Overview of PR Pathways for Electrical Engineers
Under the Australian Bureau of Statistics ANZSCO classification, an Electrical Engineer (ANZSCO 233311) is responsible for designing, developing, and supervising the manufacture, installation, and operation of equipment, machines, and systems for electric power. Because it is classified on the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL), this occupation provides pathways to the primary skilled visas.
Subclass 189: Skilled Independent
Independent visa
A permanent visa that does not require state or family sponsorship. Historical SkillSelect data shows recent invitations generally required around 85 points.
→ Read the 189 guideSubclass 190: State Nominated
Requires state nomination (+5 points)
A permanent visa where states invite applicants based on local workforce shortages. You must meet specific state conditions such as residency or employment.
→ Read the 190 guideSubclass 491: Regional
Requires regional nomination (+15 points)
A provisional visa that can lead to permanent residency, granted to those willing to live and work in designated regional areas of Australia.
→ Read the 491 guideComparing the Three Visa Pathways
| Criteria | Subclass 189 | Subclass 190 | Subclass 491 |
|---|
| Nomination points | +0 | +5 | +15 |
| Occupation list status | MLTSSL | MLTSSL | MLTSSL |
| Assessing authority | Engineers Australia | Engineers Australia | Engineers Australia |
| Sponsorship condition | None | State/Territory | State/Territory or Family |
Note: Securing a higher score does not guarantee an invitation. The Department of Home Affairs manages invitations based on current economic priorities, occupation ceilings, and application volumes.
→ Check the latest SkillSelect invitation round dataSkills Assessment Process for Electrical Engineers
A positive skills assessment is mandatory before you can submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) in SkillSelect.
Electrical Engineers (ANZSCO 233311) are assessed by Engineers Australia (EA).
| Official portal | engineersaustralia.org.au |
| Processing time | Typically 14–18 weeks (Fast-track available in ~15-20 working days) |
| Approximate fee | AUD $850 – $1,260 (standard) |
| Assessment pathway | Accredited Qualifications or Competency Demonstration Report (CDR) |
| Qualification required | Equivalent to an Australian Bachelor degree in Electrical Engineering |
Engineers Australia offers different pathways depending on where you studied. If your engineering degree is formally recognised under international accords (like the Washington Accord), you can use the accredited pathway. If your qualification is not accredited, you must submit a Competency Demonstration Report (CDR) to showcase your engineering capabilities.
⚠ Validity Warning: Your skills assessment must remain valid at the time you receive an Invitation to Apply for a visa. Although Engineers Australia assessments generally do not expire internally, the Department of Home Affairs considers them valid for a maximum of 3 years from the issue date.
State Nomination Options for Electrical Engineers
State nomination adds +5 points (190) or +15 points (491). Each state sets its own criteria and availability.
| State / Territory | Nomination Status | General Conditions |
|---|
| NSW | Conditional | Selection is based on state economic priorities. Requires meeting minimum points and often local employment. |
| VIC | Conditional | Requires a Registration of Interest (ROI). Preference is given to applicants working in targeted sectors. |
| QLD | Conditional | Usually requires applicants to be currently living and working in Queensland in their nominated occupation. |
| SA | Conditional | Subject to the South Australian skilled occupation list, often favouring local graduates and workers. |
| WA | Conditional | Featured on the Western Australian Skilled Migration Occupation List (WASMOL), subject to specific state criteria. |
| TAS | Conditional | Pathways generally cater to Tasmanian graduates, long-term residents, and established workers. |
| ACT | Conditional | Invitations are issued based on a candidate's Canberra Matrix score. |
| NT | Conditional | Strongly prefers Northern Territory residents and local university graduates. |
Note: State occupation lists and nomination requirements are updated regularly and often open or close throughout the program year. You must verify the current rules at each state's official migration portal before relying on this information.
→ Read our guide on state nomination strategiesStrategies to Improve Your PR Points
To increase your likelihood of receiving an invitation, consider these common strategies to boost your points total.
Maximise English Score
Achieving a Superior English score (e.g., IELTS 8.0 or PTE 79 in all bands) grants you 20 points, compared to just 10 points for Proficient English. This is often the most direct way to improve your rank.
Partner Skills
If you have a partner who is under 45, has Competent English, and holds a valid skills assessment in a related occupation, you can claim 10 partner points. Alternatively, you can claim 5 points if they only have Competent English, or 10 points if you are single.
NAATI CCL Testing
Passing a Credentialed Community Language (CCL) test through NAATI adds 5 points to your score. This involves translating a dialogue between English and a Language Other Than English (LOTE).
How Could Proposed Reforms Affect You?
⚠ Important Context: Changes to the points test have been proposed but are not yet written into law. The current Schedule 6D system remains fully in effect.
The government has consulted on a revised points test that may increase the minimum points threshold to 70 and introduce a system that awards points based on income. If these proposals proceed, highly paid and experienced electrical engineers could benefit, while recent graduates or those on lower salaries may find it more difficult to qualify independently.
→ Read our analysis on the proposed points test reform