Recently, many applicants have messaged us through our channels — they have waited years on the points-tested skilled migration pathway without ever getting the nod. The truth is, sometimes choosing the right path matters more than working harder. Pick the wrong direction or the wrong road and you may miss your chance to settle in Australia altogether!
This is especially true for arts and business applicants who have been removed from the state points-tested skilled occupation lists. Right in front of you is the 186DEDirect Entry employer-sponsored migration pathway — quite possibly your PLAN B。
186 visa is one of Australia’s employer-sponsored permanent residency visas. As long as you clear position nomination — the single most important step — the final visa grant follows naturally. Official figures put the grant rate at 98.4%
Quotas across the last few financial years have been very stable, as set out below
2023-24 FY: 36825 places
2024-25 FY: 44000 places
2025-26 FY: 44000 places
2024 12/7 onwards, 456 places opened up for talent in arts & business, engineering, IT and construction — all eligible to apply. It is particularly well-suited to entrepreneurs, senior executives, and technical professionals based in China: one person applies while remaining in-country, the whole family receives PR upon landing, and work and life back home continue uninterrupted.
In-Demand OccupationsTop50 include:
IT:Software Engineer, ICT Account Manager, ICT Business Analyst, Systems Analyst, Developer Programmer, Cybersecurity Engineer, Software Tester, Web Developer, Data Analyst, Multimedia Specialist
Engineering: Engineering Technician, Geotechnical Engineer, Civil Engineer, Structural Engineer, Electronic Engineer, Mechanical Engineer, and more
Construction: Civil Engineer, Architectural Draftsperson, Civil Draftsperson, Construction Project Manager, Landscape Architect, Project Builder, and more
Arts & Business: Information Organisation Specialist, Marketing Specialist, Project Administrator, Office Manager, Contract Administrator, Accountant, Web Designer, Retail Manager, Retail Buyer, and more
Subclass 186 DE Employer-Sponsored Visa — Application Requirements
Application Requirements
1.Under 45 years of age
2. At least 3 years of relevant work experience
3.Onshore or offshore applications accepted
4.Sponsorship from a qualified Australian employer
5.Occupation on the CSOL list, with a positive skills assessment
Program Advantages
1. One-step PR
2. No impact on your domestic status
3. Free public schooling for children
4. Full access to free social welfare
5. No residency-location restrictions
Who it suits:
1.Occupation on the CSOL list, among the 456 listed roles
2. English meeting IELTS 6 or equivalent
3. Anyone tired of chasing ever-higher points in the points-tested skilled migration raceEOI
4. Anyone wanting to secure Australian PR for the whole family in one step
Success Stories
Case 1: 10/13225213 ICT Sales Representative 186 Nomination Approved
Case 2: 10/25351411 Chef 186 Visa Granted
Case 3: 10/28221111 Accountant 186 Nomination Approved
Case 4: 11/7Software Engineer 186 Nomination + Visa Granted
24 11 November — nominated occupation Software Engineer, sponsor is an accredited employer. In one year, with no additional documents requested, the nomination + visa were granted together
If you have 3+ years of full-time work experience and your occupation is on the CSOL occupation list, and you want a rock-solid path to Australian PR for the whole family, then the 186 visa really is the right fit
Choosing the right path matters more than working harder — book a one-on-one consultation and let us map out your residency strategy.
NewStars Group Introduction Video
(filmed in 2021)
State officials go live: invitation schedules and selection rules across all eight state-nominated programs — the full rundown!
NSW 491 Pathways 1 and 3 open mid-January; WA will still issue invitations for non-priority occupations this year!
NT continues to issue invitations based on “commitment” rather than points! SA will now issue onshore invitations every month
Migration News Group
2025
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Code: 01 — Australia’s most popular skilled migration programs: 189 190 491
Code: 02 — Work-to-migration in one step: employer-sponsored 482 186 494
Code: 03 — Study first, then migrate: recommended majors and courses
Code: 04 — High school / Gaokao / undergraduate study pathways
Code: 05 — Essential for international student migration: 485 Temporary Graduate visa
Code: 06 — Arrange right after receiving PR: parent migration and visas
Code: 07 — Master of Marriage: partner migration
Code: 08 — Shifting to Hong Kong: Quality Migrant Admission Scheme and Talent Admission Scheme
Code: 09 — Must-have for parents / relatives / friends visiting: Subclass 600 visa
Code: 10 — Weekly updates on visa grants / invitations / skills assessments — success stories
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