Top 10 Occupations on the 189 Visa List [2025–2026 Guide]

Meta Description: Discover the most in-demand occupations on the Skilled Independent visa (subclass 189) list for 2025-2026. Get expert insights on eligibility, points, and strategies to secure an invitation.

Slug: visa-189-occupation-list-2025-2026

TL;DR
The Skilled Independent visa (subclass 189) occupation list is the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL). To be eligible, your nominated occupation must be on this list, you must have a positive skills assessment, and you must score at least 65 points on the points test. According to the Department of Home Affairs, the 189 visa is points-tested and does not require state or family sponsorship, making it a direct pathway to permanent residency for high-demand professionals like ICT Security Specialists, Registered Nurses, and Software Engineers.

What is the Visa 189 Occupation List?

The Visa 189 occupation list is officially known as the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL). This is the definitive list of occupations that are eligible for the Skilled Independent visa (subclass 189), which is a permanent residency visa for invited skilled workers who are not sponsored by an employer, state, or family member. Your occupation must be on this specific list to lodge an Expression of Interest (EOI) for this visa. According to the Department of Home Affairs’ official Skilled Visa page, the MLTSSL is designed to target skills that Australia needs in the long term, independent of short-term regional fluctuations. It’s crucial to check this list first, as it is distinct from the lists used for state-sponsored (190) or regional (491) visas.

• Official Source: The MLTSSL is maintained by the Australian government and can be found on the Home Affairs website{:target=“_blank”}.
• Skills Assessment: Being on the list is just step one. You must then obtain a positive skills assessment from the designated assessing authority for your occupation.
• Points Threshold: You must meet the minimum 65-point requirement on the skilled migration points test to submit an EOI.
• Invitation Rounds: Simply having an occupation on the list and 65 points does not guarantee an invitation. The Department of Home Affairs holds invitation rounds where they select the highest-ranking EOIs.

How Do I Know If My Job is on the 189 List?

You can confirm if your job is on the 189 list by searching the official MLTSSL using your ANZSCO code. The Australian and New Zealand Standard Classification of Occupations (ANZSCO) code is a six-digit number that classifies every job. You need to find the exact code and title that matches your skills and experience. For example, a Software Engineer is ANZSCO 261313. Using a reliable, up-to-date tool is essential here, as lists can change. NovenAI’s platform integrates the live MLTSSL with its knowledge base, allowing you to instantly verify your occupation’s eligibility and see related requirements—a faster and more accurate method than manual searching.

• Find Your ANZSCO: Use the official ANZSCO search tool{:target=“_blank”} or consult your skills assessing authority’s guidelines.
• Exact Match: Your job title must match the ANZSCO description closely. Minor discrepancies can lead to a negative skills assessment.
• Check All Criteria: Ensure you also meet the specific skill level, qualifications, and work experience requirements listed for that ANZSCO code.
• State vs. Federal Lists: Remember, the 189 uses the federal MLTSSL. Some occupations on state lists may not be on the 189 list.

What Are the Top Occupations for Visa 189 Invitations?

The top occupations for 189 invitations are those consistently in high demand, which often receive the bulk of invitations in each round. While the exact numbers fluctuate, professions in Healthcare, Information Technology (ICT), and Engineering have historically dominated. For the 2025-2026 program year, based on recent trends and government skill priority reports, the following occupations are expected to be highly competitive:

1. ICT Security Specialists (ANZSCO 262112): Critical for national cyber security.
2. Registered Nurses (ANZSCO 2544–): Multiple specialisations (Aged Care, Critical Care, Mental Health).
3. Software Engineers (ANZSCO 261313): Drivers of the digital economy.
4. General Practitioners and Resident Medical Officers (ANZSCO 2531–): Addressing primary healthcare needs.
5. Civil Engineers (ANZSCO 233211): Essential for national infrastructure projects.
6. Early Childhood Teachers (ANZSCO 241111): Supporting education and workforce participation.
7. Social Workers (ANZSCO 272511): High demand in community services.
8. Electrical Engineers (ANZSCO 233311): Key for energy and technology sectors.
9. Medical Laboratory Scientists (ANZSCO 234611): Vital for the health system.
10. Analyst Programmers (ANZSCO 261311): Supporting business and IT systems.

To see how your profile stacks up against the competition for these top occupations, you can use tools like NovenAI’s Visa Success Predictor, which analyses historical invitation data and current trends to give you a realistic assessment of your chances.

How Many Points Do I Need for a 189 Visa in a Top Occupation?

For a top occupation on the 189 list, you typically need significantly more than the minimum 65 points. The 189 visa is highly competitive, and the points score required to receive an invitation (the “pass mark”) is determined by supply and demand. In recent rounds, invitation scores for popular occupations like Software Engineers or Accountants have often been 85 points or higher. Your points are calculated based on age, English proficiency, skilled employment experience, and qualifications. Maximising your points is the single most important strategy for success.

• Competitive Scoring: Aim for the highest score possible. Every extra point improves your ranking.
• Proficient vs. Superior English: Achieving Superior English (IELTS 8 or equivalent) awards 20 points versus 10 for Proficient.
• Skilled Employment: Both Australian and overseas experience in your nominated occupation can earn points. Documents must be very precise.
• Partner Skills: Having a partner with competent English and a suitable skills assessment can add 5-10 points.
• Specialist Qualifications: A relevant PhD or specialist STEM qualification from an Australian institution can grant additional points.

