Engineering is one of the most in-demand profession groups for employer sponsorship in Australia. All major engineering disciplines are eligible.
Australia faces persistent shortages of qualified engineers across virtually all disciplines. Major infrastructure projects, mining expansion, energy transition, and urban development are driving unprecedented demand for engineering talent. Engineers Australia reports that the profession is one of the most undersupplied in the country, with demand far outstripping domestic graduate supply.
Employer sponsorship is a critical tool for engineering firms, mining companies, construction businesses, and government agencies seeking to fill engineering roles that cannot be recruited locally.
| Occupation | ANZSCO Code | Occupation List |
|---|---|---|
| Civil Engineer | 233211 | MLTSSL |
| Mechanical Engineer | 233512 | MLTSSL |
| Electrical Engineer | 233311 | MLTSSL |
| Mining Engineer | 233611 | MLTSSL |
| Chemical Engineer | 233111 | MLTSSL |
| Structural Engineer | 233214 | MLTSSL |
| Industrial Engineer | 233511 | MLTSSL |
| Electronics Engineer | 233411 | MLTSSL |
| Environmental Engineer | 233915 | MLTSSL |
All engineering occupations listed above are on the Medium-term Strategic Skills List, providing access to the 482 Medium-term stream with a direct pathway to permanent residency through the 186 TRT stream.
The most popular pathway for sponsored engineers. Provides up to four years of work rights and a direct route to permanent residency after three years. This is suitable for engineers at all career levels.
Experienced engineers with a positive Engineers Australia assessment and three or more years of post-qualification experience can be nominated for immediate permanent residency. This is attractive for senior engineers and engineering managers.
For engineering positions in regional Australia, including mining sites, regional infrastructure projects, and manufacturing facilities. Provides up to five years and a PR pathway through the 191 visa.
Engineers Australia is the designated assessing authority for all engineering occupations. The assessment process involves submitting a Competency Demonstration Report (CDR) that demonstrates the applicant's engineering competencies against Australian standards.
The CDR consists of three main components:
Engineers Australia assesses applicants into one of four categories based on their qualification level:
| Category | Qualification Equivalent |
|---|---|
| Professional Engineer | 4-year Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) or equivalent |
| Engineering Technologist | 3-year Bachelor of Engineering Technology or equivalent |
| Engineering Associate | 2-year Associate Degree or Advanced Diploma |
| Engineering Manager | Assessed under a separate managerial competency framework |
Engineers who graduated from a program accredited under the Washington Accord, Sydney Accord, or Dublin Accord may be eligible for a fast-track assessment without needing to submit a full CDR. This can significantly reduce processing time and cost.
Engineers must be offered at least the TSMIT of $73,150 and the market salary rate. Engineering salaries in Australia are generally well above the TSMIT:
Our registered migration agent has extensive experience with Engineers Australia assessments and engineering visa applications. Contact us to discuss your requirements.
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