Australia PR for Engineers: Complete 2026 Guide
Australia is one of the most popular destinations for engineers who want stable careers, high salaries and a long-term future. The demand for engineers continues to grow across civil, mechanical, electrical, IT, mining and environmental engineering fields. Engineers have strong pathways to secure australia PR and build a stable future in the country.
Whether you are applying today or planning for next year, understanding the right steps and Australia PR requirements will help you move toward permanent residency Australia smoothly.
Which Occupation Gets PR Easily in Australia?
Among all engineering roles, Civil Engineers, Mechanical Engineers, Electrical Engineers and Software Engineers typically get PR more easily in Australia. Because Australia has ongoing infrastructure, construction, energy and technology projects. These occupations have better PR opportunities because they remain consistently in demand nationwide. These engineering fields offer better PR opportunities due to consistent demand, a higher number of PR invitations, strong state nomination options, and faster pathways to permanent residency. These occupations remain on the Medium and Long-Term Skilled Occupation List (MLTSSL) which means they are always in high demand nationwide. If you work in these fields and meet the Australia PR requirements, your chances of securing Australia PR are generally higher compared to many other skilled occupations.
How Many Points Are Required to Get PR in Australia for a Civil Engineer?
To apply for Australia PR as a Civil Engineer, you need a minimum of 65 points to submit an Expression of Interest (EOI). However, due to strong competition and ongoing demand in the engineering sector, civil engineers typically require 80–90 points to receive a faster PR invitation under visas like Subclass 189 or 190. To instanly calculate your PR points, use Australia PR points calculator.
So while 65 points is the minimum, civil engineers with 80+ points have a much stronger chance of receiving invitations for permanent residency in Australia.
Which Jobs Pay $100 an Hour in Australia?
In Australia, several high-skill and high-demand professions can earn $100 an hour or more, especially for experienced professionals, contractors and workers in remote or specialised industries. These roles pay high hourly rates due to factors like skill shortage, project urgency and expert profession requirement. Some of the top jobs that commonly reach this pay level include:
- Specialist Engineers (Mining, Petroleum, Electrical, Structural)
- Medical Professionals (Doctors, Surgeons, Anaesthetists)
- IT Contractors & Cybersecurity Experts
- Project Managers in Construction & Engineering
- Senior Electricians & Plumbers working in remote areas
- Operators & Geotechnical Specialists
- Consulting Engineers with advanced certifications
- Financial Advisors & Senior Accountants in niche fields
Australia PR Requirements for Engineers
To qualify for Australia PR, engineers must meet the following essential criteria:
✔ Age Requirement
Must be under 45 years at the time of invitation.
✔ English Requirement
Minimum IELTS 6 each band or
PTE Academic 50 each band
Higher scores improve your PR points.
✔ Skill Assessment
Engineers must complete a skill assessment through Engineers Australia.
This remains mandatory for all engineering occupations applying for permanent residency Australia.
✔ Qualification Requirement
A recognised engineering degree
Or an equivalent overseas qualification
✔ Points Requirement
Minimum of 65 points, but realistically 80–90 points gives a better PR invitation chance.
These Australia PR requirements are unlikely to change significantly in the next few years.
Skill Assessment Pathways for Engineers
Engineers Australia offers two main assessment pathways:
1. Washington Accord
Ideal if your engineering degree comes from an accredited institution.
2. Competency Demonstration Report (CDR) Pathway
Required if your degree is not accredited.
Includes:
Three career episodes
Summary statement
CPD list
A well-prepared CDR can significantly boost your chances of receiving a positive assessment.
Tips to Improve Your Chances of Australia PR
Aim for high PTE/IELTS scores
Secure state nomination for extra points
Strengthen your work experience
Prepare a strong CDR with accurate engineering details
Add partner skills if applicable
Choose the right visa option based on your profile and timeline
These strategies will remain effective for engineers applying for Australia permanent residency visa in 2026 and beyond.
Why You Should Consult an MARA Agent
The Australia PR has lots of stream and visa process may look simple but it’s not, and lodging the visa application yourself can be risky, even a small mistake can lead to visa rejection. The visa process is a long-term and detailed procedure that requires proper documentation and accuracy. Any missing information, incorrect form or misunderstanding of eligibility criteria can cause unnecessary delays or even a refusal.
If you’re ready to build your future in Australia, consult MARA Registered agent for expert advice. Giec Global UK is proud to have its own MARA registered migration agent, offering you direct access to professional and reliable immigration advice. Unlike many other agencies, we do not rely on third-party consultants, because we don’t pay high outsourcing fees, the cost savings are passed directly on to you.
FAQs
Yes. Australia faces ongoing skill shortages in various engineering fields due to infrastructure expansion, renewable energy projects, digitisation, and mining activities. This long-term demand makes engineering a stable career choice for migration.
Subclass 190 (State Nomination) is often considered the easiest for engineers because states frequently invite engineering applicants, and the nomination adds extra points. Engineers with high points may also receive invitations for the 189 visa.
Yes, a job offer is not required for visas like Subclass 189 or 190. Engineers can apply independently if they meet the required points and eligibility criteria.
Civil, Mechanical, Electrical, Software, and Mining Engineers typically have the best PR chances. These roles consistently appear on state migration lists and are in long-term demand across Australia.
No. The Competency Demonstration Report (CDR) is only required for engineers whose degrees are not recognised under the Washington Accord or other accredited pathways. If your engineering qualification is accredited, you can skip the CDR process and apply through the faster assessment route.
New South Wales (NSW), Victoria (VIC), Queensland (QLD), South Australia (SA), and Western Australia (WA) regularly nominate engineers. The demand differs each year, but these states consistently list engineering roles in their migration programs.
