Structural Engineer — Subclass 186 Pathway
Employer Nomination Scheme visa · Permanent
At a glance
- Visa
- Subclass 186 — Employer Nomination Scheme visa
- Points test
- Not points-tested
- Sponsor
- Employer sponsor required
- Eligibility list
- MLTSSLSTSOLROLCSOL
- Base fee
- from $4,770 (check immi.gov.au for current fee)
- Processing time
- ~6-15 months (median)
Skills assessment for this occupation
Assessing Structural Engineer for migration purposes is handled by: EA.
Each occupation has a single designated assessing authority — refer to the occupation page for the body that assesses it.
Structural Engineer × Subclass 186 — pathway overview
Structural Engineers (ANZSCO 233214) may qualify for the Subclass 186 Employer Nomination Scheme visa, a permanent residence pathway requiring nomination by an approved Australian employer. Structural Engineering appears on the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL), making it eligible for both the Direct Entry and Temporary Residence Transition streams. Skills assessment for Structural Engineers is conducted by Engineers Australia, typically via the Competency Demonstration Report (CDR) for internationally qualified applicants. The Subclass 186 is not points-tested. Labour market testing must be completed by the employer unless an exemption applies. The Direct Entry stream has an upper age limit of generally 45. Processing times are typically 6 to 18 months. Government fees are approximately AUD 4,640 for the primary applicant. Structural Engineers are in strong demand across Australia's construction, property development, and infrastructure sectors. Experience in building structures, bridges, industrial facilities, high-rise design, or remediation work is valued by Australian employers, especially given the volume of current and pipeline construction projects. 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 186. Verify every requirement on immi.gov.au before applying.
- Under 45 years of age at application (with limited exemptions)
- Competent English (IELTS 6 or equivalent)
- Nominated by an approved Australian employer
- Positive skills assessment in the nominated occupation (Direct Entry stream)
- At least three years of relevant work experience (Direct Entry stream)
- Health and character requirements
Other visa pathways for Structural Engineer
- 189Details →Skilled Independent visa
Permanent points-tested visa for workers not sponsored by an employer, family member, or state.
- 190Details →Skilled Nominated visa
Permanent visa for workers nominated by a state or territory government.
- 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 Structural Engineer
States currently nominating this occupation — see the dedicated pages for state-specific criteria.