ANZSCO 224311 · MLTSSL
Economist
The 189 cut-off fell to 80 points in Jun 2026, from 85.
Path to permanent residence
The steps for the points-tested visas, with this occupation’s own assessing body, lists, cut-offs, fees and processing times.
Skills assessment
Get a positive assessment from VETASSESS (Vocational Education and Training Assessment Services). It must still be valid when you’re invited: usually 3 years, or less if the assessment says so.
English
Show at least Competent English (IELTS 6 in each band, or an equivalent PTE, TOEFL, OET or Cambridge score). Proficient adds 10 points and Superior adds 20.
Points
Score at least 65 on the federal points test, counting nomination points for the 190 (+5) or 491 (+15). For the 189, the latest round invited Economist at 80 points (Jun 2026). Work out your points · see when they change.
Expression of Interest
Submit a free EOI in SkillSelect for the visas this occupation allows: 189 (independent), 190 (state nominated), 491 (regional, nominated). It stays active for 2 years, and your points and date of effect decide your place.
State nomination (190 / 491)
1 of 8 list Economist: Victoria. None of the states that list it is open right now. Also open, with no published occupation list: Tasmania (check its criteria). Each state ranks applicants its own way. See every state.
Invitation and visa application
When invited, lodge within 60 days. Base fee for the main applicant: AUD 6,135 for the 189, AUD 6,140 for the 190, AUD 6,140 for the 491; family members pay extra. You’ll also need health checks and police certificates.
Decision and PR
Home Affairs decides 90% of applications within 189: 8 months · 190: 16 months · 491: 18 months. The 189 and 190 are permanent visas. The 491 is a 5-year provisional visa; after at least 3 years living and working in regional Australia you can apply for permanent residence (191) if you meet its requirements, including income.
Employer-sponsored route
–Not on the Core Skills Occupation List
Employers can’t sponsor Economist in the 482 Core Skills stream.
What a Economist does
Official description and tasks from the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ANZSCO 2022).
Performs economic research and analysis, develops and applies theories about production and distribution of goods and services and people's spending and financial behaviour, and provides advice to governments and organisations on economic policy issues.
Qualifications and experience: Most occupations in this unit group have a level of skill commensurate with a bachelor degree or higher qualification (ANZSCO Skill Level 1).
- Also calledEconomic Analyst
- SpecialisationsAgricultural Economist, Econometrician, Economic Forecaster, Environmental Economist, Health Economist, Labour Market Economist, Mineral Economist, Taxation Economist
- ANZSCO skill level1 of 5 (1 is highest)
- Unit group2243 Economists
Tasks
ABS lists tasks for the whole unit group, Economists. Skills assessments and employer nominations compare the duties you’ve done with the ANZSCO description and tasks, so check yours match.
- Analysing interrelationships between economic variables and studying the effects of government fiscal and monetary policies, expenditure, taxation and other budgetary policies on the economy and the community
- Researching, analysing and assessing the effects of labour market programs and industry policies and programs on economic growth, welfare, education and training
- Investigating international and national economic situations, and particular features such as industries, regions and socioeconomic groups
- Studying workplace issues such as enterprise bargaining and wage fixation, and the effect of workplace policies on productivity and economic growth
- Analysing trends and advising on economic issues such as taxation levels, prices, employment and unemployment, imports and exports, and interest and exchange rates
- Forecasting changes in the economic environment for short-term budgeting, long-term planning and investment evaluation
- Formulating recommendations, policies and plans for the economy, corporate strategies and investment, and undertaking feasibility studies for projects
- Preparing reports on research findings
- Occupation:
189 cut-off history
Lowest score invited in each round, and whether your points would have been enough.
State and territory nomination
Whether Economist is on each state’s current list, and where each program stands.
| State or territory | 190 | 491 | Program |
|---|---|---|---|
| ACT | – | – | See site |
| New South Waleslisted by unit group | – | – | Inviting |
| Northern Territory | No list | No list | Closed |
| Queensland2025–26 list | – | – | Not open yet |
| South Australia | No list | No list | Not open yet |
| Tasmania | No list | No list | Open |
| Victoria | ✓ | ✓ | Not open yet |
| Western Australia | No list | No list | Not open yet |
Program status is for 2026–27. Being listed doesn’t mean a state is inviting now, and each state has its own criteria. “Nominated so far”: 190 / 491 nominations this program year (Home Affairs).
Shortage rating
No shortage nationally, and the same in every state and territory.
Jobs and Skills Australia’s rating of the labour market. Invitations also depend on planning levels, ceilings and how many EOIs are waiting, so the two don’t always line up.
Every round since 2022
| Round | 189 cut-off | Change |
|---|---|---|
| 4 Jun 2026 | 80 | −5 |
| 13 Nov 2025 | 85 | −5 |
| 21 Aug 2025 | 90 | |
| 7 Nov 2024 | 90 | |
| 5 Sep 2024 | 90 | −5 |
| 13 Jun 2024 | 95 | +30 |
| 18 Dec 2023 | – | |
| 25 May 2023 | – | |
| 8 Dec 2022 | 65 | |
| 6 Oct 2022 | – | |
| 22 Aug 2022 | – |
After an invitation
Home Affairs’ current processing times for the points-tested visas.
| Visa | Half decided within | 90% decided within |
|---|---|---|
| Skilled Independent (189) | 61 days | 8 months |
| Skilled Nominated (190) | 4 months | 16 months |
| Work Regional (491), state nominated | 5 months | 18 months |
| Work Regional (491), family sponsored | 4 months | 7 months |
Home Affairs, decisions to 31 August 2026. Clock starts when you lodge, which you must do within 60 days of an invitation.
Plan with this occupation
Sources and method
- 189 rounds: Home Affairs invitation rounds and previous rounds. 2022–23 rounds reported offshore and onshore separately; we show the lower score.
- State lists: each state’s official site, checked 15 October 2026. Queensland shows its 2025–26 lists until 2026–27 is announced; NSW lists by ANZSCO unit group; Victoria accepts any occupation on the federal lists.
- Shortage: Jobs and Skills Australia 2025 Occupation Shortage List (ANZSCO 2022 codes).
- Processing times: Home Affairs processing times guide.
- Skilled lists and assessing authorities: LIN 19/051, checked 14 October 2026.
- Occupation description, titles and tasks: Australian Bureau of Statistics, ANZSCO 2022, used under CC BY 4.0.
- Employer route: Core Skills Occupation List, LIN 24/089 (compilation 2025-11-07). Fees: Home Affairs visa pages, checked 14 October 2026.
- Agents: embed this occupation on your website.