Direct Entry Stream – Employer Nomination Scheme (Subclass 186) Visa

The Direct Entry (DE) stream allows Australian employers to directly nominate skilled workers for permanent residency without needing a labor agreement.

How the Direct Entry Process Works:

• Employer Nomination: The employer submits a nomination for the position and the candidate.
• Visa Application: The employer then lodges the visa application. Both can be submitted on the same day, but the nomination must be approved before visa approval.

What This Visa Allows You To Do:

• Live and work permanently in Australia
• Study or work without restrictions
• Enroll in Medicare, Australia’s public health insurance
• Sponsor eligible family members to join you
• Travel freely in and out of Australia for 5 years
• Apply for Australian citizenship when eligible

Note: After the initial 5-year travel period, you’ll need a Resident Return Visa (RRV) to re-enter Australia as a permanent resident unless you have become an Australian citizen.

Duration of Stay:

• This is a permanent visa — you can live in Australia indefinitely.
• Your permanent residency starts from the visa grant date.

Family Members Included:

You can include family members in your application anytime before your visa is decided. Family must meet Australian health and character requirements.

Eligible family includes:

• Partner
• Dependent children or stepchildren (yours or your partner’s)
• Family members holding subclass 457 or 482 visas

Where to Apply:

• You can apply from inside or outside Australia
• Onshore applicants must hold a substantive or bridging visa (A, B, or C)
• Applications can still be lodged under certain conditions even with a “No Further Stay” restriction
• Visa decision can be made whether you are inside or outside Australia

Eligibility Requirements:

• Your occupation must be on the eligible skilled occupation list
• Minimum 3 years of relevant work experience, unless exempted
• Hold a positive skills assessment, unless exempted
• Nominated by an Australian employer with an active, lawful business
• Start employment within 6 months of visa grant or arrival in Australia
• Meet health and character requirements for you and family members
• No outstanding debts to the Australian Government, or have repayment arrangements
• Sign the Australian Values Statement committing to Australian laws and values
• Demonstrate Competent English proficiency
• Usually under 45 years of age to apply

Important Conditions:

• Must not marry or enter a de facto relationship before entering Australia (Condition 8515)
• You and your family must comply with all Australian laws
• Expected to work for your sponsoring employer for at least 2 years

Who Cannot Apply:

• Applicants with a previously cancelled visa may be ineligible

Visa Label:

• Your visa will be digitally linked to your passport—no physical label issued.