Architect — 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 Architect for migration purposes is handled by: AACA.
Each occupation has a single designated assessing authority — refer to the occupation page for the body that assesses it.
Architect × Subclass 186 — pathway overview
Architect (ANZSCO 232111) qualifies for the Subclass 186 Employer Nomination Scheme visa as it appears on the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL), enabling Australian architectural firms to sponsor skilled architects for permanent residency. The Subclass 186 is not points-tested. Applicants must be nominated by an approved employer sponsor who demonstrates genuine need for the role and offers the applicant a salary that meets the Temporary Skilled Migration Income Threshold (TSMIT). Labour market testing is required to confirm unsuccessful local recruitment. The Architects Accreditation Council of Australia (AACA) conducts skills assessments for Architects, evaluating educational qualifications and professional experience against Australian standards through the Overseas Qualified Applicants (OQA) pathway or National Program of Assessment (NPA). Applicants must demonstrate relevant architectural qualifications and work experience, meet English language requirements, and pass health and character checks. The Subclass 186 grants permanent residency directly upon approval. Government fees are approximately AUD 4,770 for the primary applicant. 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 Architect
- 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 Architect
States currently nominating this occupation — see the dedicated pages for state-specific criteria.