Streams at a Glance

• Temporary Residence Transition (TRT) – For holders of a 457, 482 (TSS) or 482 (Skills in Demand) visa who have worked in the nominated occupation in Australia for at least 2 years in the last 3.
• Direct Entry (DE) – For applicants without the 2 years of TRT employment. Requires a skills assessment and 3 years of skilled experience. The occupation must be on the relevant list at nomination time.
• Labour Agreement (LA) – For applicants sponsored under a labour agreement between their employer and the Australian Government. Requirements (age, English, work experience) are set by the agreement.

Quick Summary

Quick Summary (All Streams)

• You must be nominated by an approved employer.
• The position must be genuine, full-time, and available for 2 years.
• If licensing/registration is mandatory in the state/territory, you must hold or be eligible to hold it at application time.
• You and family members must meet health, character, and public interest criteria.
• If applying onshore, you must hold a substantive visa or BVA/BVB/BVC and not be subject to a statutory bar or “no further application” condition unless waived.

English Language

Competent English means one of the following (taken within the last 3 years):

• IELTS 6.0 in each band
• PTE Academic 50 each band
• TOEFL iBT (Listening 12, Reading 13, Writing 21, Speaking 18)
• OET: B in each component
• Cambridge C1 Advanced: 169 each band
• Or passport from the UK, USA, Canada, NZ or Ireland

Notes:

• No at-home or online test versions are accepted.
• Labour Agreement stream English is defined by the agreement but any approved test “or equivalent” is accepted.
• Secondary applicants over 18 must demonstrate Functional English or pay a second VAC.

Age Requirements and Exemptions

Standard age limit: under 45 at time of application.

Limited Exemptions exist like:

• Academic applicants (Australian universities).
• Other exemptions may apply based on specific circumstances.

Stream-by-Stream Details

1. Temporary Residence Transition (TRT)

• Must have held one or more eligible visas (457, 482 (TSS), or 482 (SID)) for at least 2 years in the last 3 years before applying.
• Employment must have been full-time, paid, in Australia, and in the nominated occupation.
• Certain bridging visa periods count if linked to 457/482 applications.
• Paid parental leave may count; unpaid leave does not.
• Visa must be linked to the correct TRT nomination and lodged within 6 months of nomination approval.
• The nominated position must still be available at decision time.

2. Direct Entry (DE)

• Requires a positive skills assessment for the exact 6-digit ANZSCO occupation
• 3 years full-time skilled experience post-qualification at the required level.
• Occupation must be on the relevant occupation list at nomination time.
• Visa must be lodged within 6 months of nomination approval.
• The position must still be available and adverse information about the nominator can affect outcome.

3. Labour Agreement (LA)

• Requirements (age, English, skills, experience) are set by the specific agreement.
• Concessions may allow applicants over 45 or with lower English.
• Nomination and visa must both be under the LA stream.
• Terms and conditions must be no less favourable than those for Australians in equivalent roles.

Employer Nomination – Key Points

The sponsoring employer must:

• Be actively and lawfully operating in Australia.
• Have a genuine, full-time role available for 2 years.
• Demonstrate that salary and conditions (AMSR) are at least equivalent to Australians in the same role, and not below relevant thresholds.
• Pay the Skilling Australians Fund (SAF) levy.

Application Process

1. Nomination application (lodged by employer). Must be approved before visa grant.
2. Visa application (lodged by employee + family), either together with nomination or within 6 months of nomination approval.

Applications may be lodged onshore or offshore (but not in immigration clearance).

FAQs

Do I need an occupation on the list?

• Direct Entry: Yes.
• TRT: No, list requirement does not apply.
• LA: As per agreement.

Can I apply if I am over 45?

Only if you fit one of the specified exemption categories or under a Labour Agreement concession.

How long does it take?

Processing depends on stream, complexity, and decision-readiness. There is no fixed timeframe.