Production or Plant 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 Production or Plant 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.
Production or Plant Engineer × Subclass 189 — pathway overview
Production or Plant Engineers (ANZSCO 233513) qualify for the Subclass 189 Skilled Independent visa, a permanent residence pathway that does not require employer sponsorship or state nomination. This occupation is listed on the MLTSSL, supporting eligibility for the independent skilled migration stream. Applicants must submit an Expression of Interest through SkillSelect and receive an invitation to apply. Competitive points scores are required, with invitations in recent rounds often exceeding 65 points by a significant margin depending on occupation supply and demand patterns. A positive skills assessment from Engineers Australia is mandatory prior to EOI submission. Production or Plant Engineers typically apply via the CDR pathway, demonstrating competency across the relevant engineering knowledge areas and application of professional judgment. Competent English is the minimum language requirement. English proficiency improvements and additional work experience can meaningfully increase points totals. Government fees are approximately AUD 4,640 for primary applicants. Processing times typically range from six to twelve months after receiving an invitation. 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 Production or Plant 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 Production or Plant Engineer
States currently nominating this occupation — see the dedicated pages for state-specific criteria.