This is a 2026 step-by-step pathway guide for an Architectural Draftsperson migrating to Australia under ANZSCO 312111. 312111 is on CSOL with state nomination availability — full skilled visa stack: Subclass 189 Independent (where listed), Subclass 190 State-Nominated, Subclass 491 Regional Provisional → 191 PR, Subclass 186 Direct Entry, Subclass 494 Regional Employer → 191, and Subclass 482 Core Skills → 186 TRT.
For the cost / timeline view see the 312111 cost & timeline case study. For VETASSESS document details see the skills assessment guide.
Step 1 — Confirm 312111 is the right code
ANZSCO 312111 covers architectural drafting and documentation — producing concept, planning, tender, construction and as-built drawings; BIM modelling and coordination (Revit, ArchiCAD, Vectorworks, AutoCAD, Bentley MicroStation); detail design; planning / DA submission packages; specifications support; clash-detection / model coordination (Navisworks, BIM 360 / Autodesk Construction Cloud, Solibri); rendering and visualisation (Enscape, Twinmotion, V-Ray, Lumion); compliance check support (National Construction Code / Building Code of Australia, AS 1428 disability access, state DCPs / planning schemes); and construction supervision support.
If you have a Bachelor of Architecture / Master of Architecture and have completed AACA / state architecture board registration, 232111 Architect is the right code.
If you're a building designer with registration (e.g. Victorian Building Authority registration), you may also fit 312112 Building Associate.
Step 2 — VETASSESS skills assessment
VETASSESS (vetassess.com.au) handles 312111. Standard requirements:
- Qualification — at least AQF Diploma / Advanced Diploma in Architectural Drafting / Building Design / Architectural Technology / Bachelor of Architecture (used for 312111 if not seeking AACA registration).
- Skilled employment — at least 1 year highly relevant in the 5 years before applying (post-qualification).
- Reference letters must show majority time on architectural drafting / BIM work.
Standard turnaround 12-16 weeks.
Step 3 — English
EOI lodgement requires Competent English. For points-tested visas, target Proficient (10 pts) or Superior (20 pts).
Step 4 — Choose a visa pathway
Subclass 189 / 190 / 491
189 if 312111 is on MLTSSL — confirm at EOI. 190 / 491 are realistic given strong demand in residential and commercial construction sectors.
Subclass 186 / 494 / 482
Main 312111 employers:
- Large architecture practices — Bates Smart, Hassell, Cox Architecture, BVN, Woods Bagot, FJC Studio (formerly FJMT), Architectus, Lyons Architecture, Hayball, Cottee Parker, Carr Design, John Wardle Architects, Kerstin Thompson Architects, Crone Partners, PTW Architects, dwp.
- Mid-tier practices — Plus Architecture, Rothelowman, Fender Katsalidis, ClarkeHopkinsClarke, Marchese Partners, Bickerton Masters Architecture, MJA Studio, Hames Sharley.
- Building designers — large-scale building design firms (designing under planning approval rather than architect registration).
- Builders / developers in-house design — Metricon, Henley, Carlisle Homes, Simonds, Mirvac, Stockland, Lendlease, Frasers Property, Sekisui House, Brookfield Multiplex, John Holland (in-house design).
- Engineering consultancies with architecture practices — GHD, AECOM, Aurecon, WSP, Arup, Jacobs, Cardno (Stantec).
482 / 186 sponsorships flow from mid-large architecture practices and major home builders / developers.
Step 5 — Score / Step 6 — Submit
Use points calculator. Lodge via SkillSelect.
Tools
Authoritative sources
- Home Affairs
- VETASSESS
- Building Designers Association of Australia (BDAA)
- Australian Institute of Building Surveyors (AIBS)
- Australian Institute of Architects
- Office of MARA
Next step
Want to map your architectural drafting profile against 189 vs 190 vs 491 vs 186 vs 494 vs 482? Book a 30-minute free strategy call.