Chemist — 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 Chemist 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.
Chemist × Subclass 186 — pathway overview
Chemists (ANZSCO 234211) are eligible for the Subclass 186 Employer Nomination Scheme visa, providing a permanent residence pathway through employer sponsorship. This occupation is listed on the relevant skilled occupation list, enabling employers to nominate candidates where no suitably qualified Australian worker is available. This visa is not points-tested. Applicants must secure nomination from an approved employer who meets Department of Home Affairs sponsorship obligations, completes labour market testing, and demonstrates genuine need for the position. A skills assessment from the Royal Australian Chemical Institute (RACI) is mandatory, verifying that the applicant's qualifications and experience meet Australian standards for Chemists, who conduct chemical analysis, research, and quality control across pharmaceutical, mining, food, and environmental industries; skills assessed by the Royal Australian Chemical Institute. Proficient English is required, generally equivalent to IELTS 7.0 overall. Applicants must typically be under 45 years at time of nomination, though exceptions apply. Government fees are approximately AUD 4,770 for the primary applicant. Processing takes eight to twenty-four months depending on stream. 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 Chemist
- 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 Chemist
States currently nominating this occupation — see the dedicated pages for state-specific criteria.