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MLTSSL Migration Pathway

Civil Engineering Technician

ANZSCO Code: 312212 | Field Support Specialist

🏗️
Mod-Strong Future Demand
🔒
Mod-High Job Security
🇦🇺
MLTSSL Visa Status
💰
$65k – $90k Avg Salary (AUD)

PR Pathway Overview

Study
Graduate
Work
Skills Assess
EOI
Invitation
Visa Grant

Most applicants aim for 80+ points. Regional Advantage: Studying or working in regional Australia provides a significant advantage and grants an additional +5 points to your total. The estimated total timeline from course commencement to permanent residency grant is typically 4 to 6 years...

Occupation Overview

  • QualificationsDiploma in Civil Engineering or Construction (AQF Level 5).
  • PathwaysTAFE qualifications are highly recognised for this role.
  • Course Duration1–2 years (Diploma / Associate Degree).
  • Course CostAUD $15,000–$28,000 / Year
  • Assessing BodyAssessed by VETASSESS.
  • Entry Req.Year 12 completion or equivalent; Academic IELTS score overall 6.0 with no band less than 6.0 (or equivalent PTE/OET validation).
  • IntakesFebruary, July, November.
On-site Technical Supervision

Job Description & Strategic Insight

Civil Engineering Technicians assist engineers in the planning, design, and supervision of major infrastructure. Unlike draftspersons, this role focuses heavily on field technical support and construction site supervision.

Australian Infrastructure Field Testing
  • Business Opportunities • Materials Testing Laboratory
    • Independent Construction Inspection Services
    • Surveying Support Firm
    • Site Safety & Compliance Auditing

Your Australian PR occupation guide

Select any occupation to see the full skills assessment pathway, study options, English requirements, state nomination status, and visa comparison — all in one place.

90 Occupations
8 Assessing Bodies
6 Visa Pathways
8 States & Territories
Search related occupations, ANZSCO code, or assessing body...

Simple 4 Step Process

1

Enrol to a Course

Firstly, you must enrol in the right course/courses – one that trains you for a position on the Medium and Long-Term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL).

FIND A COURSE
2

Apply for 485 visa

After graduation, you may be eligible to apply for a temporary work visa called 485 Graduate Visa.

3

Undertake a Full Skill Assessment

Most trade and technical occupations undergo structural assessment rounds with their respective assessment bodies (such as VETASSESS for Civil Engineering Technicians) to verify your qualifications and relevant professional experience thresholds.

4

Apply for 189, 190, 491 visas

Finally... you may be eligible to apply for General Skilled Migration Visas: The Skilled Independent (Subclass 189), State Nominated (Subclass 190) or Regional Nominated (Subclass 491) Visas.

Visa & PR Pathways

Skilled Independent

Subclass 189
  • Direct Permanent Residency
  • State/Territory nomination
  • +5 Points bonus for nomination

Skilled Nominated

Subclass 190
  • Permanent Residency
  • State/Territory nomination
  • +5 Points bonus for nomination

Regional Skilled

Subclass 491
  • 5-year provisional visa
  • +15 Points for Regional
  • Pathway to 191 Permanent Residency

Employer Sponsored

Subclass 482
  • Temporary Skill Shortage
  • Medium-term stream sponsorship
  • Pathway to PR available

Regional Employer

Subclass 494
  • Regional Employer Sponsored
  • Priority Processing
  • Direct PR pathway available

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the course entry requirements for a Civil Engineering Technician program?

Entry typically requires completion of secondary school education (Year 12 or international equivalent) along with showing professional English competence, such as an Academic IELTS overall score of 6.0 with no individual sub-band lower than 6.0.

What are the standard course intakes available?

The standard primary course intakes across most Australian vocational colleges and universities occur in February and July, with selected institutions offering an additional intake option in November.

What is the standard course duration to qualify?

Qualifying for this career track generally takes 1 to 2 years of full-time academic study to successfully secure an approved Advanced Diploma, Diploma, or Associate Degree in Civil Engineering.

Does studying regionally add points towards Australian permanent residency?

Yes. Fulfilling your course criteria inside a designated regional sector of Australia awards a structural regional study advantage, contributing an additional +5 points toward your final migration testing scorecard.

Is the Civil Engineering Technician role in high demand across Australia?

Yes, the role faces moderate to strong demand nationwide. Continual public infrastructure deployments, commercial transport builds, and large-scale asset developments ensure ongoing operational workforce needs.

Do I need a license or registration to work inside Australia?

While general site technicians do not require mandatory licensing, holding a construction White Card is standard for site operations, and completing a formal skills assessment with VETASSESS is legally required for visa migration tracks.

What is the average salary expectation for this occupation?

The standard annual median salary for qualified technicians scales from $65,000 AUD to $90,000 AUD, increasing further based on specialized testing competencies, field site parameters, and senior inspector experience.

What visa pathways are available for migration as a Civil Engineering Technician?

Because the occupation resides on the MLTSSL list, multiple tracks are accessible under General Skilled Migration, most notably independent options such as the Skilled Independent (Subclass 189), Skilled Nominated (Subclass 190), and Regional Nominated (Subclass 491) visas.

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