Barrister — 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 Barrister for migration purposes is handled by: SLAA.
Each occupation has a single designated assessing authority — refer to the occupation page for the body that assesses it.
Barrister × Subclass 186 — pathway overview
Barristers (ANZSCO 271111) are eligible for the Subclass 186 Employer Nomination Scheme visa, with this occupation listed on the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL). The Subclass 186 Direct Entry stream requires an approved Australian employer to nominate the applicant and demonstrate a genuine skills need that cannot be met from the local workforce. Labour market testing must be completed prior to lodgement. A positive skills assessment from State and Territory Law Admissions Authority (SLAA) is mandatory. The assessing authority evaluates the applicant's legal qualifications, training, and professional experience against Australian standards. Applicants practising in specialised legal fields must demonstrate subject matter expertise appropriate to their nominated role. English language proficiency requirements apply, with acceptable test scores in IELTS, PTE Academic, TOEFL iBT, or equivalent. The Subclass 186 visa grants permanent residence, allowing the holder to live and work in Australia indefinitely. Health and character assessments are required for all applicants. Application fees are payable to the Department of Home Affairs, with processing times varying by case complexity. 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 Barrister
- 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 Barrister
States currently nominating this occupation — see the dedicated pages for state-specific criteria.