Electrical Engineer — 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 Electrical Engineer for migration purposes is handled by: EA.
Each occupation has a single designated assessing authority — the one listed for the nominated ANZSCO code on this site.
Electrical Engineer × Subclass 189 — pathway overview
Electrical Engineers (ANZSCO 233311) may be eligible for the Subclass 189 Skilled Independent visa, a points-tested permanent residence pathway requiring no employer sponsorship or state nomination. Electrical Engineering appears on the MLTSSL, making it a consistently accessible occupation for this visa. Applicants must obtain a positive skills assessment from Engineers Australia before lodging an Expression of Interest through SkillSelect. A minimum of 65 points is required for eligibility, with actual invitation scores varying by round and demand. English language proficiency at the competent level and age under 45 at invitation are standard requirements. The Subclass 189 grants immediate permanent residence, allowing holders to live and work anywhere in Australia. Processing times vary. Government fees are approximately AUD 4,240 for the primary applicant. Electrical Engineers with experience in renewable energy systems, power grid engineering, industrial electrical design, mining electrical systems, or building services engineering are highly competitive given Australia's significant energy transition and infrastructure investment programs. 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 Electrical Engineer
- 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 Electrical Engineer
States currently nominating this occupation — see the dedicated pages for state-specific criteria.