Optometrist — 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 Optometrist for migration purposes is handled by: OCANZ.
Each occupation has a single designated assessing authority — refer to the occupation page for the body that assesses it.
Optometrist × Subclass 186 — pathway overview
Optometrist (ANZSCO 251411) is eligible for the Subclass 186 Employer Nomination Scheme visa, a permanent employer-sponsored pathway. This occupation appears on the Consolidated Sponsored Occupation List (CSOL), enabling Australian employers to sponsor qualified Optometrists for permanent residence when they cannot source suitably skilled workers locally. The sponsoring employer must be an approved Standard Business Sponsor or accredited sponsor and nominate the applicant for a genuine full-time position as a Optometrist. Labour market testing is required to demonstrate that no suitable Australian worker is available. The nominated salary must meet or exceed the Temporary Skilled Migration Income Threshold (TSMIT) set by the Department of Home Affairs. A positive skills assessment from Optometry Council of Australia and New Zealand (OCANZ) is mandatory for overseas-trained applicants. Candidates must also satisfy English language proficiency requirements, be under 45 years of age unless an exemption applies, and meet health and character standards. The Subclass 186 grants permanent residence from the date of grant. Application fees start from approximately 4,770 dollars and processing times vary between twelve and twenty-four months depending on stream and completeness of documentation. 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 Optometrist
- 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 Optometrist
States currently nominating this occupation — see the dedicated pages for state-specific criteria.