Contract Administrator — 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 Contract Administrator 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.
Contract Administrator × Subclass 186 — pathway overview
Contract Administrator (ANZSCO 511111) qualifies for the Subclass 186 Employer Nomination Scheme visa as this occupation appears on the Short-term Skilled Occupation List (STSOL), enabling employer-sponsored permanent migration through the nominated pathway. The Subclass 186 is not points-tested; it requires an approved Australian employer to nominate the applicant for a genuine position. The Direct Entry stream requires a positive skills assessment. VETASSESS, the skills assessment authority for this occupation, evaluates qualifications and work experience against Australian standards for the occupation. Applicants must demonstrate at least three years of relevant work experience in the occupation. The Temporary Residence Transition stream is available to Subclass 482 visa holders who have worked for the nominating employer for at least two years in the nominated occupation. Key requirements include being under 45 years of age (with limited exemptions), meeting competent English proficiency standards (IELTS 6 in each band or equivalent), satisfying health and character checks, and obtaining employer nomination from a business with approved sponsorship. Labour market testing is generally required. Application fees start from approximately $4,770 and processing typically takes six to fifteen 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 Contract Administrator
- 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 Contract Administrator
States currently nominating this occupation — see the dedicated pages for state-specific criteria.