189 Visa Occupation Groups

The 189 occupation list covers a wide range of professional and trade categories. Below are example of the occupation groups applying through SkillSelect each year.

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Accounting and Finance Occupations

Some of Australia's highest-demand skilled occupations fall under accounting and finance. Three occupations in this group consistently attract high SkillSelect invitation rounds.

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• Accountant (General) — ANZSCO 221111 Accountants (General) are eligible for the 189 visa under the MLTSSL and CSOL. Skills assessment is conducted by CAANZ (Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand), CPA Australia, or IPA (Institute of Public Accountants). Caveats apply for the 482 visa — positions must be in businesses with annual turnover over AUD 1,000,000 and at least five employees. No such caveats apply to the 189 visa.

• Actuary — ANZSCO 224111 Actuaries are eligible for the 189 under both MLTSSL and CSOL. Skills assessment is handled by VETASSESS.

• Management Accountant — ANZSCO 221112 Management Accountants follow the same eligibility pathway as Accountants (General), with skills assessment through CAANZ, CPA Australia, or IPA.

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Engineering Occupations

Engineering remains one of the strongest pathways for points-based migration to Australia. The following engineering occupations are on the MLTSSL and eligible for the 189 visa.

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• Aeronautical Engineer — ANZSCO 233911 Skills assessment through Engineers Australia. Eligible across 189, 190, 491, 485, and employer-sponsored visa streams.

• Agricultural Engineer — ANZSCO 233912 One of the few engineering occupations also on the Regional Occupation List (ROL), making it eligible for the 491 regional visa alongside the 189. Skills assessment through Engineers Australia.

• Analyst Programmer — ANZSCO 261311 A high-demand technology occupation eligible for the 189 under MLTSSL and CSOL. Skills assessment through the Australian Computer Society (ACS).

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Healthcare Occupations

Healthcare professionals make up a significant portion of 189 visa applicants. Australia's healthcare sector faces ongoing workforce shortages across medical, allied health, and nursing roles.

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• Audiologist — ANZSCO 252711 Eligible for the 189 visa under MLTSSL and CSOL. Skills assessment through Audiology Australia.

• Cardiologist — ANZSCO 253511 Eligible across the 189, 190, 491, and employer-sponsored streams. Medical specialists are assessed by the Medical Board of Australia (MedBA) through AHPRA.

• Cardiothoracic Surgeon — ANZSCO 253512 Eligible for the 189 visa under MLTSSL and CSOL. Skills assessment through AHPRA (Medical Board of Australia).

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Building and Trades Occupations

Trade occupations are a core part of Australia's skilled migration intake. Many trades on the 189 list fall under MLTSSL, meaning they attract invitations through SkillSelect each year.

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• Architect — ANZSCO 232111 Eligible for the 189 under MLTSSL and CSOL. Skills assessment through AACA (Architects Accreditation Council of Australia).

• Carpenter — ANZSCO 331212 A high-demand trade occupation eligible for the 189 via MLTSSL and CSOL. Skills assessment through TRA (Trades Recognition Australia).

• Airconditioning and Refrigeration Mechanic — ANZSCO 342111 Eligible for the 189 under MLTSSL and CSOL. Skills assessment through TRA.

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What Is the MLTSSL?

The Medium and Long-Term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL) is the primary skills list for the Subclass 189 visa. Occupations on this list are considered in medium-to-long-term demand in Australia's labour market. To be eligible for the 189 visa, your occupation must appear on the MLTSSL.

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Some occupations also appear on the Core Skills Occupation List (CSOL), which is specifically used for employer-sponsored visas like the 482 Skills in Demand visa. Appearing on CSOL does not automatically mean you qualify for the 189 — your occupation must be on the MLTSSL for points-tested migration.

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The Regional Occupation List (ROL) applies to regional visas like the Subclass 491. A small number of occupations appear on ROL only, meaning they are not eligible for the 189 but may be eligible for regional permanent residence pathways.

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Can I Apply for the 189 Visa Without a Job Offer?

