If you are working towards permanent residency through an employer in Australia, one of the first questions you’ll face is:

Which 186 visa stream applies to me?

Most applicants find themselves choosing between two options:

  • Temporary Residence Transition (TRT) stream
  • Direct Entry (DE) stream

On paper, they can look quite similar. In reality, they apply to very different situations. The right choice depends on things like how long you’ve worked in Australia, your visa history, and whether you’re staying with your current employer or moving on.

Getting this decision right early can make the process smoother. Getting it wrong can lead to delays, or in some cases, a refused application.

Step 1: What are the two streams?

Temporary Residence Transition (TRT) stream

This stream is for people who are already working in Australia for their employer on a temporary visa (usually a subclass 482).

In practical terms:

  • You’ve been working for your employer for a period of time
  • They want to keep you on permanently
  • You move from a temporary visa to permanent residency

Direct Entry (DE) stream

The Direct Entry stream is for people who don’t meet the TRT requirements.

This includes:

  • Applicants applying from overseas
  • People who haven’t worked long enough in Australia
  • People changing employers

This pathway is based more on your skills and experience, rather than your time with one employer.

Step 2: Eligibility – how they differ

TRT stream

To apply under TRT, you usually need to:

  • Hold a relevant temporary visa
  • Have worked for your employer for the required period
  • Be nominated by that same employer
  • Meet age, English and health requirements

The focus here is on your existing employment.

DE stream

For Direct Entry, the requirements are different.

You will usually need to:

  • Have an occupation on the relevant list
  • Show at least 3 years of relevant work experience
  • Obtain a skills assessment (in most cases)
  • Meet age, English and health requirements

The focus here is on your qualifications and experience.

Step 3: Employment history requirements

TRT stream

Your employment with your current employer is central to this pathway.

You need to show:

  • You’ve been working in the role
  • Your employment has been full-time
  • You’ve worked for the required period

Your current job is what allows you to move to permanent residency.

DE stream

You don’t need to have worked for your sponsoring employer before.

Instead, you need to show:

  • At least 3 years of relevant work experience
  • That your experience matches the nominated occupation
  • That you have the skills required for the role

Your past experience is what matters here.

Step 4: Nomination requirements

TRT stream

For TRT, the employer must show:

  • The position is genuine and ongoing
  • The role matches what you’ve been doing
  • They meet sponsorship obligations

There needs to be a clear link between your current role and the permanent position.

DE stream

For Direct Entry, the employer must show:

  • The role is genuine, full-time and ongoing
  • They meet nomination requirements
  • Labour market testing may apply

The employer does not need to have previously employed you.

Step 5: Which stream should you consider?

Your circumstances will determine which stream is suitable.

TRT may be suitable if:

  • You’re already working in Australia
  • You’ve been with your employer long enough
  • You intend to stay with the same employer

DE may be suitable if:

  • You’re applying from overseas
  • You haven’t worked long enough to qualify for TRT
  • You’re moving to a different employer
  • You have strong work experience in your occupation

Final thoughts

Both streams lead to permanent residency, but they are designed for different situations.

  • TRT is for people continuing with their current employer
  • DE is for people applying based on their skills and experience

Selecting the correct stream is important. Applying under the wrong pathway or without meeting the requirements can result in delays or refusal.

Need help with your 186 visa pathway?

At Rehman Sheriff Group, we assist applicants and employers with:

  • Identifying the correct stream
  • Assessing eligibility
  • Preparing and lodging applications
  • Managing employer nominations

If you’re unsure which pathway applies to you, it’s best to seek advice before applying.

Contact RSG to discuss your visa options and application strategy.

Important disclaimer

This is general information only and not legal advice. The Temporary Residence Transition stream and Direct Entry stream are not automatic application pathways. Each case depends on the applicant’s visa history, employment circumstances, occupation and employer requirements. Proper assessment should be undertaken before deciding which stream to apply under.