Australian PR Points for Mechanical Engineer, ANZSCO 233512
If you're a Mechanical Engineer looking to migrate to Australia, you'll be glad to know your occupation (ANZSCO 233512) is on the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL). This gives you potential access to all three major General Skilled Migration visas, provided you meet the points test and any relevant state requirements. Keep in mind, however, that points and invitation cutoffs fluctuate, so it's essential to understand how the system works.
Subclass 189
Skilled Independent
Because you're on the MLTSSL, you can apply for the 189. Invitations rely purely on your points score and Home Affairs' allocation limits.
→ Read 189 guideSubclass 190
State Nominated (+5 points)
A popular alternative that awards you 5 extra points, but you'll need to meet the specific demands of a nominating state or territory.
→ Read 190 guideSubclass 491
Regional Provisional (+15 points)
If you're willing to live in a designated regional area, state governments or eligible family members can sponsor you, adding a massive 15 points to your total.
→ Read 491 guideThe Three Visa Pathways Compared
| Subclass 189 | Subclass 190 | Subclass 491 |
|---|
| Nomination bonus | +0 points | +5 points | +15 points |
| Recent cutoff data | Not confirmed* | Varies by state | Varies by state |
| Occupation list | MLTSSL | MLTSSL | MLTSSL |
| Assessing body | Engineers Australia | Engineers Australia | Engineers Australia |
* The Department of Home Affairs does not reliably publish occupation-specific invitation cutoffs for Mechanical Engineers in recent SkillSelect rounds. We strongly recommend aiming for the highest points possible rather than relying on historical guesses.
→ Learn more about SkillSelect invitation roundsSkills Assessment with Engineers Australia
You absolutely must have a positive skills assessment before you can lodge your Expression of Interest (EOI).
Mechanical Engineers are assessed by Engineers Australia (EA).
| Assessing body | Engineers Australia |
| Official portal | engineersaustralia.org.au/skills-assessment |
| Processing time | Varies by pathway (Fast track options available) |
| Fee | Varies (Check EA website for current schedule) |
| Qualification required | Usually a Bachelor Degree in Mechanical Engineering |
There are two main pathways: If your degree is accredited under a recognised accord (like the Washington Accord), the process is generally faster and cheaper. If it's not, you'll need to submit a Competency Demonstration Report (CDR), which takes more time to prepare and assess.
⚠ Warning: A skills assessment from Engineers Australia is typically valid for 3 years for migration purposes. It must be valid on the day you receive an invitation to apply, not just when you lodge your EOI.
State Nomination Options
Because the 189 visa can be highly competitive, many Mechanical Engineers look towards state nomination (subclasses 190 and 491).
We frequently see Mechanical Engineers wanting a simple "yes or no" answer on which states are nominating them. Unfortunately, the reality is much more nuanced. State occupation lists change frequently-sometimes multiple times a year-based on local economic needs.
| State | Status for 190/491 | What you need to know |
|---|
| NSW, VIC, QLD, WA, SA, TAS, ACT, NT | Check current programme | Each state has its own unique rules. For example, some states will only nominate you if you are currently living and working there in your nominated occupation. Others might have specific pathways for graduates of their local universities. |
Do not assume that because Mechanical Engineer is on the federal MLTSSL, every state will automatically nominate you. You must always check the official migration portal of the specific state or territory you are interested in before lodging an EOI.
How to Improve Your Score
If your points are sitting at the 65 minimum, you'll likely need to boost your score to be competitive.
1. Ace Your English Test
Securing 'Superior English' (e.g., 8.0 in IELTS or 79 in PTE Academic) adds a massive 20 points to your score. If you're currently sitting at 'Proficient' (10 points), bumping that up to Superior is the most efficient way to climb the ranks.
2. Gain More Work Experience
If you can claim more years of skilled employment (as recognised by Engineers Australia), you'll add more points. Australian work experience is particularly valuable, both for the points test and for satisfying state nomination criteria.
How the 2026 Reform Might Affect You
⚠ The 2026 points test reform is proposed, not yet legislated. The current Schedule 6D system remains fully in force.
The Australian government has been discussing significant changes to the migration points test. While we don't know the exact new rules yet, the proposed framework suggests a stronger focus on your actual occupation, salary, and age. If you are a younger Mechanical Engineer working in a highly paid, skilled role in Australia, you'll likely fare well under the proposed system. However, until the legislation officially passes, it's business as usual under the current points test.
→ Learn more about the proposed 2026 points test reform