Agricultural 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 Agricultural 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.
Agricultural Engineer × Subclass 189 — pathway overview
Agricultural Engineers (ANZSCO 233912) qualify for the Subclass 189 Skilled Independent visa, a permanent residence visa that requires no employer sponsorship or state nomination. This occupation is listed on the MLTSSL, confirming eligibility for the independent points-tested skilled migration stream. Applicants must lodge an EOI through SkillSelect and receive an invitation based on their accumulated points score. Points reflect age, English language proficiency, qualifications, and work experience. The minimum mark is 65 points, with competitive draws often requiring higher scores. A positive skills assessment from Engineers Australia is mandatory before EOI submission. The CDR pathway documents Agricultural Engineering competencies through career episodes addressing topics such as irrigation design, agricultural machinery, environmental engineering, and farm systems analysis. Competent English is the minimum language requirement. Government fees are approximately AUD 4,640 for primary applicants. Processing takes six to twelve months from 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 Agricultural 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 Agricultural Engineer
States currently nominating this occupation — see the dedicated pages for state-specific criteria.