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How to Migrate to Australia as an Architect in 2026: Complete Guide

Skills Assessment for Architects

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    Migrate to Australia as an Architect

    Australia has always been one of the best places for skilled workers who want to grow their careers around the world. Architects are one of the most respected professions in the country’s immigration system. Australia is still seeing a steady need for qualified architects because of large-scale infrastructure projects, urban redevelopment plans, sustainable housing initiatives, and smart city expansions happening in many states and territories. If you’re an architect from India or another country and you’re thinking about moving to Australia permanently, it’s important to know the right way to migrate, how to get your skills assessed, what the visa requirements are, and what your long-term career prospects are.
    This complete guide covers everything architects need to know about getting a PR in Australia, such as the skills assessment process, the different visa subclasses that will be available in 2026, the requirements for eligibility, the step-by-step process for migrating, and the expected salaries in major Australian cities.
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    Why Australia Is Actively Looking for Skilled Architects

    The construction and design industry in Australia is very important to the country’s economic growth. Both urban and rural areas are putting a lot of money into infrastructure, commercial real estate, transportation systems, and housing that is good for the environment. The need for experienced architects with strong technical skills, knowledge of sustainable design, and project management skills has grown a lot as the population grows and cities grow.

    Government-backed infrastructure programs and incentives for regional development have made it even easier for architects with foreign qualifications to find work. Because there is still a need for architects, the job is on Australia’s Skilled Occupation List. This means that it is eligible for a number of skilled migration and employer-sponsored visa programs.

    Some of the major factors driving demand include:

    • Large-scale urban development projects across Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane
    • Regional infrastructure growth supported by federal funding
    • Increased focus on green buildings and sustainable architecture
    • Expansion of residential and mixed-use property developments
    • Growing investment in transport, healthcare, and education infrastructure
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    Skills Assessment for Architects: Understanding the AACA Requirement

    Before applying for most skilled migration visas in Australia, architects must obtain a positive skills assessment from The Architects Accreditation Council of Australia (AACA) is the officially designated assessing authority for the architectural profession.
    The AACA evaluates whether your overseas qualifications and professional experience meet Australian academic and competency standards. This assessment is a mandatory step for points-tested visas such as Subclass 189, 190, and 491, and it may also be required in certain employer-sponsored pathways. The assessment process typically involves:
    • Submission of recognized academic qualifications equivalent to a 5-year full-time architectural program (Bachelor + Master or integrated degree)
    • A detailed professional portfolio showcasing 2–4 significant architectural projects
    • Employer reference letters verifying roles and responsibilities
    • Academic transcripts and identity documents
    Applicants may apply under pathways such as the Overseas Qualifications Assessment (OQA) or the Experienced Practitioner Assessment (EPA), depending on their educational background and professional experience. Securing a positive AACA assessment significantly strengthens your migration profile and enables you to move forward with your visa application.
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    Skilled Migration Visa Options for Architects in Australia

    Architects planning to relocate to Australia generally choose between points-based skilled migration visas and employer-sponsored visa pathways.

    Each option has distinct requirements, benefits, and long-term residency outcomes, making it important to select the most suitable pathway based on your qualifications, age, experience, and career goals.

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    Skilled Independent Visa – Subclass 189

    The Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189) is one of the most popular permanent residency pathways for architects who possess strong academic credentials, competitive work experience, and high English language proficiency. This visa does not require state nomination or employer sponsorship, which makes it an attractive option for candidates who qualify independently through the points-based system. To qualify, applicants must:

    This visa allows successful applicants to live, work, and study anywhere in Australia without geographic restrictions, while also granting access to Medicare and the ability to sponsor eligible family members for Australian permanent residency. To qualify, applicants must:

    • Have their occupation listed on the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL)
    • Obtain a positive AACA skills assessment
    • Achieve a competitive points score based on age, education, work experience, and English proficiency
    • Be under 45 years of age at the time of invitation
    Australia is waiting for you!

    Skilled Nominated Visa – Subclass 190

    The Skilled Nominated Visa (Subclass 190) is a permanent residency visa that requires nomination from an Australian state or territory government. This pathway is particularly suitable for architects whose occupation is in demand within specific states that are experiencing workforce shortages.

    State nomination provides additional points to your migration score, which increases your chances of receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA) through the SkillSelect system. In return, applicants are expected to live and work in the nominating state for a designated period. Eligibility generally requires:

    • A positive AACA skills assessment
    • Meeting the minimum points threshold
    • Satisfying state-specific criteria
    • Demonstrating English language competency
    Australia is waiting for you!

    Skilled Work Regional Visa – Subclass 491

    The Subclass 491 visa is a provisional skilled migration visa that allows architects to live and work in designated regional areas of Australia for up to five years. This visa is particularly advantageous for applicants who may not have a highly competitive points score but are willing to explore opportunities in regional Australia.

    Applicants must obtain either state nomination from a regional government or sponsorship from an eligible relative residing in a designated regional area. The Subclass 491 visa awards additional points under the migration system and offers a pathway to permanent residency after meeting residency and income requirements. Requirements typically include:

    • Positive AACA assessment
    • Meeting regional nomination criteria
    • English language proficiency
    • Commitment to residing in regional Australia
    Australia is waiting for you!

