Cartographer — 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 Cartographer 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.
Cartographer × Subclass 186 — pathway overview
Cartographer (ANZSCO 232213) qualifies for the Subclass 186 Employer Nomination Scheme visa as it appears on the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL), enabling Australian employers in geospatial, defence, and mapping industries to sponsor skilled cartographers 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 a salary at or above the Temporary Skilled Migration Income Threshold (TSMIT). Labour market testing must confirm unsuccessful local recruitment. The Spatial Sciences Institute (SSI) is the relevant skills assessing authority for Cartographers, evaluating overseas qualifications and professional experience in cartographic production, GIS systems, topographic mapping, and spatial data management against Australian standards. Applicants must demonstrate relevant tertiary qualifications and practical mapping experience, meet English language requirements, and satisfy health and character checks. The Subclass 186 grants permanent residency directly upon approval. 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 Cartographer
- 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 Cartographer
States currently nominating this occupation — see the dedicated pages for state-specific criteria.