Developer 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 Developer 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.
Developer Programmer × Subclass 186 — pathway overview
Developer Programmers (ANZSCO 261312) are eligible for the Subclass 186 Employer Nomination Scheme visa, with the occupation listed on the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL). Developer programmers write, test, and maintain code for applications, systems, and web platforms, and represent one of the most commonly sponsored ICT occupations in Australia. The 186 visa provides permanent residence through employer nomination. The Direct Entry stream is available for experienced developer programmers. Sponsoring employers must hold nomination approval and complete labour market testing confirming the position cannot be filled by local workers. The Australian Computer Society (ACS) conducts the required skills assessment. Qualifications and programming experience across relevant languages and frameworks are evaluated. 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 Developer 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 Developer Programmer
States currently nominating this occupation — see the dedicated pages for state-specific criteria.