Earth Science Technician — 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 Earth Science Technician 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.
Earth Science Technician × Subclass 186 — pathway overview
Earth Science Technician (ANZSCO 311412) qualifies for the Subclass 186 Employer Nomination Scheme visa through the Regional Occupation List (ROL), enabling mining, petroleum, geological surveying, and environmental consulting employers to permanently sponsor skilled earth science technicians. The Subclass 186 is not points-tested. Employer sponsorship is required, and the sponsoring organisation must demonstrate through labour market testing that no suitable Australian candidate is available. A skills assessment from a relevant earth sciences or geoscience assessing authority is required, confirming geological, geochemical, or environmental monitoring qualifications and field experience. Applicants must satisfy English language requirements and pass health and character checks. Salary must meet or exceed Australian market rates for comparable technical roles. Permanent residency is granted on approval, making this an attractive option for earth science technicians already employed in the Australian resources sector. 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 Earth Science Technician
- 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 Earth Science Technician
States currently nominating this occupation — see the dedicated pages for state-specific criteria.