Plumber (General) — 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 Plumber (General) 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.
Plumber (General) × Subclass 189 — pathway overview
Plumber (General) (ANZSCO 334116) qualifies for the Subclass 189 Skilled Independent visa through its listing on the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL). The Subclass 189 is a permanent points-tested visa requiring no employer, state, or family sponsorship, making it the most independent skilled migration pathway for qualified tradespeople. Applicants must register an Expression of Interest through SkillSelect and receive a competitive invitation to apply. A positive skills assessment from Trades Recognition Australia (TRA) is mandatory, evaluating qualifications and work experience in general plumbing and drainage systems against Australian occupational standards. Requirements include achieving a minimum 65 points (competitive scores in recent rounds are higher), being under 45 years at invitation, holding at least three years of relevant experience, demonstrating competent English (IELTS 6 or equivalent), and meeting health and character standards. On grant, holders receive permanent residency with the right to live and work anywhere in Australia. Application fees start from approximately $4,640 and processing typically takes eight to fifteen months. 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 Plumber (General)
- 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 Plumber (General)
States currently nominating this occupation — see the dedicated pages for state-specific criteria.