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Occupation Focus: Civil Engineers

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Civil Engineers remain highly sought-after across Australia as large-scale infrastructure investment continues to drive demand. Both federal and state/territory nomination programs show consistent interest in civil engineering professionals, whether onshore or offshore.

Demand and invitation trends

  • In the Australian Capital Territory's occupation list for 2025 - 2026 program year, Civil Engineer (ANZSCO 233211) is included. In the recent invitation round on 15 September 2025, the minimum Matrix score ranked for Civil Engineering Professionals (Unit Group 2332) were 110 Matrix Points for Subclass 491 and 115 Matrix Points for Subclass 190.

  • Civil Engineer remains a priority occupation for Western Australia, however no invitations were issued yet in their recent October 2025 invitation round, as they are focusing on Trade Occupations. The last invitation for Civil Engineer was on 1 April 2025 with 70 points.

  • Queensland are also including Civil Engineers in their occupation list. Offshore applicants must have at least 1 year of skilled employment experience and must still be employed at the time of nomination, while onshore applicants must have been living and working in regional Queensland for the past 6 months for Subclass 491 or in Queensland for the past 9 months for Subclass 190.

  • Civil Engineering Professionals (Unit Group 2332) are also eligible under New South Wales Skills List.

What this means for civil engineers planning migration

Because the field is competitive and high demand, civil engineers should take several proactive steps to improve their chances of invitation and nomination:

  • Ensure your skills assessment is valid: Your nominated occupation must be correctly assessed and the assessment must not have expired. Engineers Australia skill assessment is valid for three years from the date of issue.

  • Current English test results: Strong English proficiency helps maximise your points and strengthen your profile.

  • Align with state/territory requirements: If you’re targeting a specific state nomination (Subclass 190 or 491), make sure your experience aligns with the state’s nomination requirements (ie. minimum residential/work experience requirements).

  • Submit or update your EOI/ROI early: Have your Expression of Interest ready and keep it updated. If the state requires a separate Registration of Interest, be prepared to submit once it’s open. 

  • Ensure you can evidence the claims made in your EOI: To avoid potential state nomination refusal due to overclaimed points, your employment reference must explicitly confirm ANZSCO-aligned duties supported by payment evidence covering the entire claimed period of work experience. You must prepare all additional documents that the states may request for nomination.
  • Keep an eye on invitation rounds: Some states publish information on their invitation rounds publicly. Checking the occupation and minimum points invited will give you insight on their invitation trends. Increasing your points accordingly may increase your chances of invitation.

Final thoughts

For civil engineers considering migration to Australia via skilled visa pathways and state/territory nomination, the conditions are promising but competitive. Preparation is critical. Ensuring your documentation is complete, aligning your profile with priority sectors, and demonstrating strong experience will put you in a better position when invitation rounds are conducted.

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