Civil Engineering Draftsperson — Subclass 482 Pathway
Skills in Demand visa · 1-4 years (Specialist Skills, Core Skills, or Essential Skills stream)
At a glance
- Visa
- Subclass 482 — Skills in Demand visa
- Points test
- Not points-tested
- Sponsor
- Employer sponsor required
- Eligibility list
- MLTSSLSTSOLROLCSOL
- Base fee
- from $1,455 short-term / from $3,035 medium-term (check immi.gov.au for current fee)
- Processing time
- ~1-4 months (median)
Skills assessment for this occupation
Assessing Civil Engineering Draftsperson for migration purposes is handled by: EA, VETASSESS.
Skills assessment is only required for some occupation/passport combinations — the assessing body is the same one listed for the ANZSCO code.
Civil Engineering Draftsperson × Subclass 482 — pathway overview
Civil Engineering Draftsperson (ANZSCO 312211) qualifies for the Subclass 482 Skills in Demand visa, allowing Australian engineering firms, infrastructure developers, and government authorities to sponsor qualified civil drafting professionals on a temporary basis when local candidates with the required technical skills are not available. An approved employer must hold Standard Business Sponsorship and provide a genuine position offer. A skills assessment from Engineers Australia or Professionals Australia is required to confirm civil engineering drafting qualifications and technical experience with AutoCAD, Civil 3D, or comparable BIM platforms. English language proficiency must be demonstrated through an accepted test. The Subclass 482 is typically granted for two to four years. Eligible holders who complete three years of qualifying employment with an approved sponsor may transition to permanent residency through the Subclass 186. Health and character requirements apply. Employers must pay salaries consistent with Australian market rates for civil engineering draftspersons. 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 482. Verify every requirement on immi.gov.au before applying.
- Nominated by an approved Australian sponsor
- Position pays at least the relevant Core Skills Income Threshold
- At least one year of relevant work experience in the nominated occupation
- Positive skills assessment if required for the occupation/passport combination
- Vocational English (IELTS 5.0 in each component or equivalent)
- Health and character requirements
Other visa pathways for Civil Engineering Draftsperson
- 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.
- 190Details →Skilled Nominated visa
Permanent visa for workers nominated by a state or territory government.
- 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 Civil Engineering Draftsperson
States currently nominating this occupation — see the dedicated pages for state-specific criteria.