How to Get PR in Australia as an Urban and Regional Planner (2026 Pathway)
- Apr 30
- 4 min read
Last Updated: 30 April 2026
Urban and Regional Planner PR Australia
To get PR in Australia as an Urban and Regional Planner (ANZSCO 232611), you generally need to:
Obtain a positive skills assessment from VETASSESS
Achieve at least 65 points (competitive applicants often have 80–95+ points)
Submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) through SkillSelect
Apply through Subclass 190 or Subclass 491(common PR pathways)
Receive an invitation and lodge your visa application
A commonly effective pathway for many applicants is: Study or work in Australia → gain relevant experience → apply for Subclass 190 or 491 → PR
This pathway can help strengthen your points profile and align with state nomination requirements, although outcomes depend on individual circumstances and current migration settings.
If you're working as an Urban and Regional Planner, getting Permanent Residency (PR) in Australia is achievable when your profile aligns with the right visa pathway, points requirements, and state criteria.
This guide explains how to move from study or work into PR using current migration frameworks and occupation-based pathways.
What Is an Urban and Regional Planner
The occupation Urban and Regional Planner is listed under:
ANZSCO Code: 232611
Occupation Group: Design, Engineering, Science
This role typically involves:
Land use planning
Urban development strategy
Environmental and infrastructure planning
This occupation is commonly included on skilled occupation lists, making it eligible for PR pathways in Australia.
Step 1: Check Occupation Eligibility
To apply for PR, your occupation must align with Australian migration lists.
Urban and Regional Planner (232611) is generally found in:
This allows access to:
Step 2: Get a Positive Skills Assessment
You must obtain a skills assessment from:
VETASSESS
Typical requirements include:
Relevant qualification (Urban Planning or closely related field)
Employment evidence (depending on qualification level)
Demonstration of relevant skills
Without a valid skills assessment, you cannot proceed with a skilled visa application.
Step 3: Meet Points Test Requirements
Australia uses a points-based system managed by:
Department of Home Affairs
Minimum requirement:
65 points
Competitive range (2026):
80–95+ points depending on visa type and state nomination
Common ways to increase points:
Higher English test scores (IELTS or PTE)
Australian study experience
Skilled employment
Partner qualifications
State nomination
Step 4: Choose the Right PR Pathway
Subclass 189 (Skilled Independent)
No state sponsorship
Highly competitive
Typically requires a high points score
Suitable for applicants with strong overall profiles.
Subclass 190 (State Nomination)
Permanent residency visa
Provides +5 points
Common pathway for many applicants
State requirements may include:
Relevant work experience
Employment in the state
Commitment to live in the state
Subclass 491 (Regional Pathway)
Temporary visa leading to PR (Subclass 191)
Provides +15 points
Lower competition compared to 189
Often suitable for applicants open to regional areas.
Step 5: Submit Expression of Interest (EOI)
You must submit your EOI through SkillSelect, managed by:
Department of Home Affairs
Your EOI includes:
Points calculation
Skills assessment details
English test results
Work experience
Step 6: Receive Invitation and Apply
If you receive an invitation:
Lodge your visa application within 60 days
Submit supporting documents
Complete health and character checks
If you would like to explore your options, you can book a consultation with our migration team.
A Common Pathway to PR (2026)
For many Urban and Regional Planners, a practical pathway is:
Study → Temporary Graduate visa (485) → gain local work experience → apply for Subclass 190 or 491
This pathway may:
Improve your points score
Help meet state nomination criteria
Strengthen your overall profile
However, outcomes depend on factors such as eligibility, experience, and state-specific requirements.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Applying without a valid skills assessment
Choosing an incorrect ANZSCO occupation
Overlooking state nomination criteria
Submitting with a low English score
Lacking a clear work experience plan
Salary and Demand Insight
Urban and Regional Planners are generally in demand due to:
Infrastructure development
Housing and urban expansion
Regional planning initiatives
Typical salary range:
AUD $70,000 – $120,000+
FAQ
Can Urban and Regional Planner get PR in Australia?
Yes. The occupation (ANZSCO 232611) is eligible for skilled migration pathways such as Subclass 189, 190, and 491.
What visa is best for urban planners?
Subclass 190 and 491 are commonly used pathways due to state nomination options and additional points.
Do I need work experience to get PR?
Work experience is not always mandatory, but it can significantly improve your chances depending on the pathway.
Who assesses Urban and Regional Planner?
Skills assessment is conducted by VETASSESS.
How many points do I need?
The minimum is 65 points, but many successful applicants have 80–95+ points.
Can international students become planners and get PR?
Yes. A common pathway includes:
Completing a relevant course in Australia
Applying for a Temporary Graduate visa (485)
Gaining relevant work experience
Applying for Subclass 190 or 491
Final Summary
Getting PR as an Urban and Regional Planner in Australia is achievable when you:
Complete a valid skills assessment
Build a competitive points profile
Choose an appropriate visa pathway (190 or 491)
Align your experience with state requirements
Your success will depend on how well your profile matches current migration criteria and how strategically you plan your pathway.
How RACC Can Help
Applying for permanent residency as an Urban and Regional Planner (ANZSCO 232611) can involve multiple steps, including skills assessment through VETASSESS, meeting points requirements, and understanding visa pathways that may change over time.
RACC’s registered migration agents (MARN1572962, MARN1172003) stay up to date with current migration settings and can help you understand how these apply to your individual situation.
We can assist with:
Understanding general requirements for Urban and Regional Planner migration pathways in Australia
Providing guidance on the skills assessment process through VETASSESS
Reviewing your qualifications and background against relevant migration criteria
Explaining visa options that may be available to you, including Subclass 190 and 491
Providing general guidance on points-tested and employer-sponsored pathways
Keeping you informed of updates to migration policies and occupation lists
If you would like to explore your options, you can book a consultation with our migration team.
Registered Migration Agents: MARN1572962, MARN1172003
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