PR Pathways for Engineers in Australia!
Australia is one of the most sought-after destinations for skilled engineers looking to secure permanent residency. With a strong demand for engineers across multiple sectors including civil, mechanical, electrical, and software, the Australian Government has created several migration pathways tailored to their qualifications and experience.
Which Engineering Professions Are in Demand in Australia?
Not all engineering occupations are treated the same in Australian immigration. Based on the Skilled Occupation List and current labour market demand, here are some engineering roles that are highly sought after:
- Civil Engineer
- Mechanical Engineer
- Electrical Engineer
- Electronics Engineer
- Software Engineer
- Structural Engineer
- Geotechnical Engineer
- Industrial Engineer
- Engineering Technologist
- Telecommunications Engineer
These occupations are often listed on the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL), which allows applicants to apply for independent skilled visas or employer-sponsored pathways with a higher chance of nomination.
Chart: PR Pathways for Engineers in Australia!
If you’ve seen the chart on this page, it’s a visual representation of the step-by-step process an engineer must follow to qualify for PR in Australia. Here’s what each part of the chart means:
- Skill Assessment by Engineers Australia
Before applying for any skilled visa, engineers must get a positive skills assessment from Engineers Australia. According to Australian requirements, this verifies that your credentials are authentic. - English Language Test
A minimum score in IELTS, PTE, or TOEFL is required. Most PR visas need a Competent English level (e.g., IELTS 6.0 in each band), but higher scores improve your points. - Points Calculation
Engineers applying for independent visas like the Subclass 189 or 190 need to calculate their points under the General Skilled Migration (GSM) system.Factors include age, education, work experience, English proficiency, etc. - Expression of Interest (EOI)
Get an invitation to apply after submitting an expression of interest through SkillSelect. - State Nomination or Employer Sponsorship (if applicable)
Depending on your points and visa subclass, you may apply through a state/territory or get sponsored by an Australian employer. - Visa Application
Once invited, apply for the visa. Processing times and conditions vary by subclass.
PR Visa Options for Engineers Australia!
Here are the most common visa options available for engineers:
- Subclass 189 – Skilled Independent Visa
Ideal for high-scoring engineers who do not need state or employer sponsorship. - Subclass 190 – Skilled Nominated Visa
For engineers nominated by an Australian state or territory. Requires the occupation to be on that state’s list. - Subclass 491 – Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Visa
Allows engineers to live and work in regional areas. It leads to PR through Subclass 191 after fulfilling requirements. - Subclass 186 – Employer Nomination Scheme
Apt for engineers who have secured a permanent position with a recognized company. This is a direct PR visa under the Employer Nomination Scheme. - Subclass 494 – Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional Visa
Engineers sponsored to work in regional Australia. Leads to PR after three years.
FAQ's
Engineers must first get a skills assessment from Engineers Australia, then take an English test, calculate their points, submit an EOI, and apply for a visa once invited.
Civil, Mechanical, Electrical, Software, and Structural Engineers are currently in high demand and commonly listed on Australia’s Skilled Occupation List.
Yes, for most engineering occupations, a positive skills assessment from Engineers Australia is required before applying for PR.
Popular visa options include Subclass 189, 190, and 491. If you have a job offer, employer-sponsored visas like Subclass 186 or 494 may also be suitable.