Civil Engineering Technician — Subclass 189 Pathway
Skilled Independent visa · Permanent
At a glance
- Visa
- Subclass 189 — Skilled Independent visa
- Points test
- Yes — points-tested via SkillSelect
- Sponsor
- No sponsor required
- Eligibility list
- MLTSSL
- 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 Technician for migration purposes is handled by: VETASSESS.
Each occupation has a single designated assessing authority — the one listed for the nominated ANZSCO code on this site.
Civil Engineering Technician × Subclass 189 — pathway overview
Civil Engineering Technician (ANZSCO 312212) qualifies for the Subclass 189 Skilled Independent visa through its listing on the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL). This permanent visa is entirely points-tested and requires no employer, state, or family sponsorship. Applicants must register an Expression of Interest via SkillSelect and receive an invitation in a competitive invitation round. A positive skills assessment from Engineers Australia is typically required, evaluating civil engineering technician qualifications and practical experience in field testing, documentation, and construction support. Applicants must score at least 65 points, be under 45 years of age, demonstrate competent English (IELTS 6 or equivalent), and meet health and character requirements. On grant, permanent residency is awarded with the right to live and work anywhere in Australia. Government fees start at approximately $4,640. 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 189. 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 MLTSSL occupation
- Submit Expression of Interest in SkillSelect and meet pass mark (currently 65, effective competitive minimum 90+)
- Health and character requirements
Other visa pathways for Civil Engineering Technician
- 186Details →Employer Nomination Scheme visa
Permanent employer-sponsored visa for workers nominated by an approved sponsor.
- 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 Civil Engineering Technician
States currently nominating this occupation — see the dedicated pages for state-specific criteria.