Production Manager (Manufacturing) — 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 Production Manager (Manufacturing) 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.
Production Manager (Manufacturing) × Subclass 186 — pathway overview
Production Managers in Manufacturing (ANZSCO 133512) appear on the Regional Occupation List (ROL) and are eligible for the Subclass 186 Employer Nomination Scheme visa, providing a pathway to permanent residence through employer sponsorship. The Subclass 186 is not points-tested. An approved employer must nominate the applicant for a genuine manufacturing production management role, demonstrating that the position cannot be filled by an available Australian worker. Labour market testing must be completed before nomination. A skills assessment from VETASSESS is required, evaluating the applicant's manufacturing management qualifications and operational experience. Applicants must satisfy Competent English, health, and character requirements. The employer must hold standard business sponsorship approval from the Department of Home Affairs. Indicative fees start from AUD 4,640, with processing typically 12 to 24 months. 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 Production Manager (Manufacturing)
- 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.
- 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 Production Manager (Manufacturing)
States currently nominating this occupation — see the dedicated pages for state-specific criteria.