186 visa: Direct Entry versus Temporary Residence Transition

186 Visa: Direct Entry vs Temporary Residence Transition

Navigating the migration process can feel overwhelming, but with MigrationBuro, you are never alone.

The subclass 186 Employer Nomination Scheme permanent visa has two streams: the Temporary Residence Transition (TRT) stream, and the Direct Entry (DE) stream. Both lead to the same permanent visa, but the eligibility requirements and the type of applicant they suit are quite different.

For most employer-sponsored workers, the TRT stream is the path from a 482 visa to permanent residence. The DE stream is for workers who have a positive skills assessment and are nominated directly by an employer without having first held a 482.

THE CORE DIFFERENCES

Temporary Residence Transition (TRT): requires the applicant to have held a 482 visa (or certain other specified temporary visas) in the nominated occupation for at least two years with the same sponsoring employer. No formal skills assessment required — the 482 history and employment record substitutes. No age limit.

Direct Entry (DE): no requirement to have held a 482. Requires a positive skills assessment from the relevant assessing authority (TRA, Engineers Australia, ACS, AHPRA, etc.). Age limit: applicants must be under 45 at the time of application (with limited exceptions for certain occupations).

Same employer requirement for TRT: the two years must have been with the employer who is now nominating for the 186. A change of employer resets the clock.

Skills assessment requirement: TRT does not require a separate skills assessment. DE does. This is a significant difference in the documentation burden.

WHICH STREAM APPLIES

Step 1 Confirm the applicant's current visa: is the applicant on a 482

Confirm the applicant's current visa: is the applicant on a 482 (or other qualifying temporary visa) with the nominating employer?

Step 2 If yes and two years in role are complete

If yes and two years in role are complete (or close to complete): TRT stream. No separate skills assessment needed.

Step 3 If no qualifying temporary visa, or if the employer wants to nominate without a preceding 482: DE stream

If no qualifying temporary visa, or if the employer wants to nominate without a preceding 482: DE stream. Confirm age is under 45 (or an exception applies). Obtain a positive skills assessment.

Step 4 Employer nominates

Employer nominates (new nomination application regardless of stream).

Step 5 Applicant lodges the 186 visa application

Applicant lodges the 186 visa application.

Speak to a Migration agent

Call 1300 VISA OZ (1300 8472 69) to discuss employer sponsorship for your Brisbane business. Available Monday to Friday. Zoom consultations take 45-60 minutes and give you a clear answer on what is achievable.

Prefer to start in writing? Email info@migrationburo.com.au with the role title, the occupation, and the candidate's nationality and qualifications.

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Custom migration pathways for businesses facing ongoing skills shortages, including DAMA’s, industry-specific Labour agreements and Company Specific Labour Agreements.

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Secure permanent residency for skilled international employees, strengthening your workforce with long-term expertise.

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Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (Provisional) Visa (Subclass 494)
This visa provides a way for skilled workers in specific occupations, who are nominated by their employer in regional Australia, to live and work in Australia for 5 years. This visa contains two ‘streams’ with varying conditions and eligibility requirements. Click below to learn more, and contact us for professional advice and assistance.

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Temporary Work (Short Stay Specialist) Visa (Subclass 400)

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Some frequently asked questions

Answers to some questions we often hear from people in your situation.

Does the TRT stream have an age limit?

No. This is a key advantage of the TRT stream over the DE stream. A 48-year-old 482 holder who has been with the same employer for two years can be nominated for the 186 TRT without an age issue.

What is the age limit for the 186 DE stream?

45 years of age at the date of application. Exceptions exist for certain high-income earners and in some specified occupations — confirm whether an exception applies at consultation.

Can an employer nominate someone on a 482 for the DE stream?

Yes, if the applicant meets the DE requirements (skills assessment, under 45). But if the TRT requirements are also met (two years in role), the TRT stream is generally simpler.

What happens if the employer closes before the 186 is granted?

The nomination may lapse. The outcome depends on timing and whether an alternative employer is available to provide a new nomination. A change of employer after 186 visa lodgement but before grant can be managed in some circumstances — seek advice immediately.

What is the difference between a 482 and a 186 visa?

The 482 (Skills in Demand) is a temporary visa, typically granted for two to four years. The 186 (Employer Nomination Scheme) is permanent residence. Many 482 holders transition to a 186 after two years of employment with the same employer under the Temporary Residence Transition stream. The 186 can also be lodged directly via the Direct Entry stream if the worker holds the right qualifications and the role meets the criteria.

Migration experience you can trust

MigrationBuro are your trusted migration agents in Brisbane. Founded and led by Andrew Heathcote, we specialise in Australian immigration services. With over 18 years of experience, Andrew is a registered migration agent (MARN) and a member of the Migration Institute of Australia, ensuring expert guidance through every step of the immigration process.

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