How to Apply for PR as a Structural Engineer in Australia
- RACC Australia - Education and Migration Services
- 2 days ago
- 2 min read
Becoming a Structural Engineer in Australia requires specific qualifications, skills assessments, and understanding the visa pathways to permanent residency. In this article, we’ll break down the steps, including education, migration skills assessment, and visa eligibility for Structural Engineers.
Qualifications Required to Become a Structural Engineer in Australia
To work as a Structural Engineer in Australia, the typical requirement is a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering or a related field. Your qualification plays a key role in determining how you can apply for engineering recognition or a skills assessment.
Key Factors for Recognition
Country of Qualification
Type of Qualification
Accreditation Status
An accredited qualification is one that is recognised under international agreements called Accords. If your qualification is accredited, you can choose between four pathways for skills assessment:
Australian Qualification
You can apply via the Australian qualification pathway if:
your program is accredited by Engineers Australia, and
you started your program during or after the year of accreditation commencement.
Washington Accord
Dublin Accord
Sydney Accord
Notes: If you have a French qualification, you can apply under the Washington Accord.
Competency Demonstration Report Assessment Pathway
If your qualification is not accredited or is from a non-Accord country, you must apply through the Competency Demonstration Report (CDR) pathway.
You should use the CDR pathway if you:
Have a provisionally accredited Australian qualification
Have an engineering qualification that is not accredited
Are seeking to be assessed for an engineering occupation that differs from your accredited qualification title
Have a combination of qualifications that demonstrate knowledge aligned with your nominated occupation
Under the CDR pathway, your skills, knowledge, and competency will be evaluated against Engineers Australia standards for your nominated occupation.
English Proficiency Requirement
You will also need to meet English proficiency requirements for migration purposes. The most common tests accepted are IELTS, PTE, TOEFL, or equivalent.
Visa Pathways for Structural Engineers
Since Structural Engineer is listed on both the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL) and the Core Skills Occupation List (CSOL), you’re eligible for several visa options. These include:
Skilled Migration Visas
Subclass 189 – Skilled Independent Visa
Subclass 190 – Skilled Nominated Visa
Subclass 491 – Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Visa
Employer-Sponsored Visas
Subclass 482 – Skills in Demand Visa
Subclass 186 – Employer Nomination Scheme
Subclass 494 – Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional Visa
Subclass 407 – Training Visa
Having Structural Engineering as an eligible occupation increases your chances of being invited for skilled migration, especially with the growing demand in construction and infrastructure sectors.
How to Apply for PR as a Structural Engineer: Book A Consultation
Becoming a Structural Engineer in Australia is a great pathway to permanent residency, especially with the growing demand in Australia's infrastructure and construction sectors. Understanding your qualifications, undergoing a skills assessment, and applying through the appropriate visa pathway will set you up for success.
Book a consultation with RACC Australia today for tailored advice on your qualifications, skills assessment, and visa application. Our migration experts will guide you through each step of the process.
