Psychotherapist — 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 Psychotherapist 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.
Psychotherapist × Subclass 186 — pathway overview
Psychotherapists (ANZSCO 272314) are eligible for the permanent Subclass 186 Employer Nomination Scheme visa, as this occupation appears on the Combined Skilled Occupation List (CSOL). The Subclass 186 is not points-tested; eligibility is established through an approved employer nomination. The sponsoring employer must demonstrate the position is genuine and cannot be filled by an available Australian worker, and must meet ongoing workplace compliance obligations. Labour market testing is required, confirming the employer has genuinely attempted to recruit from the Australian resident workforce before sponsoring an overseas worker. A skills assessment from VETASSESS is required, verifying qualifications and professional experience meet Australian standards. Applicants must satisfy health and character requirements and hold functional English. The indicative application fee is from AUD 4,640, with processing typically 12 to 24 months. The visa confers permanent residence on grant. 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 Psychotherapist
- 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.
- 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 Psychotherapist
States currently nominating this occupation — see the dedicated pages for state-specific criteria.