Helicopter Pilot — 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 Helicopter Pilot for migration purposes is handled by: CASA.
Each occupation has a single designated assessing authority — refer to the occupation page for the body that assesses it.
Helicopter Pilot × Subclass 186 — pathway overview
Helicopter Pilot (ANZSCO 231114) qualifies for the Subclass 186 Employer Nomination Scheme visa as it appears on the Regional Occupation List (ROL). Australian helicopter operators across mining, emergency services, tourism, and agriculture sectors can sponsor skilled pilots for permanent residency. The Subclass 186 is not points-tested. Applicants must be nominated by an approved employer sponsor who demonstrates genuine operational need for the role and that the offered salary is consistent with market rates. Labour market testing confirming unsuccessful local recruitment is mandatory. The Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) is the relevant skills assessing authority for Helicopter Pilots. CASA evaluates the applicant's helicopter pilot licences, ratings such as instrument rating and multi-engine, and total flight hours. Overseas licences must be assessed for equivalency and may require conversion. Applicants must hold a current CASA aviation medical certificate, meet English language requirements, and satisfy character requirements. The Subclass 186 grants permanent residency directly. Government fees are approximately AUD 4,770. Processing times typically range from six to eighteen 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 Helicopter Pilot
- 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 Helicopter Pilot
States currently nominating this occupation — see the dedicated pages for state-specific criteria.