The Direct Entry stream allows skilled workers to apply for permanent residency through employer sponsorship without first needing to hold a 482 or 457 visa. It is the right pathway for experienced professionals who have a job offer from an Australian employer but are either offshore or have been working in Australia on a different visa type, it is also possible for those already holding 482 visa but doesn’t yet meet the 2 year transition requirement.
To be eligible, your occupation must appear on the 186 occupations list, which covers 456 occupations across a wide range of industries. You will also need a positive skills assessment from the relevant assessing authority for your occupation, at least three years of relevant work experience, and to be under 45 at the time of application (exemption may apply). You will also need to have competent English proficient at the time of the application.
The skills assessment requirement is worth planning for early, as it is time consuming. Depending on your occupation and assessing body, the process can take several months, and the outcome is not always straightforward – particularly for applicants whose qualifications were obtained outside Australia. The occupation list above also shows the approved skills assessing authority for each occupation.
If you are considering the Direct Entry stream, we recommend starting the skills assessment process as early as possible and getting advice on whether your occupation and experience are likely to satisfy the assessing authority’s criteria before lodging the nomination.