What’s the Difference Between Temporary Residence Transition and Direct Entry of the 186 Visa?

If you’re thinking about becoming a permanent resident in Australia and you are considering the Employer Nominated Scheme (Subclass 186), you’re in the right place. It’s one of the more direct ways to get PR (permanent residency) as long as you have an employer willing to nominate you.

But here’s where things can get a bit tricky. The 186 visa has two different application streams which is the Temporary Residence Transition (TRT) stream and the Direct Entry (DE) stream. Both lead to permanent residency but they cater to different situations.

Let’s break down each option so you can see which one makes the most sense for your path.

First—What Exactly Is the 186 Visa?

The Subclass 186 visa is a permanent visa that’s sponsored by an employer. If you’re approved, you become an Australian permanent resident from day one. That means access to Medicare, the chance to potentially sponsor family members, a pathway to citizenship, and eventually access to certain government benefits.

Although TRT and DE fall under the same visa subclass, the journey to get there varies depending on your current visa status and experience.

Option 1: Temporary Residence Transition (TRT) Stream

The TRT stream is for people already living and working in Australia on a Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) 482 visa. If you’ve been with your employer for a while and they want to keep you long-term, this route is usually the next step.

To be eligible for TRT, you’ll need:

• At least 2 years of full-time work with the same employer in the same occupation on a 482 visa
• To be under 45 years old
• Competent English (usually IELTS 6.0 or equivalent)
• A full-time job offer at market salary
• No skills assessment required

This stream is ideal for those who’ve already built a working relationship with their employer and want to continue in that role permanently.

Option 2: Direct Entry (DE) Stream

The Direct Entry stream is designed for skilled workers who already have 3 years of full time work experience in the role. It’s also the go-to option for those overseas who already have the necessary skills and experience.

To qualify for DE, you’ll need:

• A positive skills assessment in your nominated occupation
• At least 3 years of full-time, post-qualification work experience in that field
• Your job to be listed on the Core Skills Occupation List
• To be under 45 years old, have competent English, and be offered a full-time job at Australian market rates

One of the main advantages of this stream is that you don’t need to have worked for your sponsoring employer before applying. That can be a faster path to PR if you already meet the eligibility requirements.

TRT vs. DE: Which Stream Fits You Best?

Here’s a quick comparison to help you decide:

Final Thoughts

Both streams under the 186 visa can get you to the same destination: Australian permanent residency. The key is choosing the path that fits your current situation.

If you’re already working in Australia on a 482 visa and have a stable relationship with your employer, the TRT stream may be your best bet. But if you’re applying from overseas or already have a strong background in your field, the Direct Entry stream could get you there faster.

Still not sure which route to take? That’s exactly what we’re here for!

At Pathway to Aus, we’ve helped hundreds of people find the best visa strategy for their goals. If you want some clarity on your next steps, book a consultation—we’ll walk you through your options and help you make a confident move.