Community Worker — 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 Community Worker for migration purposes is handled by: CWA.
Each occupation has a single designated assessing authority — refer to the occupation page for the body that assesses it.
Community Worker × Subclass 186 — pathway overview
Community Worker (ANZSCO 411711) is listed on the Short-Term Skilled Occupation List (STSOL) and the Combined Skilled Occupation List (CSOL), confirming eligibility for the Employer Nomination Scheme (Subclass 186). This permanent residence visa allows an approved Australian employer to nominate a skilled overseas worker for a genuine position that cannot be filled locally. Community Workers deliver support services to disadvantaged individuals and families across Australia. The visa is available through the Direct Entry or Temporary Residence Transition stream. The sponsoring employer must hold standard business sponsorship and demonstrate genuine need. The Community Workers Association (CWA) conducts the skills assessment. English proficiency must meet prescribed standards through an approved test. Health and character checks apply. Applicants must generally be under 45. Processing typically takes six to twelve months. The primary applicant fee is approximately AUD 4,640. 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 Community Worker
- 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 Community Worker
States currently nominating this occupation — see the dedicated pages for state-specific criteria.