186 TRT or Direct Entry: Which Stream Fits You?

The Employer Nomination Scheme (subclass 186) visa has three streams: Temporary Residence Transition (TRT), Direct Entry (DE) and Labour Agreement. Most applicants choose between TRT and DE. The right stream depends on your visa history, your occupation and whether you have a skills assessment. This guide compares the two.

TRT and Direct Entry compared

Requirement	TRT stream	Direct Entry stream
Visa history	Held a 457 or 482 (or a linked bridging visa) for at least 2 of the last 3 years	No visa history needed
Work experience	Worked full time in Australia in the occupation for at least 2 of the last 3 years	At least 3 years’ full time experience at the required skill level
Skills assessment	Not usually required, but can be requested	Required before you lodge, unless exempt
Occupation	The same occupation as your most recent 482 visa	Must be on the Direct Entry occupation list
Who nominates	The sponsor that most recently nominated you for an approved 482 nomination	Any eligible employer
Age	Under 45, with exemptions including high income earners, academics, scientists and regional doctors	Under 45, with exemptions for academics, scientists and some New Zealanders
English	Competent English	Competent English
Where you apply from	Usually in Australia	In or outside Australia

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When TRT is usually the better fit

TRT rewards time already spent on a 482. If you have held a 482 and worked in the occupation for 2 years, TRT is usually simpler because a skills assessment is not normally needed, and the occupation does not have to be on the Direct Entry list. Work with a previous sponsor can count, so changing employers does not reset the clock. See the TRT two year rule and TRT nomination requirements.

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When Direct Entry is usually the better fit

• you have not yet completed 2 years on a 482;
• you are applying from outside Australia;
• your new employer is not the sponsor that last nominated you for a 482;
• your occupation is on the Direct Entry list and you already hold a positive skills assessment.

Direct Entry nominations cannot be for positions with labour hire style businesses where you would work for another business. See the Direct Entry stream, 186 skill requirements and position not for hire.

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Rules that apply to both streams

• Genuine position: the employer must show a genuine need for a full time position for at least 2 years.
• Salary: the employer must pay at least the market salary rate and meet the applicable income threshold. See salary and capacity to pay.
• 6 month limit: if the nomination is approved before you apply, you must apply within 6 months. See the 6 month time limit.
• 491 and 494 holders: you must have held that visa for at least 3 years before applying.
• English: there are no English exemptions in the TRT or Direct Entry streams. See English for the 186.

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The Labour Agreement stream

If your employer has a labour agreement, the Labour Agreement stream may allow concessions, such as on age or English, as set out in the agreement.

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What you should do now

• Count your 482 time: add up your time on a 457 or 482 in the last 3 years.
• Check your occupation: is it on the Direct Entry list, and is it the same as your 482?
• Check your age and English: these are assessed at the time you apply.
• Talk to your employer: only the right sponsor can nominate you for TRT.