Clinical Coder — 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 Clinical Coder 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.
Clinical Coder × Subclass 186 — pathway overview
Clinical Coder (ANZSCO 599915) is eligible for the Subclass 186 Employer Nomination Scheme visa. Listed on the Regional Occupation List (ROL) and Combined Skilled Occupation List (CSOL), it qualifies for permanent employer-sponsored skilled migration under the Direct Entry or Temporary Residence Transition streams of the Subclass 186 visa. Clinical Coders translate medical diagnoses, procedures, and treatments recorded in patient health records into standardised codes using classification systems such as ICD-10-AM and ACHI, supporting hospital funding, statistics, and health service planning. The visa grants permanent residence on grant and is not points-tested. An approved sponsor must nominate the applicant for a full-time position and demonstrate the role cannot be filled by an available Australian worker. Skills assessment by VETASSESS is required, covering qualifications and work experience against Australian occupational standards. Applicants must meet English language proficiency standards and satisfy health and character requirements. Labour market testing requirements apply prior to lodging the nomination. The Subclass 186 nomination fee is approximately AUD 330 and the visa application fee approximately AUD 4,770. Processing typically takes six to eighteen 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 Clinical Coder
- 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 Clinical Coder
States currently nominating this occupation — see the dedicated pages for state-specific criteria.