Gas or Petroleum Operator — 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 Gas or Petroleum Operator 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.
Gas or Petroleum Operator × Subclass 186 — pathway overview
Gas or Petroleum Operator (ANZSCO 399212) is eligible for the Regional Occupation List (ROL) and Core Skills Occupation List (CSOL) and qualifies for the Subclass 186 Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS) visa. This permanent employer-sponsored visa allows Australian employers to nominate overseas workers for positions they cannot fill from the local labour market. Gas or Petroleum Operators control and monitor equipment used to extract, process, and distribute natural gas and petroleum products. They work on offshore platforms, onshore gas processing facilities, and production sites, ensuring safe and efficient operation of well-head and compression equipment. The Subclass 186 Direct Entry stream requires at least three years of relevant full-time work experience. Applicants must be under 45 at the time of nomination unless an exemption applies, and must hold at least Competent English proficiency. A skills assessment from TRA is required to confirm qualifications and experience meet Australian standards. Health and character requirements must be satisfied prior to grant. The Subclass 186 application fee is approximately AUD 4,770, with processing typically taking six to twelve months depending on case complexity. On grant, the visa confers immediate permanent residence, allowing the holder and eligible family members to live and work anywhere in Australia indefinitely. 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 Gas or Petroleum Operator
- 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 Gas or Petroleum Operator
States currently nominating this occupation — see the dedicated pages for state-specific criteria.