Architect

ANZSCO: 232111 | MLTSSL Migration Pathway

$85k – $130k Avg Salary (AUD)

Strong Job Security

MLTSSL Visa Eligibility

AACA Assessing Body

PR Pathway Overview

Study

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Graduate

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485 Visa

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Work

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Skills Assess

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EOI

→

Invitation

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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

Qualification: Bachelor of Architecture (5-year total pathway or 3+2 Master's).

Pathways: BS Architecture (3 yrs) | MS Architecture (2 yrs).

Strategic Demand: ★★★★★ (Driven by national housing shortage and urban renewal).

Mandatory Requirement: Registration with the Architects Accreditation Council of Australia (AACA).

Course Cost: BS approx. $52,000 | MS approx. $48,500.

Entry Req.: Year 12 completion with competitive GPA (for Bachelor) or relevant Bachelor degree (for Master); IELTS 6.5 minimum with no individual band below 6.0.

Intakes: February, July.

Job Description & Training

Core Role: Designs and oversees construction of buildings and structures. Produces highly detailed technical drawings and specifications while ensuring all functional and regulatory requirements are met.

Industry Insights: As an MLTSSL occupation, Architects have access to the full range of permanent residency visas. The current focus on urban density and sustainable housing makes this a priority role.

Simple 4 Step Process

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

Apply for 485 visa

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

Undertake a Full Skill Assessment

Architects undertake a Skills Assessment with the Architects Accreditation Council of Australia (AACA), which evaluates your academic credentials or completion of an accredited architecture degree sequence.

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
Points-based (No sponsor needed)
Exclusive to MLTSSL roles

Skilled Nominated

Subclass 190

Permanent Residency
State/Territory nominated
+5 Points 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
Full sponsorship available

Regional Employer

Subclass 494

Regional Employer Sponsored
Priority Processing
Direct PR pathway available

MLTSSL Status grants full access to all PR-eligible visa streams.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the course entry requirements for Architecture?

For an undergraduate Bachelor degree, you typically require Year 12 completion with competitive marks and an IELTS score of 6.5 (no band less than 6.0). For a Master's degree, a relevant recognized Bachelor's degree in architecture is mandatory.

What are the primary course intakes for Architecture in Australia?

The standard primary course intakes are February and July each year, though specific intake availabilities can vary slightly depending on the university network.

What is the standard course duration to become an Architect?

The total professional training pathway typically takes 5 years of full-time study, structurally broken down into a 3-year Bachelor of Architecture followed by a 2-year Master of Architecture.

Does studying regionally in Australia add points to my PR application?

Yes, successfully completing your studies or living and working in designated regional parts of Australia grants you an additional +5 points toward your General Skilled Migration points score.

Is the Architect role in high demand across Australia?

Yes, the Architect role holds a five-star strategic demand ranking across the country, primarily driven by long-term national housing shortages, commercial developments, and urban renewal projects.

Do I need a professional license or registration to practice as an Architect?

Yes, registration with the local state or territory architects registration board is legally mandatory. This requires completing your qualification and passing the AACA Architectural Practice Examination (APE).

What is the average salary expectation for an Architect in Australia?

The average salary ranges anywhere between $85,000 to $130,000 AUD per year, heavily scaling upward depending on your design experience, project portfolio, and seniority level.