Environmental 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 Environmental 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.
Environmental Engineer × Subclass 186 — pathway overview
Environmental Engineers (ANZSCO 233915) are eligible for the Subclass 186 Employer Nomination Scheme visa, providing a permanent residence pathway for employer-sponsored skilled workers. This occupation is listed on the MLTSSL, enabling access to both the Temporary Residence Transition and Direct Entry streams under Subclass 186. Engineers Australia conducts the mandatory skill assessment. Applicants must hold relevant civil, chemical, or environmental engineering qualifications and demonstrate at least three years of post-qualification professional experience in environmental engineering roles. The CDR pathway evaluates competencies in pollution control, water treatment, waste management, site remediation, and environmental impact assessment. The sponsoring employer must hold approved sponsor status and provide a genuine Environmental Engineer role. Labour market testing is required. Salary must meet or exceed the TSMIT. Government fees are approximately AUD 4,640 for primary applicants. Processing times typically range from three to twelve months. Environmental Engineers are in demand across government agencies, mining and resources companies, water utilities, and consulting firms addressing Australia's environmental management and sustainability challenges. 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 Environmental 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 Environmental Engineer
States currently nominating this occupation — see the dedicated pages for state-specific criteria.