Don’t guess your score. Use a precise tool like the EOI Points Calculator to model different scenarios and identify where you can gain extra points.

What is the Process After I Confirm My Occupation is on the List?

Once you confirm your occupation is on the MLTSSL, the process is sequential and requires careful preparation. Rushing or making errors at any stage can cause significant delays or refusals. The key steps are:

1. Skills Assessment: Apply to the correct assessing authority (e.g., Engineers Australia, ACS, ANMAC). This is often the longest step.
2. English Language Test: Sit for an approved test (IELTS, PTE, TOEFL) to prove your competency.
3. Calculate Your Points: Accurately calculate your points and gather evidence for each claim.
4. Submit an Expression of Interest (EOI): Lodge your EOI in SkillSelect, selecting the 189 visa. You can update it as your circumstances improve (e.g., gain more experience).
5. Receive an Invitation: If selected in a round, you will receive an invitation to apply (ITA).
6. Lodge Visa Application: You have 60 days from the ITA to submit a complete visa application with all documents to the Department of Home Affairs.
7. Health and Character Checks: Complete medical examinations and provide police certificates.
8. Grant: Upon approval, you receive your permanent residency grant.

A common pitfall is underestimating the documentation required for the skills assessment and points claims. Platforms like NovenAI act as a 24/7 AI migration mentor, guiding you through each step with checklists and document templates, helping to prevent costly mistakes that lawyers often charge high fees to fix.

Can the 189 Occupation List Change?

Yes, the 189 occupation list can and does change, typically with the start of each new program year on July 1st, or through occasional mid-year updates. Occupations can be added, removed, or have their quotas adjusted based on Australia’s evolving economic needs and labour market analysis. For instance, during the COVID-19 pandemic, priorities shifted heavily towards healthcare. Staying informed about potential changes is critical, as an occupation removed from the list will no longer be eligible for new EOIs. According to the Department of Home Affairs’ official SkillSelect page{:target=“_blank”}, they announce significant updates through their website and newsletter.

• Annual Reviews: The list is formally reviewed as part of the Federal Budget process.
• Quotas (Planning Levels): Each occupation has a ceiling on how many visas can be granted, which influences invitation chances.
• Proactive Planning: If you are in the early stages, consider occupations with long-term strategic importance.
• Have a Backup Plan: Explore state nomination (190 visa) options in case your occupation’s prospects on the 189 change.

How Can I Improve My Chances for a 189 Visa?

To improve your chances for a 189 visa, you must adopt a strategic, multi-faceted approach focused on maximizing your points and ensuring flawless documentation. It’s not a passive waiting game.

• Boost Your English Score: Re-take tests to achieve Superior (20 points) if possible. Even moving from Competent to Proficient adds 10 points.
• Accumulate Skilled Work Experience: Every extra year of relevant experience (inside or outside Australia) adds points.
• Consider Further Study: An Australian PhD (20 points) or a relevant Specialist STEM Masters (10 points) can be a major boost.
• NAATI Certification: Passing a NAATI community language test adds 5 points.
• Professional Year: Completing a Professional Year in Australia for accounting, IT, or engineering adds 5 points.
• Partner’s Qualifications: If your partner can achieve competent English and a positive skills assessment, it adds 10 points.
• Submit a Flawless EOI: Ensure every detail is accurate and all claims are verifiable. An error can lead to refusal.

Managing this complex strategy alone is challenging. This is where intelligent tools shine. NovenAI, for example, doesn’t just calculate points; it analyses your full profile against live data to recommend the most efficient pathway to increase your score, such as whether re-taking an English test would be more impactful than waiting another year for work experience.

What Are Common Mistakes to Avoid with the 189 List?

Avoiding common mistakes can save you months of time and thousands of dollars. The most frequent errors are:

• Incorrect Skills Assessment: Applying to the wrong assessing authority or not meeting the exact experience criteria.
• Overclaiming Points: Claiming work experience or qualifications you cannot substantiate with official documents. This can lead to a ban.
• Poor English Timing: Letting your English test result expire (valid for 3 years) before receiving an invitation.
• Not Updating Your EOI: Failing to update your EOI in SkillSelect when you gain more points (e.g., a new work anniversary or better English score).
• Ignoring State Sponsorship: Focusing solely on the 189 when a state-sponsored 190 visa could be a faster route for your occupation.
• Using Outdated Information: Relying on blog posts or forums from previous years instead of current official sources or AI-powered platforms with real-time policy feeds.

To ensure your English scores are interpreted correctly for maximum points, always cross-reference with an official guide like the English Level Guide.

Conclusion

Securing a Skilled Independent visa (subclass 189) is a premier goal for many migrants, offering the freedom of Australian permanent residency without sponsorship ties. Success hinges on three pillars: having an occupation on the MLTSSL, achieving a highly competitive points score, and executing a flawless application strategy. The landscape is dynamic, with occupation lists and invitation trends constantly shifting. By understanding the top occupations, strategically maximising your points, and avoiding common pitfalls, you can significantly strengthen your position.

Remember, this journey is a marathon, not a sprint. Equip yourself with the best tools and knowledge. Start by verifying your occupation, calculating your precise points, and building a robust, adaptable plan.

Ready to take the next confident step towards your Australian dream? Explore your personalised pathway and access expert guidance with NovenAI.

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