186 Visa – Skill Requirements

The Employer Nomination Scheme (subclass 186) visa has specific skill and qualification requirements for both the applicant and the nominated occupation. Below are the key factors that determine skill eligibility for this visa:

1. Skill Assessment:

   Applicants must have their skills assessed by the relevant assessing authority for their nominated occupation before applying. This assessment verifies that their qualifications and experience meet Australian standards for that occupation.

2. Nominated Occupation:

   The nominated occupation must appear on one of Australia’s approved occupation lists — the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL), the Short-term Skilled Occupation List (STSOL), or the Regional Occupation List (ROL) — depending on the visa stream.

3. Work Experience:

   Applicants are required to have relevant work experience in their nominated occupation. The minimum required experience varies based on the occupation and the stream of the visa.

4. Qualifications:

   Applicants must hold qualifications that match the requirements of their nominated occupation. This may include trade certificates, diplomas, or university degrees relevant to the position.

5. English Language Proficiency:

   Depending on the visa stream, applicants may need to demonstrate English proficiency by achieving the required scores in approved tests such as IELTS, OET, TOEFL iBT, PTE Academic, or Cambridge English (CAE).

6. Age Requirement:

   Generally, applicants must be under 45 years of age at the time of application. Certain exemptions may apply for specific occupations or circumstances.

7. Health and Character Requirements:

   All applicants must meet Australian health and character standards, which include medical examinations and providing police clearance certificates from countries where they have lived.

It is important to review the specific skill and eligibility requirements for your situation, as these can vary depending on the occupation and stream. Consulting a registered migration agent or checking the Department of Home Affairs website is recommended for the most accurate and up-to-date information.