Yes. The Subclass 189 visa does not require employer sponsorship or a job offer. It is entirely points-based. You submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) through SkillSelect, and if your points score meets the invitation threshold for your occupation, the Department of Home Affairs will issue an invitation to apply.

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The points threshold varies by occupation and changes with each invitation round. Some high-demand occupations like accountants and engineers have historically received invitations at lower points scores, while others may require 90 or more points.

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If you do not have enough points for the 189, the Skilled Nominated (Subclass 190) Visa and the Skilled Work Regional (Subclass 491) Visa offer alternative pathways with state or territory nomination adding additional points.

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How Many Points Do I Need?

The minimum points score to submit an EOI is 65. However, receiving an invitation requires a competitive score. As a general guide:

• 65–74 points: Low likelihood of invitation for most occupations

• 75–84 points: Possible for some healthcare and regional occupations

• 85–90 points: Competitive for most MLTSSL occupations

• 90+ points: Strong position for most occupations

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Points are awarded for age, English language ability, skilled employment experience, qualifications, partner skills, and state nomination (though 189 does not use state nomination — that applies to 190 and 491).

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RACC migration agents can review your points score and advise whether the 189 is your best pathway. Book a consultation

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is my occupation eligible for the 189 visa?

Your occupation must appear on the Medium and Long-Term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL). Use the occupation search above to check. If your occupation is listed under CSOL only (not MLTSSL), it is not eligible for the 189 — but may qualify for employer-sponsored visas like the 482.

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What is the difference between MLTSSL and CSOL for the 189 visa?

Only MLTSSL occupations are eligible for the Subclass 189 points-tested stream. CSOL is used for employer-sponsored visas. If your occupation appears on both lists, you may qualify for multiple visa pathways.

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What assessing authority do I need for my occupation?

The assessing authority depends on your occupation. Common authorities include Engineers Australia, ACS (IT), AHPRA (healthcare), TRA (trades), VETASSESS (professional), and CAANZ/CPA/IPA (accounting). The occupation list above shows the relevant authority for each occupation.

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Can I check if my occupation is on the 189 list without an agent?

Yes — the interactive list above lets you search all 212 eligible occupations. However, immigration rules change and individual circumstances affect eligibility. RACC recommends speaking with a registered migration agent before submitting your EOI.

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How often does the 189 occupation list get updated?

The Department of Home Affairs reviews and updates the Skilled Occupation List periodically. This page is updated each time the list changes. The data on this page was last updated on 9 June 2026.

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What happens if my occupation is removed from the list?

If your occupation is removed after you submit your EOI but before you receive an invitation, your EOI will no longer be considered. If you have already received an invitation and lodged an application, the removal generally does not affect your application.

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Related Migration Pathways

If your occupation is on the Subclass 189 list but you are weighing up your options, the following skilled migration pathways may also be relevant depending on your points score, occupation, and preferred location:

• Skilled Nominated (Subclass 190) Visa — a permanent visa requiring nomination by a state or territory government; adds 5 points to your SkillSelect score and requires your occupation to appear on the relevant state's 190-eligible occupation list

• Skilled Work Regional (Subclass 491) Visa — a provisional five-year visa for skilled workers willing to live and work in regional Australia; adds 15 points to your score and requires state/territory nomination or sponsorship by an eligible family member in a designated regional area

• Skills in Demand (Subclass 482) Visa — a temporary employer-sponsored visa for occupations on the Core Skills Occupation List (CSOL); relevant if your occupation is on CSOL but not MLTSSL, or if you have a sponsoring employer

• Employer Nomination Scheme (Subclass 186) Visa — a permanent employer-sponsored visa available via the Direct Entry or Temporary Residence Transition streams; does not require a points score but requires an approved employer sponsor

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Sources

The information on this page is sourced exclusively from official Australian Government materials:

• Skilled Occupation List — Department of Home Affairs — Australian Government, Department of Home Affairs

• Subclass 189 Skilled Independent Visa — Australian Government, Department of Home Affairs

• Medium and Long-Term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL) — Australian Government, Department of Home Affairs

• SkillSelect — Expression of Interest — Australian Government, Department of Home Affairs