Analyst Programmer — 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 Analyst Programmer for migration purposes is handled by: ACS.
Each occupation has a single designated assessing authority — refer to the occupation page for the body that assesses it.
Analyst Programmer × Subclass 186 — pathway overview
Analyst Programmers (ANZSCO 261311) are eligible for the Subclass 186 Employer Nomination Scheme visa, with this occupation listed on the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL). Analyst programmers combine programming skills with systems analysis expertise, and are among the most consistently in-demand ICT professionals across Australian enterprise technology environments. The 186 visa provides permanent residence through employer nomination. The Direct Entry stream allows experienced analyst programmers to be sponsored directly without prior temporary visa tenure. Labour market testing must confirm the role cannot be filled locally, and genuine vacancy must be demonstrated. The Australian Computer Society (ACS) assesses qualifications and programming experience against Australian standards. A wide range of programming languages, methodologies, and platforms may be considered. English language proficiency must be demonstrated. Health and character checks apply. 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 Analyst Programmer
- 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 Analyst Programmer
States currently nominating this occupation — see the dedicated pages for state-specific criteria.