Chemical Engineer — Subclass 189 Pathway

Chemical Engineer × Subclass 189 — pathway overview

Chemical Engineers (ANZSCO 233111) may be eligible for the Subclass 189 Skilled Independent visa, a points-tested permanent residence pathway that requires no employer sponsorship or state nomination. This occupation appears on the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL), making it eligible for the Subclass 189. Applicants must obtain a positive skills assessment from Engineers Australia, typically through the Competency Demonstration Report (CDR) process for those without a Washington Accord-accredited qualification. An Expression of Interest must be lodged through SkillSelect, and applicants are invited based on their points score. A minimum of 65 points is required to be eligible, though in practice invitation scores are often higher. The Subclass 189 grants permanent residence and allows holders to live and work anywhere in Australia without employer or regional restrictions. Processing times vary depending on occupation demand and available invitation rounds. Government fees are approximately AUD 4,240 for the primary applicant. Chemical Engineers with experience in process design, safety engineering, materials processing, or environmental management are highly valued across industry sectors including mining, LNG, refining, and manufacturing. For advice tailored to your individual circumstances, always consult a registered MARA migration agent.

Content last generated: 2026-06-26