A Step-by-Step Guide to Getting Your Architect Skill Assessment in Australia

If you’re an architect dreaming of building a life (and maybe a few buildings) in Australia, you’ve likely come across the term "skills assessment." This is your golden ticket to begin your migration journey—and it’s not just paperwork. It’s how Australia ensures that the architects who enter their workforce meet the nation’s high standards of excellence, creativity, and professionalism.

Whether you're overseas or already in Australia, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know about the architect skill assessment process, the different pathways, the documents required, and the visa options available once you're successfully assessed.

🏛️ Why Architect (ANZSCO 232111) Is in Demand in Australia

Architecture in Australia is more than design—it’s innovation, sustainability, and shaping iconic skylines. As urban growth accelerates across the country, there's a constant demand for talented architects. That’s why Architects (ANZSCO 232111) consistently feature on Australia’s skilled occupation lists.

But before you can design your future Down Under, you need to prove your qualifications through a skills assessment—a process that evaluates your education, experience, and capability against Australian standards.

🧭 Your Pathways for Architect Skill Assessment

There are two main assessing authorities responsible for evaluating architects for migration to Australia:

1. Architects Accreditation Council of Australia (AACA)
2. VETASSESS (for related roles such as Architectural Draftspersons)

Let’s explore each of these in detail.

✨ Pathway 1: AACA – The Primary Authority for Architects

The Architects Accreditation Council of Australia (AACA) is the go-to authority for assessing professional architects who intend to migrate and register in Australia. If your goal is to become a registered architect in Australia, this is your path.

✔️ Two Key Skill Assessment Routes via AACA:

• Overseas Qualifications Assessment (OQA) – for those who studied architecture outside Australia.
• Verification of Australian Qualifications – for graduates from accredited programs in Australia, New Zealand, or Hong Kong.

📘 Overseas Qualifications Assessment (OQA)

This pathway is designed for architects who obtained their qualifications overseas. AACA evaluates whether your education and experience align with what’s expected in Australia.

Key Steps Include:

• Submitting academic transcripts
• Providing a detailed portfolio of work
• Sharing proof of relevant professional experience
• Completing interviews or exams (as required)

Note: If your degree is from Australia, NZ, or Hong Kong, you're exempt from this assessment and can go directly to the next stage.

🎓 Verification of Australian Qualifications

If you studied at an accredited Australian institution (or equivalent in NZ or HK), you can apply for qualification verification. No work experience is required at this stage—your academic record is enough.

🛠️ Two Types of Assessments under AACA

AACA assessments are categorized into:

1. Provisional Assessment – Submission of educational documents for initial review.
2. Portfolio Submission and Interview – Required for OQA applicants to demonstrate practical skills and competencies.

👤 Who Can Apply for AACA Skill Assessment?

• Overseas Graduates – via the OQA pathway
• Australian Architecture Graduates – via verification of local qualifications
• Applicants from MRA countries – NZ, Singapore, Hong Kong (recognized through Mutual Recognition Agreements)
• UK Graduates – RIBA-qualified (Part 1 & 2) applicants are recognized under a UK-Australia MRA

📑 Required Documents for AACA Skill Assessment

• Degree Certificate (Master of Architecture or equivalent)
• Academic Transcript
• Passport and photo ID
• Optional: Birth Certificate, Driver’s License, Student ID, Marriage Certificate

For overseas applicants, a minimum of 6 months' professional experience is usually required.

💡 Pathway 2: VETASSESS – For Architectural Draftspersons

If you're not a registered architect but have skills in architectural drafting, you can still pursue Australian migration under ANZSCO 312111 – Architectural Draftsperson, assessed by VETASSESS.

✅ Eligibility Requirements:

• Qualification at least at AQF Diploma level in a relevant field (e.g., architectural drafting)
• At least 1 year of relevant work experience within the last 5 years
• Proof of English language proficiency (IELTS, PTE, TOEFL)
• Supporting documents: Degree, transcripts, experience letters, reference letters

🧱 Roles Considered under ANZSCO 312111:

• Architectural Associate
• Building Designer
• Drafting Officer

🛂 Visa Options After Skill Assessment

Once you’ve got your positive skill assessment, the door opens to multiple skilled migration pathways:

1. Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189)

• No sponsorship needed
• Based on your EOI and points

2. Skilled Nominated Visa (Subclass 190)

• Requires state nomination
• Priority processing and potential extra points

3. Employer Nomination Scheme Visa (Subclass 186)

• Sponsored by an employer
• Offers permanent residency

4. Temporary Skill Shortage Visa (Subclass 482)

• Temporary work visa sponsored by an employer
• Can lead to permanent residency

🧭 Need Help Navigating the Process?

The skill assessment process can be complex, especially with multiple pathways and document requirements. That’s where expert migration advisors come in.

At The Migration, our experienced consultants can:

• Help you determine the best pathway (AACA or VETASSESS)
• Review your qualifications and portfolio
• Guide you through document preparation
• Assist with visa applications post-assessment

🏁 Final Thoughts

Becoming a registered architect or architectural draftsperson in Australia is a journey that starts with a solid skill assessment. Whether you studied in Australia, the UK, India, or elsewhere, there’s a pathway for you—you just need to choose the right one.

Architecture is about shaping spaces. And your next space could very well be in Australia.

Ready to build your future? Start your assessment journey today—with confidence and professional guidance.

DM us for details:

Ashi Gupta

+61 480 091 240