    Employer Nomination Scheme – Subclass 186

    The Employer Nomination Scheme (Subclass 186) offers a direct permanent residency pathway for architects who secure a full-time job offer from an approved Australian employer. This visa is particularly beneficial for experienced or senior architects with specialized expertise in infrastructure, commercial development, or large-scale design projects.

    The employer must formally nominate the candidate, and applicants must meet skill, experience, and English requirements. Once granted, the visa provides permanent residence, enabling long-term settlement in Australia. Typical requirements include:

    • Valid job offer from an Australian employer
    • Relevant qualifications and professional experience
    • English language proficiency
    • Skills assessment (in applicable streams)
    Australia is waiting for you!

    Skills in Demand Visa – Subclass 482

    The Subclass 482 visa, also known as the Skills in Demand visa, is a temporary employer-sponsored pathway that allows architects to work in Australia for two to four years, depending on the stream. This visa is often used as an entry route into the Australian labor market, especially for professionals seeking local experience before transitioning to permanent residency.

    After gaining sufficient work experience under this visa, many applicants move to Subclass 186 as a permanent pathway. Eligibility typically includes:
    • Employer sponsorship
    • Relevant educational qualifications
    • Required work experience
    • English language proficiency
    Australia is waiting for you!

    Eligibility Requirements for Architects Migrating to Australia

    To qualify for most skilled migration pathways, architects must satisfy specific academic, professional, and language criteria. While requirements may vary slightly depending on the visa subclass, core eligibility standards remain consistent.

    Generally, applicants should have:

    • A positive AACA skills assessment
    • A recognized 5-year architectural qualification
    • Minimum 3 years of relevant work experience (varies by visa stream)
    • IELTS score of at least 7.0 or equivalent
    • Age under 45 for points-based visas
    • A comprehensive professional portfolio

    A higher migration points score significantly improves the likelihood of receiving an invitation.

    Australia is waiting for you!

    Step-by-Step Process to Migrate to Australia as an Architect

    Migrating to Australia involves a structured and carefully planned process that begins with eligibility evaluation and concludes with visa approval and relocation.

    The general process includes:

    • Confirm your occupation is listed on the relevant Skilled Occupation List
    • Calculate your migration points
    • Complete the AACA skills assessment
    • Take IELTS or PTE Academic
    • Submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) via SkillSelect
    • Apply for state nomination if required
    • Receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA)
    • Lodge your visa application within the specified timeframe
    • Await visa decision and prepare for relocation

    Strategic documentation and accurate profiling are crucial to improving approval chances.

    Australia is waiting for you!

    5. Skilled Trades

    Carpentry, wiring, cooking, and plumbing are in big demand. They are never “white-collar,” yet well-paying and with a path to a visa.

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    Architect Salary in Australia in 2026

    Architect salaries in Australia vary depending on experience level, location, and project specialization. Major cities typically offer higher salaries but may also have a higher cost of living. On average:

    • Entry-level architects earn between AUD 65,000 and AUD 80,000 annually
    • Mid-career professionals earn between AUD 85,000 and AUD 110,000
    • Senior architects and project leads can earn AUD 120,000 or more
    Work permit Australia

    Monthly Intake Levels: 2024 and 2025

    The average monthly immigrants have reduced to:
    Category Jan–Jun 2024 Jan–Jun 2025
    Study Permits 20,839 6,070
    Work Permits 40,865 19,872

    The numbers show the deliberate slow pace in study and work visa approvals under Canada’s new immigration policy.

    Canada is waiting for you!

    Study Permit Changes

    • Territorial and provincial study permit quotas
    • Increased proof of funds requirement
    • Stricter Post-Graduation Work Permit eligibility requirements
    • Limited off-campus employment privileges
    • Closure of express student streams such as the Student Direct Stream (SDS) and the Nigerian Student Express
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    How to Get an LMIA: What Employers Need to Know

    An LMIA is nothing but a test or assessment by the ESDC which helps the unit decide that there is no Canadian or Permanent Resident available to fill the job opportunity. Hence, a foreign worker needs to be hired for the same. And below are the steps how the employers can obtain an LMIA:

    LMIA Application Process:

    Step 1: Submit Application to ESDC

    Employers or the company should first open the job in Canada by advertising through various portals and make genuine efforts to recruit domestically. This should be for four weeks at least. They also have to provide details about job duties, wages, and employment conditions, along with the required processing fee.

    Step 2: Wait for the LMIA Decision

    If the assessment by ESDC comes positive, a positive LMIA is sent to the employer with a recommended work duration.

    Step 3: Share LMIA with the Worker

    After the employer gets the LMIA, it is shared with the selected foreign worker to help with their work permit application to IRCC.
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    As an Architect Moving to Australia in 2026

    you’ll have great job opportunities, good pay, and the chance to stay there permanently through permanent residency pathways. No matter if you want a Skilled Independent visa, a state nomination, a regional pathway, or employer sponsorship, the key to a successful migration journey is still careful planning and a good AACA skills assessment.

    Architects can get Australian PR and build a successful professional future in one of the world’s most dynamic construction and design markets if they plan ahead, keep good records, and have a competitive profile.

    Start Your Australia Journey Today

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