Eligible Occupations for Subclass 189 Visa Applicants

If you’re aiming for a Subclass 189 visa, you can’t just pick any job title and hope it fits. You need to match your occupation to the current Skilled Occupation List, use the correct ANZSCO code, and secure a positive skills assessment that confirms your experience aligns with the ANZSCO code. On top of that, licensing rules and reclassifications can complicate matters, so your next step could make or break your application…

Eligibility Criteria for 189 Visa Occupations

Eligibility for a Skilled Independent (subclass 189) visa goes far beyond simply choosing a job title. Your nominated occupation must appear on the current Skilled Occupation List and align precisely with the correct, updated ANZSCO code. 

Even small discrepancies between your actual duties and the ANZSCO description can lead to delays or refusals, which is why careful verification is essential from the very beginning.

A positive skills assessment from the relevant assessing authority is mandatory. This assessment must confirm that your qualifications and employment history match the required skill level and detailed responsibilities outlined under your nominated occupation. 

In many cases, applicants must also meet occupation-specific caveats, such as minimum years of post-qualification experience, defined educational standards, or limits on the type of work experience that can be counted.

Because occupation classifications and ANZSCO codes are periodically updated, staying informed about regulatory changes is critical. Working with professionals who understand the local migration landscape and regularly monitor policy shifts can significantly reduce the risk of costly mistakes. 

They can also provide realistic expectations around 189 visa processing time, helping applicants prepare stronger documentation and avoid unnecessary back-and-forth with the Department of Home Affairs. 

For example, ensuring that employment references clearly reflect ANZSCO-aligned duties from the outset can prevent assessment queries that commonly extend overall timelines.

In a visa category where accuracy directly impacts outcomes, understanding both eligibility criteria and procedural timing is key to a smoother migration pathway.

How to Check If Your Job Is on the 189 Skilled Occupation List

If you want to check whether your current role is eligible for a Skilled Independent (subclass 189) visa, start by visiting the Department of Home Affairs website and opening the skilled occupation list relevant to points-tested visas. Locate your occupation by searching for your job title, then confirm the precise ANZSCO occupation name and code that applies to your role. Ensure you're referring to the correct ANZSCO version, and note any caveats or special conditions associated with that occupation.

Next, identify the assessing authority specified for your occupation and review its skills assessment criteria, including qualification, experience, and documentation requirements.

Once you have confirmed that your occupation is on the current list and you understand the assessment process, use the official eligibility and points calculators provided by the Department to check whether you meet the threshold for a subclass 189 visa. Always rely on the most up-to-date occupation list, as occupations and their classifications can change, be reclassified, or be removed over time.

How ANZSCO Codes and Skill Levels Affect Your 189 Visa

Each eligible 189 visa occupation is defined by a specific ANZSCO code and associated skill level. In your visa application, you must nominate this ANZSCO occupation, not just a job title. The nominated code must appear on the current skilled occupation list and meet the skill level requirement for the 189 points‑tested stream.

Each ANZSCO code sets out minimum qualification and experience standards you're expected to meet and is linked to a particular skills assessing authority. If ANZSCO updates or reclassifies your occupation, you're expected to select the new code that most accurately reflects your actual duties and professional background. Choosing an inappropriate or inaccurate code can lead to a negative skills assessment or refusal of the visa application.

Licensing and Skills Assessments for 189 Visa Jobs

Selecting an appropriate ANZSCO code is only the first step. You must also demonstrate that you meet the occupational standards through a formal skills assessment and, for some professions, separate Australian licensing or registration.

For a Subclass 189 visa, a positive skills assessment from the relevant assessing authority is required before lodging an Expression of Interest, and for the associated points to be counted toward the minimum 65‑point requirement.

Each assessing authority applies specific criteria regarding qualifications, employment evidence, and documentation, and will evaluate whether your background aligns with the skill level and tasks described under the chosen ANZSCO code.

In addition, a number of occupations require separate Australian registration or licensing for visa grant, such as AHPRA registration for certain health practitioners. Applicants should confirm both skills assessment requirements and any licensing or registration obligations applicable to their occupation.

What If Your 189 Occupation Is Reclassified or Removed From the List?

Although occupation lists and ANZSCO codes do change over time, a reclassification or removal doesn't necessarily prevent you from proceeding with a Subclass 189 application.

If your occupation is reclassified, you must use the updated ANZSCO code that most accurately reflects your role at the time you lodge or vary your application. You must also ensure your skills assessment corresponds to that revised classification.

If your occupation is later removed from the relevant skilled occupation list, existing valid 189 applications and already granted visas are generally not affected, as the changes usually apply prospectively.

However, you may be affected if your circumstances change and you need to rely on a new nomination or skills assessment (for example, if you change roles, seek a different visa, or need to re‑lodge an application). In those situations, you must nominate an occupation that's currently eligible and may need to submit a new application.

Because policy and lists are periodically updated, it's important to confirm which occupation list and ANZSCO version apply at the time you lodge your application or make any significant changes.

Conclusion

When you understand how the Skilled Occupation List, ANZSCO codes, skill levels, and licensing work together, you take control of your 189 visa strategy. Check that your job’s currently eligible, match it to the correct code, and secure a positive skills assessment before you apply. Stay alert to list updates or reclassifications so you don’t get caught off guard. By planning ahead and keeping your documents in order, you’ll give your 189 visa application the best chance.