Civil Engineer.
ANZSCO 233211
Civil engineers are in strong demand across Australia's infrastructure and construction sectors. Major government projects in transport, water, and urban development drive consistent demand for qualified civil engineers, particularly in NSW, Victoria, and Queensland.
At a glance
- ANZSCO code
- 233211
- Occupation list
- MLTSSL CSOL
- Eligible visas
- Subclass 189, Subclass 190, Subclass 491, Subclass 482, Subclass 186, Subclass CSOL pathway
- Assessing authority
- EA
Eligible visa subclasses.
Subclass 189 - Skilled Independent
Points-tested, no sponsorship needed. Direct permanent residency.
Subclass 190 - Skilled Nominated
State-nominated with 5 bonus points. Permanent residency.
Subclass 491 - Skilled Work Regional
Regional visa with 15 bonus points. Pathway to PR via 191.
Subclass 482 - Temporary Skill Shortage
Employer-sponsored temporary visa. Pathway to 186 PR.
Subclass 186 - Employer Nomination
Employer-sponsored permanent residency.
State nomination availability.
Based on current state occupation lists. Availability changes regularly - check official state websites for the latest.
New South Wales
This occupation's unit group is on the NSW nomination list.
Queensland
This occupation is on the Queensland nomination list.
Other states may also nominate this occupation. View all state nomination guides.
Migration tips.
- Engineers Australia assessment requires a Competency Demonstration Report (CDR) with three career episodes and a summary statement. The CDR is the most time-consuming part of the process - allow 2-3 months to prepare it properly.
- If your engineering degree is accredited under the Washington Accord (or other international agreements), the assessment pathway is simpler. Check the Engineers Australia website for a list of accredited programs.
- Civil engineers can also consider the 482 visa route - many Australian construction and infrastructure companies sponsor civil engineers directly.
Frequently asked questions.
How do I write a good CDR for Engineers Australia?
Your CDR must include three career episodes (1000-2500 words each) describing specific engineering projects, your personal contribution, and how you applied engineering knowledge. A summary statement maps your competencies to the Engineers Australia requirements. Avoid plagiarism - EA uses plagiarism detection software.
Is the Washington Accord pathway easier?
Yes. If your degree is from a Washington Accord-accredited program, you can use the faster Direct Pathway assessment instead of writing a full CDR. This typically takes 4-6 weeks instead of 8-12 weeks.
What salary can civil engineers expect in Australia?
Graduate civil engineers typically earn AUD $65,000-$80,000. Mid-career engineers earn $100,000-$140,000, and senior engineers or project managers can earn $150,000+. Salaries are higher in mining and major infrastructure projects.
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