Geotechnical Engineer — Subclass 190 Pathway
Skilled Nominated visa · Permanent
At a glance
- Visa
- Subclass 190 — Skilled Nominated visa
- Points test
- Yes — points-tested via SkillSelect
- Sponsor
- State / territory nomination required
- Eligibility list
- MLTSSLSTSOLCSOL
- Base fee
- from $4,640 (check immi.gov.au for current fee)
- Processing time
- ~8-14 months (median)
Skills assessment for this occupation
Assessing Geotechnical Engineer for migration purposes is handled by: EA.
Each occupation has a single designated assessing authority for migration purposes — refer to the occupation page for the body that assesses it.
Geotechnical Engineer × Subclass 190 — pathway overview
Geotechnical Engineers (ANZSCO 233212) may qualify for the Subclass 190 Skilled Nominated visa, a points-tested permanent residence pathway requiring state or territory government nomination. This occupation appears on the MLTSSL and on multiple state occupation lists, driven by demand from the mining, infrastructure, and civil construction sectors. Applicants must obtain a positive skills assessment from Engineers Australia before submitting an Expression of Interest through SkillSelect. State nomination adds 5 points. English language proficiency and an age limit of 45 at the time of invitation are standard requirements. The Subclass 190 grants immediate permanent residence. Processing times range from 6 to 18 months. Government fees are approximately AUD 4,240 for the primary applicant. Western Australia and Queensland, with significant mining and resource infrastructure activity, typically nominate geotechnical engineers with relevant industry experience. Civil consultancies, road authorities, and large construction firms also create demand in other states. For advice tailored to your individual circumstances, always consult a registered MARA migration agent.
Content last generated: 2026-06-26
Key requirements
High-level criteria for Subclass 190. Verify every requirement on immi.gov.au before applying.
- Under 45 years of age at invitation
- Competent English (IELTS 6 or equivalent)
- Positive skills assessment in a nominated occupation on a state list
- State or territory nomination (each state runs its own program)
- Commitment to live and work in the nominating state
- Health and character requirements
Other visa pathways for Geotechnical Engineer
- 186Details →Employer Nomination Scheme visa
Permanent employer-sponsored visa for workers nominated by an approved sponsor.
- 189Details →Skilled Independent visa
Permanent points-tested visa for workers not sponsored by an employer, family member, or state.
- 482Details →Skills in Demand visa
Employer-sponsored temporary visa (formerly TSS) for occupations on the relevant list.
- 485Details →Temporary Graduate visa
Post-study work visa for recent graduates of Australian qualifications.
- 491Details →Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa
Five-year provisional visa for workers willing to live and work in regional Australia.
- 494Details →Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional visa
Five-year employer-sponsored provisional visa in regional Australia, with a path to PR.
State nominations for Geotechnical Engineer
States currently nominating this occupation — see the dedicated pages for state-specific criteria.