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Surveyor – ANZSCO 232212

Surveyor (ANZSCO 232212) is a skill level 1 occupation assessed by ISNSW for Australian skilled migration. It is on the MLTSSL, CSOL lists and can be used for subclass 189, subclass 190, subclass 491, subclass 491F, subclass 485, subclass 482, subclass 186, subclass 494, subclass 407. 7 of 8 states and territories currently nominate it.

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Quick facts

  • ANZSCO code: 232212
  • Skill level: 1 – Bachelor degree or higher, or at least 5 years of relevant experience.
  • Assessing authority: ISNSW
  • Occupation lists: MLTSSL, CSOL
  • English test for skills assessment: Check with the authority
  • ANZSCO unit group: 2322 Surveyors and Spatial Scientists

Surveyor job description and duties

Plans, directs and conducts survey work to determine, delineate, plan and precisely position tracts of land, natural and constructed features, coastlines, marine floors and underground works, and manages related information systems. Registration or licensing may be required.

Specialisations: Cadastral Surveyor, Engineering Surveyor, Geodetic Surveyor, Hydrographic Surveyor, Mine Surveyor, Photogrammetric Surveyor

Tasks include

  • Determining the position of points of interest on the earth's surface including marine floors, and preparing the final product data in digital form
  • Supervising the preparation of plans, maps, charts and drawings, to give pictorial representations and managing spatial information systems
  • Undertaking research and development of surveying and photogrammetric measurement systems, cadastral systems and land information systems
  • Planning and designing land subdivision projects and negotiating details with local governments and other authorities
  • Advising Architects, Engineering Professionals, environmental and other scientists or other relevant professionals on the technical requirements of surveying, mapping, and spatial information systems
  • Compiling and evaluating data, interpreting codes of practice, and writing reports concerning survey measurement, land use and tenure
  • Preparing site plans and survey reports required for conveyancing and land ownership matters
  • Evaluating, compiling and maintaining spatial information using a range of digital and graphical source materials, including aerial photographs, satellite imagery, survey documents, existing maps and records, historical data, reports and statistics
  • Analysing and interpreting data to design maps, graphs, plans, drawings, and three-dimensional models using geographic information and related systems
  • Developing and trialling new applications for use in geographic information systems
  • Supervising and coordinating the work of Surveying or Spatial Science Technicians in the production and reproduction of geographic products

Education and skill level

Most occupations in this unit group have a level of skill commensurate with a bachelor degree or higher qualification. In some instances relevant experience and/or on-the-job training may be required in addition to the formal qualification (ANZSCO Skill Level 1). Registration or licensing may be required.

Visa options for Surveyor

Eligible means the occupation is on a list the visa accepts. You still need to meet every other requirement.

  • Subclass 189 Skilled Independent: Eligible (via MLTSSL)
  • Subclass 190 Skilled Nominated: Eligible (via MLTSSL / STSOL)
  • Subclass 491 Skilled Work Regional – State/Territory nominated: Eligible (via MLTSSL / STSOL / ROL)
  • Subclass 491F Skilled Work Regional – Family sponsored: Eligible (via MLTSSL)
  • Subclass 485 Temporary Graduate – Post-Vocational Education Work: Eligible (via MLTSSL)
  • Subclass 482 Skills in Demand – Core Skills stream: Eligible (via CSOL)
  • Subclass 186 Employer Nomination Scheme – Direct Entry: Eligible (via CSOL)
  • Subclass 494 Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional – Employer sponsored: Eligible (via MLTSSL / STSOL / ROL)
  • Subclass 407 Training visa: Eligible (via MLTSSL / STSOL / ROL)

State and territory nomination for Surveyor

7 of 8 states and territories currently list this occupation: New South Wales, Victoria, Queensland, South Australia, Western Australia, Tasmania, Australian Capital Territory. Onshore means already living in that state; offshore means living outside Australia.

