Hi leapip.

You can progress a subclass 186 visa application at any time under the Direct Entry Stream, but will need a migration skills assessment and at least 3 years of relevant work experience, unless you:

> were nominated as an academic by a university in Australia, or

> were nominated as a scientist, researcher or technical specialist at ANZSCO skill level 1 or 2 by an Australian government scientific agency, or

> were nominated as a minister of religion by a religious institution, or

> have nominated earnings at least equivalent to the amount at which at which the top individual income tax rate applies (currently A$180k), or

> are in Australia as the holder of a Special Category visa (subclass 444) or New Zealand Citizen Family Relationship visa (subclass 461) and have worked with your nominating employer in your nominated occupation for the past two years (not including any period of unpaid leave) in the three years before you apply for this visa.

See also this old article from Go Matilda News:
http://www.gomatilda.com/news/article.cfm?articleid=596

Some of the points have been superseded/updated, but the observation about employers facilitating permanent residency under the ENS/RSMS being freed up from the obligations attaching to being a 457 visa business sponsor hold.

Best regards.