Engineering Manager — Subclass 189 Pathway
Skilled Independent visa · Permanent
At a glance
- Visa
- Subclass 189 — Skilled Independent visa
- Points test
- Yes — points-tested via SkillSelect
- Sponsor
- No sponsor required
- Eligibility list
- MLTSSL
- Base fee
- from $4,640 (check immi.gov.au for current fee)
- Processing time
- ~8-15 months (median)
Skills assessment for this occupation
Assessing Engineering Manager for migration purposes is handled by: EA, IML.
Each occupation has a single designated assessing authority — the one listed for the nominated ANZSCO code on this site.
Engineering Manager × Subclass 189 — pathway overview
Engineering Manager (ANZSCO 133211) qualifies for the Subclass 189 Skilled Independent visa through its listing on the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL). The Subclass 189 is a permanent points-tested visa that requires no employer, state, or family sponsor, granting holders the freedom to live and work anywhere in Australia. Applicants must submit an Expression of Interest through SkillSelect and receive an invitation based on a competitive points score. A positive skills assessment from Engineers Australia is mandatory and must be obtained before lodging an EOI. Engineers Australia evaluates academic qualifications, professional engineering experience, and competency in managing complex engineering activities against the Australian professional standard. Key requirements include achieving the minimum 65 points under the points test (effective competitive minimums are generally significantly higher), being under 45 years of age at invitation, demonstrating competent English (IELTS 6 or equivalent), and meeting standard health and character requirements. No sponsor is required. On grant, holders receive permanent residency. Application fees start from approximately $4,640 and processing typically takes eight 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 189. Verify every requirement on immi.gov.au before applying.
- Under 45 years of age at invitation
- Competent English (IELTS 6 or equivalent)
- Positive skills assessment in a nominated MLTSSL occupation
- Submit Expression of Interest in SkillSelect and meet pass mark (currently 65, effective competitive minimum 90+)
- Health and character requirements
Other visa pathways for Engineering Manager
- 186Details →Employer Nomination Scheme visa
Permanent employer-sponsored visa for workers nominated by an approved sponsor.
- 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.
- 485Details →Temporary Graduate visa
Post-study work visa for recent graduates of Australian qualifications.
- 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 Engineering Manager
States currently nominating this occupation — see the dedicated pages for state-specific criteria.