Medical Practitioners nec — 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 Medical Practitioners nec for migration purposes is handled by: MedBA.
Each occupation has a single designated assessing authority — the one listed for the nominated ANZSCO code on this site.
Medical Practitioners nec × Subclass 189 — pathway overview
Medical Practitioner (nec) (ANZSCO 253999) is eligible for the Subclass 189 Skilled Independent visa, a permanent points-tested pathway listed on the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL). No employer sponsorship or state nomination is required, making the 189 one of the most flexible permanent options for skilled medical practitioners in diverse specialist and general roles across Australian public and private health systems. Applicants must submit an Expression of Interest through SkillSelect, achieve a competitive points score, and receive a Department of Home Affairs invitation. Points are awarded across age, English proficiency, qualifications, and skilled work experience. Invitations are issued periodically to the highest-scoring candidates. A skills assessment from Medical Board of Australia (MedBA) assessed against relevant specialist medical college standards is required prior to lodgement, confirming that overseas qualifications and clinical training meet Australian equivalence requirements. English language requirements and health and character assessments are mandatory. Government fees and skills assessment charges apply. The Subclass 189 grants permanent residence, with Australian citizenship available after the required residence period. 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 Medical Practitioners nec
- 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 Medical Practitioners nec
States currently nominating this occupation — see the dedicated pages for state-specific criteria.