Discover the complete pathway to Australia for overseas surveyors. Learn about ANZSCO roles, state registration boards, competency assessment, state nomination (190/491 visas), and permanent residency options for land, cadastral, mining and engineering surveyors.
Introduction
Australia faces a nationwide shortage of registered surveyors, especially in cadastral, mining, and engineering disciplines. The occupation “Surveyor” (ANZSCO 232212) consistently appears on state and regional skilled occupation lists, creating strong migration opportunities. This guide explains surveyor migration to Australia, including professional registration requirements, overseas skills assessment, and state nomination pathways that lead to permanent residency.
Understanding Surveyor Roles Eligible for Migration
Australia recognizes several surveying specializations under the skilled migration program. The primary occupation is Surveyor (ANZSCO 232212), which includes land surveyors, cadastral surveyors, engineering surveyors, mining surveyors, and hydrographic surveyors. Quantity Surveyor (ANZSCO 233213) follows a separate assessing authority and pathway.
Surveyor (232212) qualifies for the Skilled Independent visa (189), Skilled Nominated visa (190), and Skilled Work Regional visa (491). Many states prioritize this occupation for Australia state nomination surveyor programs because of ongoing demand in construction, mining, and land development sectors.
Overseas Skills Assessment and Registration Process
Every overseas surveyor must obtain a positive skills assessment before lodging an Expression of Interest (EOI). The assessing authority depends on your qualification country and intended registration state.
Surveyors qualified in countries with reciprocal agreements (UK, New Zealand, Malaysia, Singapore, South Africa) can often use the Mutual Recognition Act or reciprocal registration pathways. All others complete a Competency Assessment for Surveyors (CCC) conducted by the relevant state board.
Key registration boards include:
– Board of Surveying and Spatial Information (BOSSI) – NSW Surveyor state nomination
– Surveyors Registration Board of Victoria – Victoria Surveyor nomination
– Land Surveyors Licensing Board of Western Australia – Western Australia Surveyor visa
– Surveying and Planning Authority Queensland – Queensland Surveyor registration
The process typically requires a professional interview, submission of project reports, and evidence of recent practice. Most boards also mandate Continuing Professional Development (CPD) points.
State Nomination Opportunities for Surveyors
State nomination adds 5 points (190 visa) or 15 points (491 visa) to your points test and often fast-tracks processing. Several states actively nominate surveyors.
Victoria regularly includes Surveyor (232212) on its skilled occupation list and offers Victoria Surveyor nomination with minimal additional requirements. NSW operates an invitation-only system through BOSSI endorsement for NSW Surveyor state nomination.
Western Australia prioritizes mining and engineering surveyors, while South Australia lists Surveyor as a high-priority occupation. Tasmania nomination remains open for surveyors willing to live and work regionally.
The 190 visa Surveyor Australia pathway grants immediate permanent residency. The 491 visa Surveyor regional option requires three years of regional living before applying for the 191 permanent residency visa.
Employer-Sponsored Options
Surveyors with Australian job offers can pursue the 186 visa Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS). Mining companies in Western Australia and Queensland frequently sponsor experienced mining surveyors. Some employers also support the Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) visa leading to permanent residency.
Pathway to Permanent Residency
Most overseas surveyors follow this sequence:
1. Complete overseas surveyor assessment Australia and state registration
2. Achieve required English level (usually IELTS 7.0 or equivalent)
3. Lodge EOI with at least 65 points (higher scores improve invitation chances)
4. Receive state nomination for 190 or 491 visa
5. Obtain permanent residency
Surveyor job opportunities Australia remain strong, particularly in Queensland mining regions, Victorian infrastructure projects, and NSW land development.
Conclusion
The pathway to Australia for a surveyor combines professional recognition with multiple visa options. State nomination significantly improves chances of success. Start your journey by contacting the relevant state registration board for an overseas qualification assessment today.
