186 Visa Direct Entry Stream Requirements

186 Visa DE Stream

Starting with the Skills in Demand Visa enhancements, the 186 Visa Direct Entry Stream offers skilled professionals a streamlined path to permanent residency, job flexibility, and a pathway to Australian citizenship.

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186 Visa Direct Entry Stream Overview

Australia’s Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS) visa subclass 186 is a popular pathway for skilled workers to work and live permanently in Australia. The Direct Entry stream of this visa is beneficial for those who already gained and demonstrated their skills and experience in their field.

With the introduction of the new Skills in Demand Visa, the Direct Entry stream of the 186 visa becomes even more attractive. It is offering skilled migrants a more efficient pathway to permanent residency. This route provides more advantage for those in occupations critical to Australia’s workforce needs. Let’s take a comprehensive look at the 186 Visa Direct Entry Stream and how it complements the Skills in Demand Visa to create exceptional opportunities for skilled professionals like you.

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What is the 186 Visa Direct Entry (DE) Stream?

The Direct Entry Stream caters specifically to individuals who:

have not worked on a 482 or other employer-sponsored visas for an extended period.

possess qualifications and work experience directly relevant to an occupation listed on the Core Skills Occupations List (CSOL) of the Core Skills pathway / stream of the new Skills in Demand visa.

have worked on your occupation listed in CSOL at the required skill level for 3 years.

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passed the skills assessment.

The DE Stream is ideal if you meet these criteria and wish to transition to permanent residency without prior employer-sponsored work in Australia.

Benefits of the 186 Visa Direct Entry Stream

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Permanent Residency:

This allows you to live, work, and study in Australia indefinitely as well as sponsor eligible family members to join you. This is one of the most significant benefits of the 186 Visa Direct Entry stream.

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Job Security:

PR status under the 186 Visa enables you to work for any employer in any location offering immense career flexibility. This flexibility is important especially for a dynamic job market.

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Pathway to Citizenship:

You can apply for Australian citizenship after fulfilling the residency requirements. You’ll gain the right to vote and access to global mobility benefits.

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Recognition of Skills and Experience:

The visa recognises your skills and experience allowing you to contribute to Australia’s workforce and economy.

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Access to Diverse Regions:

Regional employers actively nominate skilled workers ensuring job opportunities are available across Australia’s vast and diverse landscape.

186 Visa Direct Entry Stream Enhancements

The Skills in Demand Visa streamlines the 186 Visa Direct Entry by reducing work experience requirements, simplifying sponsorship, and speeding up residency processing for skilled professionals.

How the Skills in Demand Visa Enhances the Direct Entry Stream

The Skills in Demand Visa (SID) introduces several improvements to the Direct Entry stream of the 186 visa. The SID visa replaced the Temporary Skill Shortage visa and provides a more streamlined and flexible approach to skilled migration. Here’s how the Skills in Demand Visa enhances the benefits of the 186 Visa Direct Entry (DE) Stream:

Lesser Work Experience Requirement:

The SID visa reduces the work experience from 2 years to 1 year making it easier for you to qualify for permanent residency.

Simplified Employer Sponsorship:

SID encourages employers in regional and metropolitan Australia to sponsor professionals in high-demand occupations. The government provides incentives such as expedited processing and reduced red tape making it easier for employers to nominate workers under the 186 DE Stream.

Extended Time for Employment Gaps:

You will have up to 180 days to look and change employers, secure a new sponsor, or apply for a new visa without risking your residency.

Clear Pathway to Permanent Residency:

Candidates in high-demand fields benefit from quicker processing times when applying for permanent residency through the 186 Visa. This expedited pathway enables you to establish your careers efficiently and settle in Australia.

Wider Range of Occupations:

The SID have 3 streams or pathways. Each pathways will have lists of occupations in there. This dynamic approach allows professionals in newly emerging fields such as technology, healthcare, and green energy, to leverage the 186 visa. The list of occupations for the Core Skills pathway have been released recently and the 2 streams will follow soon. Stay tuned at our SID page for more updates.

Increased Flexibility for Regional Areas:

Employers in regional Australia often have access to a broader list of eligible occupations under the Skills in Demand framework. This aligns perfectly with the 186 Visa DE Stream as it prioritises addressing regional skill shortages.

Eligibility Criteria for the 186 Visa Direct Entry Stream

To apply for the 186 Visa DE Stream, you must meet the following requirements:

Nomination by an Employer:

You must have a formal nomination from an Australian employer approved by the Department of Home Affairs.

Skills Assessment:

You must have a positive skills assessment from a relevant assessing authority is mandatory to demonstrate your expertise in your nominated occupation.

Work Experience:

You must have at least three years of full-time work experience in your nominated field.

Age Limit:

You must be under 45 years of age unless exemptions apply. If you are over the age of 45, you check your options here.

English Proficiency:

You must gain a minimum score of Competent English (e.g., IELTS score of 6 in each component or equivalent).

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Health and Character Checks:

Passing these checks ensures you meet Australian health and security standards.

Steps to Apply for the 186 Visa DE Stream

Complete your application in 5 key steps: Nomination, Skills Assessment, Documentation, Submission, and Approval.

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Secure Employer Nomination:

Find an employer willing to nominate you for the 186 Visa.

Obtain a Skills Assessment:

Ensure your skills are assessed positively by the relevant authority.

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Prepare Documentation:

Gather your proof of work experience, qualifications, and English proficiency.

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Submit Visa Application:

Lodge your application through the Department of Home Affairs portal.

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Wait for Approval:

Once approved, you and your family can move to Australia permanently.

Optimizing Your Pathway to Permanent Residency with the 186 Visa

A comprehensive pathway for skilled workers achieving permanent residency in Australia exists in the Australian 186 Visa Direct Entry stream merged with the new Skills in Demand Visa. The Visa stream acknowledges the skills and experience of applicants, enabling them to enjoy job security and contribute to the Australia workforce and economy.

With the improvements brought by the SID visa, the Direct Entry stream becomes even more appealing with reduced work experience requirements and increased flexibility on the part of skilled migrants. You would want to be informed on all the latest updates in case you are applying for the 186 Visa Direct Entry stream. Book a consultation today with our migration experts, and they will ensure you navigate the process correctly. With proper preparation and proper guidance, you will get the most out of what this visa stream offers you and create a future full of success in Australia.

Book a Migration Consultation

We have a ton of information on our site about various visa options and FAQs that answer most of our visitors’ questions, but if you’re still not sure where to start or you need a personalised step by step walkthrough, then schedule a call with one of our Registered Migration Agent.

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If you're having any trouble booking your consultation then don't hesitate to contact us either via info@pathwaytoaus.com or by calling us 0755 265 900

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In case of questions, feel free to reach out to one of our experienced Registered Migration Agents.

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Direct Entry Stream was last modified: December 19th, 2024 by Marin