Aquaculture Farmer — 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)
Skills assessment for this occupation
Assessing Aquaculture Farmer for migration purposes is handled by: VETASSESS.
Each occupation has a single designated assessing authority — refer to the occupation page for the body that assesses it.
Aquaculture Farmer × Subclass 186 — pathway overview
The Aquaculture Farmer (ANZSCO 121111) qualifies for the Subclass 186 Employer Nomination Scheme visa as it appears on the Regional Occupation List (ROL), making it eligible for sponsorship by approved employers in designated regional areas. This visa pathway is not points-tested; instead, it requires an approved employer nomination as the primary mechanism for visa grant. Applicants pursuing this occupation under Subclass 186 must obtain a positive skills assessment from the appropriate assessing authority, typically the Department of Agriculture and Water Resources or equivalent body, depending on the specific assessment requirements for aquaculture farming. The assessment validates that the applicant possesses the required knowledge and experience in aquaculture production systems, fish or shellfish farming operations, and relevant technical competencies. Key requirements include securing sponsorship from an employer approved by the Department of Home Affairs, demonstrating genuine work arrangements, and meeting health and character obligations. Applicants must also satisfy English language requirements and provide evidence of relevant qualifications and work experience. For advice tailored to your individual circumstances, always consult a registered MARA migration agent.2026-06-26T10:18:49.818Z
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 Aquaculture Farmer
- 482Details →Skills in Demand visa
Employer-sponsored temporary visa (formerly TSS) for occupations on the relevant list.
- 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 Aquaculture Farmer
States currently nominating this occupation — see the dedicated pages for state-specific criteria.