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Are you currently in Australia on a *visitor visa* and dreaming of making this beautiful country your permanent home? While many believe the pathway from a visit visa to *Permanent Residency (PR)* is challenging, the *Subclass 186 Employer Nomination Scheme – Direct Entry stream* provides a legitimate and strategic route, especially for skilled professionals.

### What Is Subclass 186 – Direct Entry?

The *Subclass 186 Visa* is a *Permanent Residency visa* that allows skilled workers to live and work in Australia permanently. It requires *nomination by an Australian employer* and has three streams:

* *Direct Entry Stream*
* *Temporary Residence Transition Stream*
* *Labor Agreement Stream*

In this blog, we’ll focus on the *Direct Entry Stream, which is ideal for those **not holding a temporary work visa* and meeting the eligibility criteria directly from offshore or onshore.

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### ✅ Who Can Apply for the Subclass 186 Direct Entry from a Visitor Visa?

If you’re on a *visitor visa* and meet the following criteria, this pathway might be for you:

1. *Skills & Occupation: Your occupation must be on the **Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL)*.
2. *Skills Assessment: You must have a **positive skills assessment* from a relevant authority.
3. *Work Experience: Generally, at least **3 years of relevant experience* in your nominated occupation.
4. *English Proficiency: Must meet **competent English* levels (usually IELTS 6 in each band or equivalent).
5. *Employer Nomination: You must secure a **full-time job offer* from an Australian employer willing to sponsor you for PR.

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### Can I Apply While on a Visitor Visa?

Yes – but with *important caveats*:

* *Onshore Applications: You can lodge a Subclass 186 application while in Australia on a visitor visa, **only if you hold a visa without a “no further stay” condition* (condition 8503).
* *Bridging Visa: Once you apply, you’ll be granted a **Bridging Visa A* (if onshore), allowing you to stay in Australia while your PR application is processed.

*Important Tip: It’s crucial to **not violate the terms* of your visitor visa during this transition (e.g., working illegally or overstaying).

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### Step-by-Step Process

1. *Secure a Nomination* from an eligible Australian employer.
2. *Undergo a Skills Assessment* with the relevant assessing authority.
3. *Take an English Test* and meet the minimum language requirements.
4. *Submit the Nomination* application by your employer to the Department of Home Affairs.
5. *Lodge Your Subclass 186 Visa Application* once the nomination is approved or lodged.
6. *Await Processing* – you may receive a Bridging Visa if you’re onshore.

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### Required Documents

* Passport & Identity documents
* Skills assessment results
* English test results (IELTS, PTE, etc.)
* Proof of employment & experience
* Employer nomination letter
* Police clearance certificates
* Medical examination results

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### ⏱ Processing Time & Cost

* *Processing Time*: Typically 6–11 months
* *Cost: From **AUD 4,640* (excluding dependents or additional services)

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### ⚠️ Things to Watch Out For

* Ensure your visitor visa *doesn’t have condition 8503* (“No further stay”).
* Do *not breach visitor visa conditions* (e.g., working without authorization).
* The employer must *pass labor market testing* and be *lawfully operating* in Australia.

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### Why Choose Giant Migration?

At *Giant Migration, we specialize in **turning dreams into permanent realities*. Our experienced MARA-registered consultants:

* Match your profile with sponsoring employers
* Assist with *skills assessments & document preparation*
* Provide end-to-end *application management*
* Help you *transition smoothly from visitor to PR*

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### Ready to Make the Move?

If you’re on a *visit visa in Australia* and are exploring options to *convert to PR through Subclass 186*, contact us today! Let’s evaluate your eligibility and create a tailored migration plan that fits your goals.

Book Your Free Consultation Now (https://www.giantmigration.com/contact-us/)