Irrigation Designer — 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 Irrigation Designer 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.
Irrigation Designer × Subclass 186 — pathway overview
Irrigation Designer (ANZSCO 311115) qualifies for the Subclass 186 Employer Nomination Scheme visa through its listing on the Regional Occupation List (ROL). This permanent visa pathway enables Australian employers to sponsor skilled irrigation design professionals who cannot be sourced locally. The Subclass 186 is not points-tested. Sponsorship from an approved employer is mandatory, and the sponsoring organisation must demonstrate genuine recruitment efforts have not produced suitable local candidates. A positive skills assessment is required prior to visa application and is typically completed through the relevant engineering or agricultural assessing body, such as Engineers Australia or AIAST, depending on the applicant's training background. Core requirements include relevant qualifications in irrigation design, civil engineering, or agricultural science, supported by demonstrated work experience. Applicants must meet English language standards and satisfy health and character requirements mandated by the Department of Home Affairs. The employer must also meet workplace and salary obligations under the Subclass 186 framework. On visa grant, holders obtain permanent residency. 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 Irrigation Designer
State nominations for Irrigation Designer
States currently nominating this occupation — see the dedicated pages for state-specific criteria.