worked for an Australian employer under a subclass 482 visa but have the required qualifications, experience and a positive skills assessment.

If you are onshore but not eligible for TRT

Applicants who are currently in Australia on other visa types (such as a student or graduate visa) and who have secured a job offer from an eligible employer may apply under Direct Entry, provided they meet the skills assessment and work experience requirements.

For tailored advice, visit our immigration services page to see how we support both onshore and offshore applicants.

Employer Nomination Obligations

Whether you are applying under the Direct Entry or TRT stream, your employer must meet certain nomination requirements. These include:

  • Being actively and lawfully operating in Australia
  • Offering a genuine, full-time position in a skilled occupation
  • Demonstrating that the position will be available for at least two years
  • Paying at least the market salary rate
  • Complying with all workplace laws and sponsor obligations

The employer must also pay the required Skilling Australians Fund (SAF) levy and submit detailed documentation supporting the nomination.

Employers seeking to sponsor skilled workers can find more information on our sponsoring an employee page.

AIM Lawyers provides strategic guidance to employers to ensure full compliance with all nomination and sponsorship obligations.

Benefits of Permanent Residency Under the 186 Visa

Once granted, the subclass 186 visa offers the following permanent residency rights:

  • Indefinite right to live and work anywhere in Australia
  • Access to Medicare, Australia’s public health care system
  • Right to apply for Australian citizenship when eligible
  • Ability to sponsor eligible family members
  • Access to education and social security benefits where eligible
  • Full travel rights in and out of Australia

These rights are identical regardless of whether the visa was granted through the Direct Entry or TRT stream. See our permanent resident visa page for more detail on PR benefits.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Choosing a 186 Visa Stream

Choosing the wrong visa stream or misunderstanding key eligibility requirements can result in refusal, delays or significant cost. Common mistakes include:

  • Applying under TRT without meeting the minimum employment period
  • Lodging a Direct Entry application without a valid skills assessment
  • Assuming employer nomination guarantees visa approval
  • Missing the age or English language requirements
  • Failing to provide accurate and complete supporting documentation

We strongly recommend seeking legal advice to avoid these pitfalls and ensure your application is correctly prepared.

Get clarity on your Employer Nomination Scheme pathway to permanent residency.

How Legal Advice Reduces Refusals and Delays

Professional legal assistance is critical to ensuring the correct stream is selected, that the employer nomination is compliant, and that the visa application is complete and accurate.

At AIM Lawyers, we provide:

  • Detailed eligibility assessments
  • Stream selection advice tailored to your circumstances
  • Skills assessment preparation and guidance
  • Employer nomination support
  • Lodgement of all documentation with the Department of Home Affairs
  • Ongoing representation in case of delays or additional information requests

By working with experienced immigration lawyers, both applicants and employers can minimise the risk of refusal and ensure a clear pathway to permanent residency.

Contact AIM Lawyers to manage your 186 visa application from nomination to PR approval.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Employer Nomination Scheme Subclass 186 visa
The 186 visa allows skilled workers nominated by an Australian employer to live and work permanently in Australia.

What is the difference between Direct Entry and TRT streams
Direct Entry is for applicants nominated directly for permanent residency, while TRT is for workers transitioning from a 482 visa after meeting employment requirements.

Can 482 visa holders apply under the 186 TRT stream
Yes. Eligible 482 visa holders can transition to permanent residency through the TRT stream after working with their sponsoring employer for the required period.

Does the Direct Entry stream require a skills assessment
In most cases, yes. Applicants under the Direct Entry stream must provide a positive skills assessment unless exempt.

How can AIM Lawyers help with the 186 visa process
AIM Lawyers provides end-to-end legal support including eligibility assessment, employer nomination, documentation preparation and visa lodgement.

Final Thoughts

The Employer Nomination Scheme (Subclass 186) is one of the most effective permanent residency pathways for skilled workers in Australia. However, understanding the distinction between the Direct Entry and Temporary Residence Transition streams is essential.

Each pathway has unique eligibility criteria, documentary requirements and strategic considerations. For 482 visa holders already working with an Australian sponsor, the TRT stream may offer a more straightforward option. For others, the Direct Entry stream may be the best route to permanent residency.

Whether you are an employer or an applicant, AIM Lawyers is ready to guide you through the process with clarity and confidence.

Unsure whether Direct Entry or TRT is right for you? Speak with AIM Lawyers for personalised advice.