Mining Engineer (excluding Petroleum) — 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 Mining Engineer (excluding Petroleum) 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.
Mining Engineer (excluding Petroleum) × Subclass 189 — pathway overview
Mining Engineers (Excluding Petroleum) (ANZSCO 233611) qualify for the Subclass 189 Skilled Independent visa, a permanent residence pathway that requires no employer sponsorship or state nomination. This occupation is listed on the MLTSSL, supporting eligibility for the independent skilled migration stream. Applicants must lodge an Expression of Interest through SkillSelect and receive an invitation to apply based on their points score. Points are accumulated through age, English proficiency, qualifications, and work experience. The minimum passing mark is 65 points, though actual draws in this occupation have at times required higher scores. A positive skills assessment from Engineers Australia is required before submitting an EOI. The CDR pathway evaluates the applicant's engineering competencies through career episodes and documentation of professional practice. Competent English is the minimum language threshold, with higher proficiency adding bonus points. Government fees are approximately AUD 4,640 for primary applicants. Processing typically spans six to twelve months from invitation. Mining Engineering experience in hard-rock underground and open-cut environments is particularly valued in Australian assessments. 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 Mining Engineer (excluding Petroleum)
- 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 Mining Engineer (excluding Petroleum)
States currently nominating this occupation — see the dedicated pages for state-specific criteria.