Automotive Electrician — 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 Automotive Electrician for migration purposes is handled by: TRA.
Each occupation has a single designated assessing authority — the one listed for the nominated ANZSCO code on this site.
Automotive Electrician × Subclass 189 — pathway overview
Automotive Electrician (ANZSCO 321111) is eligible for the Subclass 189 Skilled Independent visa. As an occupation on the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL), it qualifies for the Subclass 189 Skilled Independent visa. Automotive Electricians diagnose, repair, and install electrical and electronic systems in motor vehicles, including ignition, lighting, instrumentation, and telematics. The pathway is points-tested; applicants need at least 65 points and must lodge an Expression of Interest through SkillSelect before receiving an invitation to apply. Skills assessment by the Trades Recognition Australia (TRA) is required, covering qualifications and work experience against Australian standards. English proficiency through an approved test and health and character checks are also mandatory. Processing is invitation-based through SkillSelect; waiting times vary by occupation and points score, with high-demand occupations receiving invitations sooner. The Subclass 189 application fee is approximately AUD 4,640. The Subclass 189 visa does not require employer sponsorship or state nomination and provides an unrestricted right to live and work anywhere in Australia. 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 Automotive Electrician
- 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 Automotive Electrician
States currently nominating this occupation — see the dedicated pages for state-specific criteria.