Civil Engineering Draftsperson — Subclass 491 Pathway
Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa · 5 years provisional → PR pathway via Subclass 191
At a glance
- Visa
- Subclass 491 — Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa
- Points test
- Yes — points-tested via SkillSelect
- Sponsor
- State nomination or eligible family sponsor
- Eligibility list
- MLTSSLSTSOLROLCSOL
- Base fee
- from $4,640 (check immi.gov.au for current fee)
- Processing time
- ~8-15 months (median)
Skills assessment for this occupation
Assessing Civil Engineering Draftsperson for migration purposes is handled by: EA, VETASSESS.
Each occupation has a single designated assessing authority — refer to the occupation page for the body that assesses it.
Civil Engineering Draftsperson × Subclass 491 — pathway overview
Civil Engineering Draftsperson (ANZSCO 312211) qualifies for the Subclass 491 Skilled Work Regional visa through the Regional Occupation List (ROL). This points-tested, state-sponsored visa supports regional infrastructure projects and engineering consultancies in attracting skilled civil drafting professionals to designated regional areas. Applicants must register through SkillSelect and receive a nomination from an eligible state or territory government. State nomination contributes 15 additional points to the score. A skills assessment from Engineers Australia or Professionals Australia is required to confirm civil drafting qualifications and technical competency with current drawing and documentation tools. The minimum points threshold is 65. Applicants must meet English language standards, satisfy age conditions, and pass health and character checks imposed by the Department of Home Affairs. Visa holders must live and work in a designated regional area for at least three years before applying for the Subclass 191 permanent residency pathway. 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 491. 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
- State/territory nomination OR eligible regional family sponsor
- Live, work, and study only in a designated regional area
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.