How can I migrate to Australia as an Architect?

You can migrate to Australia as an architect by securing a positive skill assessment from the Architects Accreditation Council of Australia (AACA), which verifies the credibility of your architectural qualifications. The common immigration pathways for architects in Australia are initiated through the Subclass 190 (Skilled Nominated), Subclass 491 (Skilled Work Regional), Subclass 189 (Skilled Independent), Subclass 482 (Skill in Demand), and Subclass 186 (Employer Nomination Scheme) visas. Foreign architects are in high demand in Australia and are listed as a skilled occupation on the Australian Skilled Occupation List, with eligibility for multiple Australian immigration pathways.
 

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Immigration Pathways in Australia for an Architect

Architects can migrate to Australia through pathways such as skilled migration visas (189, 190, and 491) or employer-sponsored visas (186, 482). After securing a positive skills assessment from the Architects Accreditation Council of Australia (AACA) (Stage 1 or 2), foreign architects can migrate to Australia through these common immigration pathways, provided they meet eligibility requirements based on work experience, education, and language proficiency.
 

The Australian immigration pathways for architects are as follows:

Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189)

The Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189) is a point-based immigration pathway for architects in Australia, leading to long-term settlement and work. To qualify for a Subclass 189, you should have a high educational background and work experience, along with your occupation listed on Australia’s Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL). After securing a positive skill assessment in the Architects Accreditation Council of Australia (AACA), you can submit an application with an Expression of Interest (EOI) through SkillSelect. Invitations for PR application are issued based on points allocated for age, education, work experience, language proficiency, and skills. Architects can directly secure permanent residence in Australia through the Subclass 189 visa, with access to legally work and stay in the country. Additional benefits include healthcare services and sponsorship for family reunification upon qualifying for an Australian PR.
 

*Want to apply for a Subclass 189 visa? Let Y-Axis guide you with the steps.
 

Skilled Nominated Visa (Subclass 190)

The Skilled Nominated Visa (Subclass 190) is a state-nominated pathway for architects to migrate to Australia. Architects must meet the point test and secure a positive AACA skills assessment to receive state nomination to work and live independently in an Australian state/province. State nomination adds extra points to your score, increasing the chances of securing an ITA (Invitation to Apply) for Subclass 190. It is possible to transition to permanent residency in Australia through the Subclass 190 visa, provided you have made a significant contribution to regional infrastructure and urban development.
 

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Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Visa (Subclass 491)

The Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Visa (Subclass 491) is suitable for foreign architects wanting to live and work in a specific Australian province with high demand for skilled labour. Architects need to secure state nomination, along with a nomination from an Australian state/territory government, or a sponsorship from an eligible friend or relative who is permanently living in a designated regional area. A positive AACA skills assessment is also mandatory to meet eligibility requirements for the Subclass 491 visa. The Subclass 491 visa is valid for up to 5 years, allowing architects to engage in full-time work and settlement in the country. Subclass 491 visa holders can also qualify for permanent residency in Australia via the Subclass 190 pathway, provided they fulfil the required criteria.
 

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Employer Nomination Scheme (Subclass 186)

The Employer Nomination Scheme (Subclass 186) is a suitable immigration pathway for architects with a job offer from an Australian employer. Senior architects with high levels of education and professional qualifications can apply for the Subclass 186 visa to work in architecture firms, construction companies, or on infrastructure projects in the country. After securing a valid job offer, you can apply for a Subclass 186 visa with the required documents, including an employment contract, a positive skill assessment, proof of language proficiency, and educational transcripts. The process is employer-mediated, where the employer nominates the candidate before the visa application. Upon approval of a Subclass 186 visa, architects can directly transition to permanent residence in Australia, gaining long-term work and settlement access, including healthcare benefits.
 

*Want to apply for a Subclass 186 visa? Let Y-Axis assist you with the process.
 

Skills in Demand Visa (Subclass 482)

The Skills in Demand Visa (Subclass 482) is a temporary, employer-sponsored visa for architects seeking work experience in Australia while remaining on sponsorship. To apply for Subclass 482, architects must have a relevant educational qualification, professional work experience, and meet the minimum English language requirements. A Subclass 482 visa is granted for a temporary period of 2-4 years based on your stream and occupation. Upon successfully working in the country for a significant period, architects can convert Subclass 482 to Subclass 186, which offers a clear pathway to Australia PR. 
 

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Eligibility Criteria for Architects to Migrate to Australia

To migrate to Australia as a civil engineer, you will need a 5-year equivalent academic qualification (Bachelor + Master/integrated course), a positive skills assessment from the Architects Accreditation Council of Australia (AACA), and proof of language proficiency (IELTS 7+ or equivalent). Architects under 45 are more likely to migrate to Australia by qualifying for point-based visas (189/190/491) or securing employer sponsorship.

The eligibility criteria requirements for Australia immigration as an architect are as follows:

• Positive skill assessment by the Architects Accreditation Council of Australia (AACA).
• A 5-year full-time equivalent architectural qualification (Bachelor + Master /integrated courses).
• At least 3+ years of work experience (or 6 months of work experience after post-graduation for entry-level jobs).
• Proof of high language proficiency (IELTS 7+ or equivalent).
• Preferably age under 45 (increases the chance of receiving an ITA).
• A portfolio detailing 2–4 architectural projects for the Experienced Practitioner Assessment (EPA) or Overseas Qualifications Assessment (OQA).
• Valid passport.
   

Also, read...
How can I Migrate to Australia as a Civil Engineer?
 

How to Migrate to Australia as an Architect?

Migrating to Australia as an architect requires a positive skills assessment from the Architects Accreditation Council of Australia (AACA), language proficiency, and applying via employer-sponsored or skilled visas, such as the Subclass 189, 190, 491, 186, or 482.

The steps to migrate to Australia as an architect are as follows:

Step 1: Check your eligibility for different immigration pathways for architects in Australia.

Step 2: Select a suitable Australian immigration pathway based on age, experience, language proficiency, and educational qualifications.

Step 3: Check if your occupation is listed on the relevant Australian Skilled Occupation List (as per the visa pathway chosen by you)

Step 4: Calculate your points for points-based Australian visas, such as the Subclass 189, 190, and 491.

Step 5: Secure a positive skill assessment from any of the relevant AACA pathways, such as the Experienced Practitioner Assessment (EPA) or the Overseas Qualifications Assessment (OQA).

Step 6: Submit an EOI via the SkillSelect online system to receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for a visa.

Step 7: Apply for state or territorial nomination by submitting a Registration of Interest (ROI) (necessary for Subclass 190/491 visas).

Step 8: Receive your Invitation to Apply (ITA) upon selection.

Step 9: Apply for an Australian work visa along with the required documents within 60 days of receiving an ITA.

Step 10: Upon visa approval, fly to Australia to work as an architect.
 

*Are you looking for step-by-step assistance with Australian immigration? Contact Y-Axis, the world’s No. 1 overseas immigration consultancy, for end-to-end assistance!