TRT vs. DE – Comparing the Temporary Residence Transition and Direct Entry Streams of Subclass 186 Visa
The 186 visa is a permanent residency visa in Australia created for skilled workers who are nominated by an Australian employer. This visa is part of the Employer Nomination Scheme, which seeks to address skill shortages in the Australian labor market by bringing skilled professionals from overseas or allowing existing skilled workers in Australia to transition to permanent residency. The 186 visa is a two-stage process. First, the employer must lodge a nomination specifying the position and identifying the nominee. The second part is for the applicant to submit their visa application under the relevant stream.
Note: These processing times and fee are correct as of March 2025 and may change in the future. Check the official processing time guide for the latest updates.
The Three Streams of the Subclass 186 Visa
The ENS visa offers three specific streams, each structured for different circumstances, but all require that applicants receive a formal nomination from an Australian employer to be eligible for the visa.Direct Entry Stream
The DE stream is intended for skilled workers who are looking to obtain permanent residency in Australia without needing prior long-term employment with their sponsoring employer. This pathway is well-suited for applicants who are either applying from outside Australia or have a limited work history with their nominating employer in Australia. Candidates can apply for this visa from within Australia or overseas. If applying from within Australia, they must hold a substantive visa or a related bridging visa A, B, or C to be eligibleLabour Agreement Stream
This stream applies to workers sponsored by an employer through a labour agreement,a special arrangement negotiated between the Australian government and the employer. It allows businesses to bring in skilled workers under specific terms tailored to their needs.Temporary Residence Transition Stream
TRT stream is designed for skilled workers already in Australia on a temporary work visa, such as the subclass 482 visa, providing a pathway to permanent residency. To be eligible, applicants must have worked for their sponsoring employer for 2 years in the last 3 years and must be nominated by an Australian employer, with the nomination approved within the six months prior to applying. Additionally, applicants must currently hold a subclass 457 visa, subclass 482 visa, or a bridging visa linked to a subclass 457, 482, 186, or 187 application, provided their last substantive visa was a subclass 457 or 482. The TRT stream allows temporary skilled workers to secure permanent residencyTRT vs. DE: A Section-by-Section Comparison
TRT vs. DE: Eligibility Criteria Compared
| Eligibility Criteria | Temporary Residence Transition (TRT) Stream | Direct Entry (DE) Stream |
| Employer Nomination | Must be nominated by the employer who sponsored the subclass 457 or 482 visa. | Must be nominated by an actively operating Australian employer. |
| Age Requirement | Generally under 45 years (some exemptions apply). | Generally under 45 years (some exemptions apply). |
| Occupation Requirement | Must have worked in the nominated occupation for at least 2 years with the sponsoring employer on a subclass 457 or 482 visa. | Occupation must be on the Core Skills Occupation List (CSOL). |
| Work Experience | At least 2 years in the nominated occupation within the last 3 years in Australia. | Minimum 3 years of relevant work experience required (unless exempt). |
| Skills Assessment | Might be required in certain cases. | Most applicants must have a positive skills assessment (exemptions apply). |
| Licensing, Registration, or Membership | Required if mandatory for the occupation in the state/territory. | Required if mandatory for the occupation in the state/territory. |
| English Language Requirement | Competent English required. | Competent English required. |
TRT vs. DE: Visa Cost, Family Sponsorship Requirement, and Processing Time
| Category | Temporary Residence Transition (TRT) Stream | Direct Entry (DE) Stream |
| Visa Cost | AUD 4,770 for the main applicant. Additional charges apply for family members. | AUD 4,770 for the main applicant. Additional charges apply for family members. |
| Family Sponsorship Requirement | Can include eligible family members (partner, dependent children, and stepchildren). Certain subclass 457/482 visa holders who were granted their visa as a dependent family members can also be included. | Can include eligible family members (partner, dependent children, and stepchildren). Certain subclass 457/482 visa holders who were granted their visa as a dependent family members can also be included. |
| Processing Time | 50% processed in 13 months 90% processed in 18 months | 50% processed in 13 months 90% processed in 18 months |
TRT vs. DE:exemptions
| Exemption Category | TRT Stream | DE Stream |
| Age Exemption | – Nominated as an academic (university lecturer or faculty head at Academic Level A, B, C, D, or E) by an Australian university. – Nominated as a scientist, researcher, or technical specialist at ANZSCO skill level 1 or 2 by an Australian scientific government agency or university. – Nominated as a medical practitioner who has worked in a designated regional area for at least 2 years as a subclass 457 or 482 visa holder, with the nominated position in a designated regional area. – Subclass 457 or 482 visa holders who have worked in eligible sponsored employment for at least 2 years in the 3 years before applying, earning at least the Fair Work High Income Threshold each year. – Transitional arrangement: If the applicant held (or had applied for and was later granted) a subclass 457 visa on 18 April 2017, they can apply under this visa if under 50 years old. | – Nominated as an academic (university lecturer or faculty head at Academic Level A, B, C, D, or E) by an Australian university. – Nominated as a scientist, researcher, or technical specialist at ANZSCO skill level 1 or 2 by an Australian scientific government agency or university. – Currently hold a Special Category (subclass 444) or New Zealand Citizen Family Relationship (subclass 461) visa and have worked for the employer who nominated you, in the nominated position, for at least 2 years in the last 3 years prior to the date you applied for the visa. |
| Skills Assessment Exemption | Not required unless requested by the Department of Home Affairs. | You are exempt from having a skills assessment if you: – Have been nominated as an academic (university lecturer or faculty head at Academic Level A, B, C, D, or E) by a university in Australia. – Have been nominated as a scientist, researcher, or technical specialist by an Australian government scientific agency. – Currently hold a Special Category (subclass 444) or New Zealand Citizen Family Relationship (subclass 461) visa and have worked for the employer who nominated you, in the nominated position, for at least 2 years in the last 3 years prior to the date you applied for the visa. |
