The Direct Entry stream uses the Migration (Specification of Occupations and Relevant Assessing Authorities—Subclass 186 Visa) Instrument 2024, which was introduced specifically for this stream in March 2026. It currently covers 456 occupations across a broad range of industries including healthcare, engineering, construction, IT, education, and professional services.
Unlike some other occupation lists, as the name suggest, it is specifically designed for permanent employer-sponsored migration. If your occupation is not on the list, the Direct Entry stream is not available to you – regardless of your employer’s willingness to sponsor or your ability to meet the eligibility criteria.
For the Temporary Resident Transition stream, there is no separate occupation list requirement as the case is for the Direct Entry stream; if you have a current 482 visa, even if the occupation is not on the 186 occupation list, you can still apply for under the Transition stream.
If you are unsure whether your occupation is listed, or how your role maps to the 186 occupations, it is worth checking with an authorised migration practitioner before your employer lodges the nomination. Occupation mismatches are one of the more common issues we see in 186 applications.