  • New South Wales: 190 Yes, 491 Closed 26–27, onshore NSW residents, offshore Yes. NSW Skills List — unit group 2322.
  • Victoria: 190 Yes, 491 Not yet open, onshore VIC residents, offshore Yes. All 190-eligible occupations (no state list).
  • Queensland: 190 Yes, 491 Yes, onshore QLD residents, offshore Yes. Onshore list: 190 & 491; Offshore QSOL: 190 & 491.
  • South Australia: 190 Yes, 491 Yes, onshore SA residents, offshore Yes. SA Graduates: 190 & 491; Skilled Employment in SA: 190 & 491; Outer Regional Skilled Employment: 190 & 491; Offshore: 190 & 491.
  • Western Australia: 190 Yes, 491 Yes, onshore WA & interstate, offshore Yes. General – WASMOL Schedule 2: 190 & 491; Graduate stream (WA study): 190 & 491; Priority WA industry sector.
  • Tasmania: 190 Yes, 491 Yes, onshore TAS residents, offshore No. Living in Tasmania: Skilled Employment, Graduate or Established Resident pathways; Overseas 491 (OSOP) closed for 2026–27.
  • Australian Capital Territory: 190 Yes, 491 Yes, onshore Canberra residents, offshore Yes. ACT Nominated Migration Program Occupation List.
  • Northern Territory: 190 Closed, 491 By exception, onshore NT grads/residents only, offshore No. 491 onshore only, by exception for NT Graduate or Resident applicants with urgent visa or age deadlines.

Based on each state's official 2026–27 lists and program pages. Being listed does not guarantee an invitation.

Skills assessment for Surveyor

This authority assesses whether your qualifications (and, for some occupations, registration or work experience) meet the Australian standard for this occupation. Requirements are set by the authority and approved by the Department of Home Affairs.

The process

  1. Confirm the authority: Check that this body assesses your occupation for your visa.
  2. Check criteria: Read the qualification, registration, experience and English requirements.
  3. Prepare documents: Qualifications, transcripts, ID and any registration or employment evidence.
  4. Apply and pay: Lodge with the authority, usually online.
  5. Outcome: Use your outcome letter for your EOI and visa.

What you need for this occupation

ISNSW sets the criteria for this occupation. Requirements usually cover qualification level and field, any registration or licence, and in some cases work experience and English.

Documents checklist

  • Passport
  • Qualification certificates and full transcripts
  • Registration or licence evidence (if applicable)
  • Employment references (if applicable)
  • English test results (if required)

English language requirement

For the ISNSW skills assessment

ISNSW sets its own English rule for this occupation. Many professional and registration bodies ask for IELTS Academic 7 or equivalent, so check before you book a test.

For the visa (189, 190 and 491)

Separately, the visa needs at least Competent English. Minimum scores for tests taken on or after 7 August 2025:

  • IELTS (Academic or General): Listening 6.0, Reading 6.0, Writing 6.0, Speaking 6.0
  • PTE Academic: Listening 47, Reading 48, Writing 51, Speaking 54
  • TOEFL iBT: Listening 16, Reading 16, Writing 19, Speaking 19
  • OET: Listening 290, Reading 310, Writing 290, Speaking 330

Proficient English adds 10 points and Superior English adds 20 points in the points test.

Related occupations in unit group 2322

Frequently asked questions

What is the ANZSCO code for Surveyor?

The ANZSCO code for Surveyor is 232212. It is a skill level 1 occupation.

Who assesses Surveyor for Australian migration?

Surveyor is assessed by ISNSW. You need a positive skills assessment before you can apply for most skilled visas.

Which Australian visas can a Surveyor apply for?

Surveyor is on the MLTSSL, CSOL lists, so it can be used for: 189 Skilled Independent; 190 Skilled Nominated; 491 Skilled Work Regional – State/Territory nominated; 491F Skilled Work Regional – Family sponsored; 485 Temporary Graduate – Post-Vocational Education Work; 482 Skills in Demand – Core Skills stream; 186 Employer Nomination Scheme – Direct Entry; 494 Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional – Employer sponsored; 407 Training visa. You must still meet every other visa requirement.

Which states nominate Surveyor?

7 of 8 states and territories currently list Surveyor: New South Wales, Victoria, Queensland, South Australia, Western Australia, Tasmania, Australian Capital Territory. Each state has extra criteria such as residence, employment and points.

Do I need an English test for the Surveyor skills assessment?

ISNSW sets its own English rule; check its website. The visa itself needs at least Competent English (for example IELTS 6 in each band).

Sources: Australian Bureau of Statistics ANZSCO 2022 (CC BY 4.0), Department of Home Affairs skilled occupation lists, ISNSW and state and territory nomination pages. Checked November 2026. General information only, not migration advice. Search all ANZSCO occupations.

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