Environmental 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 Environmental Manager for migration purposes is handled by: VETASSESS.
Each occupation has a single designated assessing authority — the one listed for the nominated ANZSCO code on this site.
Environmental Manager × Subclass 189 — pathway overview
Environmental Managers (ANZSCO 139912), listed on the Medium and Long-Term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL), are eligible for the permanent Subclass 189 Skilled Independent visa. This points-tested visa requires no employer sponsorship or state nomination, offering a direct pathway to permanent residency. Applicants must obtain a positive skills assessment from VETASSESS before submitting an Expression of Interest through SkillSelect. The assessment evaluates environmental management qualifications and professional experience in sustainability, environmental compliance, or natural resource management against Australian standards. Applicants must be under 45 at invitation and hold Competent English (IELTS 6.0 in each band or equivalent). Indicative SkillSelect scores are typically 85 or above. Indicative fees start from AUD 4,640, with processing typically 8 to 14 months. The Subclass 189 grants permanent residency without requiring residence in any particular state or territory. 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 Environmental 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 Environmental Manager
States currently nominating this occupation — see the dedicated pages for state-specific criteria.