Petroleum Engineer — 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 Petroleum Engineer for migration purposes is handled by: EA.
Each occupation has a single designated assessing authority — refer to the occupation page for the body that assesses it.
Petroleum Engineer × Subclass 186 — pathway overview
Petroleum Engineers (ANZSCO 233612) are eligible for the Subclass 186 Employer Nomination Scheme visa, providing permanent residence for employer-sponsored skilled workers in the petroleum and resources sector. This occupation is listed on the MLTSSL, enabling access to the Temporary Residence Transition and Direct Entry streams under Subclass 186. Engineers Australia is the designated skill assessing body. Applicants must hold relevant petroleum, chemical, or mechanical engineering qualifications and demonstrate at least three years of post-qualification experience in petroleum engineering roles. The CDR pathway evaluates professional competencies against Engineers Australia standards. The sponsoring employer must hold approved sponsor status and provide a genuine full-time Petroleum Engineer role. Labour market testing is required. The nominated salary must meet or exceed the TSMIT, though petroleum sector salaries typically well exceed this threshold. Government fees are approximately AUD 4,640 for primary applicants. Processing times typically range from three to twelve months. Australia's oil and gas industry, particularly offshore Western Australia and the Northern Territory, creates sustained demand for this highly specialised occupation. 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 Petroleum Engineer
- 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 Petroleum Engineer
States currently nominating this occupation — see the dedicated pages for state-specific criteria.