Policy and Planning Manager — 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 Policy and Planning Manager 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.
Policy and Planning Manager × Subclass 186 — pathway overview
Policy and Planning Manager (ANZSCO 132411) qualifies for the Subclass 186 Employer Nomination Scheme visa through inclusion on the Regional Occupation List (ROL), making it available for employer-sponsored permanent migration. The Subclass 186 is not points-tested; it requires an approved employer to nominate the applicant for a genuine position in a role consistent with the assessed occupation. Applicants accessing the Direct Entry stream must obtain a positive skills assessment from the relevant assessing authority, which evaluates qualifications and work experience against Australian standards for policy and planning management. The Temporary Residence Transition stream is available to Subclass 482 or 457 holders who have completed at least two years of qualifying employment with the nominating employer. Key requirements include being under 45 years of age, holding competent English (IELTS 6 or equivalent), having at least three years of relevant experience in policy or planning management (Direct Entry), and satisfying health and character requirements. The employer must hold approved sponsor status, demonstrate genuine need for the position, and complete labour market testing. Processing for the Subclass 186 typically takes six to fifteen months and fees start from approximately $4,770. 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 Policy and Planning Manager
- 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 Policy and Planning Manager
States currently nominating this occupation — see the dedicated pages for state-specific criteria.