Direct Pathway to Permanent Residency – Subclass 186 Visa (Direct Entry Stream) – Updated July 2026
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Quick answer: The Subclass 186 Direct Entry Stream gives skilled workers a direct pathway to Australian permanent residency without first holding a temporary sponsored visa. It requires 3 years’ post-qualification experience, a positive skills assessment, and sponsorship by an eligible employer. The visa application charge rose to $6,140 from 1 July 2026 (up from ~$4,910), |
Eligibility requirements
- Occupation on the Core Skills Occupation List (CSOL)
- Minimum 3 years’ post-qualification work experience in your nominated occupation
- A positive skills assessment from the relevant assessing authority, valid at the time of application (typically valid for 3 years from issue)
- Under 45 years of age, unless you qualify for an exemption
- Any required state registration, licensing or professional membership held in the state where the position is located
- Competent English – IELTS 6.0 in each component, or an equivalent test
- Nomination by an eligible Australian sponsor
If you’re currently in Australia, you can apply for the Direct Entry Stream while holding a substantive visa, or a Bridging visa A, B or C.
Current costs (2026)
| Cost component | Amount |
| Visa application charge (main applicant) | ~$6,140 (from 1 July 2026, up from ~$4,910) |
| Nomination fee | $540 |
| Skilling Australians Fund (SAF) levy | $3,000 – $5,000, depending on annual revenue (paid by sponsor) |
| Skills assessment, English test, medicals | Variable – factor these into your total budget |
Additional visa application charges apply for each family member included in the application. Budget for the full picture, not just the headline visa charge – the SAF levy and assessment/testing costs add up quickly, particularly for families.
Processing time
Typically 10-14 months for the Direct Entry Stream, though this varies by occupation, case complexity, and current application volumes – confirm the current published median before setting expectations.
Salary requirement
If your salary is under AUD $250,000 per year, your employer must pay at least the Annual Market Salary Rate (AMSR) for the role, and no less than the current Core Skills Income Threshold – $79,499, up from the $70,000 TSMIT figure.
Sponsorship requirements
- The sponsor’s business must be operating legally in Australia, with no detrimental record
- The nominated position must be directly related to the sponsor’s business – not tied to unrelated business activities
- The employer must demonstrate a genuine need to fill the position
- The position must be full-time and ongoing for at least two years
Family members
You can include a partner/spouse, minor children, and dependent adult children in your application. All included family members must meet health and character requirements, even if they aren’t applying for the visa themselves.
What is the current 186 Direct Entry visa application charge?
Approximately $6,140 for the main applicant, effective from 1 July 2026 – up from around $4,910 previously..
What is the minimum salary for a 186 Direct Entry nomination?
Whichever is higher between the Annual Market Salary Rate for the role and the current Core Skills Income Threshold ($79,499 from 1 July 2026), for salaries under $250,000.
How long does the Subclass 186 Direct Entry Stream take to process?
Typically 10-14 months, though this varies by occupation and case complexity – check the current published processing time before relying on a specific timeframe.
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