Convert Visit Visa to PR in Australia (Subclass 186)

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, and Labor Agreement Stream. We’ll focus on the Direct Entry Stream, which is ideal for those not holding a temporary work visa.

Who Can Apply from a Visitor Visa?

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

• Your occupation must be on the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL)
• You must have a positive skills assessment from a relevant authority
• Generally, at least 3 years of relevant experience in your nominated occupation
• Must meet competent English levels (usually IELTS 6 in each band or equivalent)
• You must secure a full-time job offer from an Australian employer willing to sponsor you for PR

Can I Apply While on a Visitor Visa?

Yes – but with important caveats: 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). 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.

Step-by-Step Process

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

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

Processing Time & Cost

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

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