Airconditioning and Mechanical Services Plumber — 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 Airconditioning and Mechanical Services Plumber for migration purposes is handled by: TRA.
Each occupation has a single designated assessing authority — refer to the occupation page for the body that assesses it.
Airconditioning and Mechanical Services Plumber × Subclass 186 — pathway overview
Airconditioning and Mechanical Services Plumber (ANZSCO 334112) is eligible for the Subclass 186 Employer Nomination Scheme visa as it appears on the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL), opening both the Direct Entry and Temporary Residence Transition streams. This visa provides a permanent residency pathway through approved employer nomination. The sponsoring employer must be an approved standard business sponsor and demonstrate the nominated position cannot be filled locally. Labour market testing is mandatory, requiring documented recruitment evidence. A positive skills assessment from TRA confirming competency in airconditioning and mechanical services plumbing is required for the Direct Entry stream. Key requirements include at least three years of relevant experience, demonstrating competent English (IELTS 6 or equivalent), being under 45 years at application, and satisfying health and character requirements. The Temporary Residence Transition stream is available to those who have worked for the nominating employer on a Subclass 482 visa for at least two years. Application fees start from approximately $4,640 and processing typically takes six to twelve months. 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 Airconditioning and Mechanical Services Plumber
- 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 Airconditioning and Mechanical Services Plumber
States currently nominating this occupation — see the dedicated pages for state-specific criteria.