This is a 2026 step-by-step pathway guide for a Construction Estimator migrating to Australia under ANZSCO 312114. 312114 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 312114 cost & timeline case study. For VETASSESS document details see the skills assessment guide.
Step 1 — Confirm 312114 is the right code
ANZSCO 312114 covers construction estimating work — preparing tender estimates (lump sum, schedule of rates, design-and-construct, ECI), quantity takeoffs from drawings (digital using CostX / Cubit / Buildxact / Bluebeam Revu), Bill of Quantities (BOQ) preparation per AS / NZS 4836 / NRM2, subcontractor enquiry packages, material pricing (Cordell / Rawlinsons / NHBC databases), labour and plant rate build-ups, variation pricing, cost planning during design, value engineering, and cost reporting through construction.
If you have a Bachelor / Master and are AIQS / RICS chartered, 233213 Quantity Surveyor typically gives stronger invitation rates.
If you focus on overall building admin rather than pricing, 312112 Building Associate may fit better.
Step 2 — VETASSESS skills assessment
VETASSESS (vetassess.com.au) handles 312114. Standard requirements:
- Qualification — at least AQF Diploma / Advanced Diploma in Building / Construction Management / Quantity Surveying, or Bachelor in same disciplines.
- Skilled employment — at least 1 year highly relevant in the 5 years before applying (post-qualification).
- Reference letters must show majority time on estimating / BOQ / tender pricing.
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 312114 is on MLTSSL — confirm at EOI. 190 / 491 are realistic — construction estimators are in steady demand across all states.
Subclass 186 / 494 / 482
Main 312114 employers:
- Tier 1 builders — Lendlease, John Holland, CPB Contractors (CIMIC), Multiplex, Built, Roberts Co (formerly Probuild), Watpac (BESIX), McConnell Dowell, Decmil.
- Tier 2 builders — Hutchinson Builders, Hansen Yuncken, Buildcorp, Hindmarsh, Kane Constructions, Cockram, Icon (Kajima), FK Gardner, ADCO Constructions, Richard Crookes Constructions.
- Home builders — Metricon, Henley, Carlisle, Simonds, Burbank, Coral Homes, GJ Gardner, Hotondo, Dennis Family Homes.
- Specialist subcontractors — major mechanical / electrical / fire / facade / civil subcontractors — A.G. Coombs, Honeywell Australia, Lend Lease Building, AE Smith, Programmed.
- Independent QS / cost consulting firms — Rider Levett Bucknall (RLB), WT Partnership, Turner & Townsend, Currie & Brown, Slattery, AECOM Cost Consulting, DCWC, Aquenta (Jacobs), Faithful+Gould, Aon Cost Consulting.
- Civil / infrastructure contractors — Acciona, Ferrovial, Laing O'Rourke, Downer Group, Fulton Hogan, BMD Group, Boral, Hanson Australia.
Tier 1 / Tier 2 builders, home builders and cost consultancies all sponsor 482 / 186 for experienced estimators.
Step 5 — Score / Step 6 — Submit
Use points calculator. Lodge via SkillSelect.
Tools
Authoritative sources
- Home Affairs
- VETASSESS
- Australian Institute of Quantity Surveyors (AIQS)
- Master Builders Australia
- HIA
- Office of MARA
Next step
Want to map your construction estimator profile against 189 vs 190 vs 491 vs 186 vs 494 vs 482? Book a 30-minute free strategy call.