Veterinary Nurse — 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 Veterinary Nurse 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.
Veterinary Nurse × Subclass 186 — pathway overview
Veterinary Nurse (ANZSCO 361311) is eligible for the Subclass 186 Employer Nomination Scheme visa. Listed on the Short-term Skilled Occupation List (STSOL) and Combined Skilled Occupation List (CSOL), it is eligible for Subclass 186 employer nomination through the applicable stream. Veterinary Nurses assist veterinarians in the care and treatment of animals, administering medications, preparing animals for procedures, monitoring post-operative recovery, and maintaining clinical records and equipment in veterinary practices. The visa is not points-tested. An approved sponsor must nominate the position and conduct genuine labour market testing demonstrating that no suitably qualified Australian worker is available. Skills assessment by VETASSESS is required, covering qualifications and work experience against Australian standards. Competent English and satisfactory health and character outcomes are mandatory. Processing times typically range from six to twelve months depending on stream and caseload. The Subclass 186 application fee is approximately AUD 4,770. Applicants must generally be under 45 years of age at time of application, though certain exemptions apply. The Subclass 186 visa grants permanent residence immediately upon 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 Veterinary Nurse
- 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 Veterinary Nurse
States currently nominating this occupation — see the dedicated pages for state-specific criteria.