Direct Entry (DE)
For workers with 3+ years of relevant work experience and a positive skills assessment. No prior Australian sponsored work required. Direct PR pathway.
Direct Entry · Temporary Residence Transition · 186 Streams
Subclass 186 has two streams.
Direct Entry for workers without prior sponsored work experience. Temporary Residence Transition for workers who have held a 482 or SID for 2+ years. Different requirements, different strengths. Here is when each fits.
The two streams
Direct Entry vs TRT.
Each stream applies to different worker profiles.
Temporary Residence Transition (TRT)
For workers who have worked in Australia for the sponsoring employer on a 482 or SID for 2+ years in the nominated occupation. Transitions temporary to permanent.
Labour Agreement stream
A third stream for nominations under specific labour agreements. Less common. Industry-specific.
Common elements
All streams require employer nomination, age under 45 (with exceptions), English, health, and character.
Which stream fits
Three decision drivers.
The right stream depends on worker profile and employment history.
Prior Australian workWorkers on a 482 or SID for 2+ years: TRT is designed for you. Without that prior work, DE is the path.
Skills assessmentDE requires a positive skills assessment. TRT often does not, given the demonstrated work history.
Occupation listDE requires occupation on the CSOL. TRT has broader occupation access depending on 482 or SID holding stream.
Evidence differences
DE needs more; TRT leverages history.
The evidence packages for DE and TRT look quite different.
DE evidence
Full skills assessment, overseas work references mapped to ANZSCO, qualifications, English test, and nomination position details.
TRT evidence
Employment records showing 2+ years with the sponsor in the nominated occupation. Payroll, tax records, employer statement.
Processing times
DE generally faster to process than TRT where all evidence is in order. TRT can take longer due to employment history verification.
TRT is often easier to win than DE for the same worker.
TRT leverages demonstrated Australian employment rather than requiring a skills assessment and ANZSCO-mapped references. For workers approaching the 2-year mark on their 482 or SID, TRT is usually the stronger and simpler pathway.
Common questions
The questions we hear most.
For 186 stream selection, book with Brian Park or Sourabh Aggarwal.
Can I apply DE if I am already on a 482?
Yes, if you meet DE requirements (3 years experience, skills assessment, CSOL). Some workers do this if their TRT clock has not reached 2 years yet.
What if my employer changes during my 482?
TRT pathway can be disrupted. Related-entity rules help in some cases. Advice before change essential.
Does TRT always need 2 years?
Yes. The 2-year working period is the defining TRT requirement. Shorter periods do not qualify.
Can I use DE stream after 10 years on 482 visas?
Yes, if you meet DE criteria. Long-term 482 holders sometimes fit DE better than TRT depending on continuity with current sponsor.
Some information on this page has been sourced from the Department of Home Affairs and has been interpreted and approved by Principal Migration Agent Sourabh Aggarwal (MARN 1462159). Last reviewed: May 2026.