Chemical Engineer — Subclass 186 Pathway
Employer Nomination Scheme visa · Permanent
At a glance
- Visa
- Subclass 186 — Employer Nomination Scheme visa
- Points test
- Not points-tested
- Sponsor
- Employer sponsor required
- Eligibility list
- MLTSSLSTSOLROLCSOL
- Base fee
- from $4,770 (check immi.gov.au for current fee)
- Processing time
- ~6-15 months (median)
Key facts at a glance
Data compiled from official sources. Always verify on the relevant authority’s website before acting.
- SkillSelect points cutoff(Subclass 189)
- 85 points— November 2025 roundView all rounds →
- Skills assessment fee
- AUD 875–1,155via Engineers Australia· ~12-20 weeks processing
- Salary range (Australia)
- AUD 82k–165kfull-time gross AUD, P10–P90 band, 2025–26 indicative
All figures are indicative. Fees and points cutoffs change frequently — always verify on immi.gov.au and the relevant state/authority website before lodging.
Skills assessment for this occupation
Assessing Chemical Engineer for migration purposes is handled by: EA.
Each occupation has a single designated assessing authority — refer to the occupation page for the body that assesses it.
Chemical Engineer × Subclass 186 — pathway overview
Chemical Engineers (ANZSCO 233111) may qualify for the Subclass 186 Employer Nomination Scheme visa, a permanent residence pathway requiring nomination by an approved Australian employer. This occupation appears on the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL), making it eligible across both the Direct Entry and Temporary Residence Transition streams. Skills assessment for Chemical Engineers is conducted by Engineers Australia. Applicants typically require a Washington Accord-accredited engineering qualification, or equivalent competency demonstrated through the Competency Demonstration Report (CDR) process. The Subclass 186 is not points-tested. Employers must complete labour market testing unless an exemption applies. The Temporary Residence Transition stream requires at least two years of employment with the nominating sponsor on a Subclass 482 visa. The Direct Entry stream has an upper age limit of generally 45. Processing times are typically 6 to 18 months. Government fees are approximately AUD 4,640 for the primary applicant. Chemical Engineers are in demand in Australia's resource, petrochemical, food processing, pharmaceutical, and environmental sectors. Registration with Engineers Australia as a professional member strengthens long-term career and visa prospects. For advice tailored to your individual circumstances, always consult a registered MARA migration agent.
Content last generated: 2026-06-26
Key requirements
High-level criteria for Subclass 186. Verify every requirement on immi.gov.au before applying.
- Under 45 years of age at application (with limited exemptions)
- Competent English (IELTS 6 or equivalent)
- Nominated by an approved Australian employer
- Positive skills assessment in the nominated occupation (Direct Entry stream)
- At least three years of relevant work experience (Direct Entry stream)
- Health and character requirements
Other visa pathways for Chemical Engineer
- 189Details →Skilled Independent visa
Permanent points-tested visa for workers not sponsored by an employer, family member, or state.
- 190Details →Skilled Nominated visa
Permanent visa for workers nominated by a state or territory government.
- 482Details →Skills in Demand visa
Employer-sponsored temporary visa (formerly TSS) for occupations on the relevant list.
- 485Details →Temporary Graduate visa
Post-study work visa for recent graduates of Australian qualifications.
- 491Details →Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa
Five-year provisional visa for workers willing to live and work in regional Australia.
- 494Details →Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional visa
Five-year employer-sponsored provisional visa in regional Australia, with a path to PR.
State nominations for Chemical Engineer
States currently nominating this occupation — see the dedicated pages for state-specific criteria.