No; these occupations do not have the same requirements. Only the ANZSCO groups explicitly specified in Ministerial Direction 121 receive construction processing priority, and this priority applies solely to the «order of processing», rather than facilitating requirements or guaranteeing approval. The assessing authority, occupation list, visa pathway, skill level, salary threshold, and licensing requirements differ significantly between a Construction Project Manager, Civil Engineer, Drafter, and construction tradesperson.
Negin Safaee, Registered Migration Agent (MARA 1791573), addresses the most frequent question among construction sector applicants today by providing a clear picture of what actually happens in a construction applicant’s file: while the construction sector is indeed a high-priority processing sector, «working on a construction project» and «having an occupation on the construction list» are two entirely separate matters.
Which occupations are included in the construction priority?
As of 19 September 2026, Ministerial Directions 121 and 122 replaced the priorities of Direction 119. Under Direction 121, top priority is given to the construction, healthcare, teaching, agriculture, aquaculture, fisheries, resources, and defence/policing sectors. The construction list is closed and based on specific ANZSCO groups: sub-major groups 33 and 82, and unit groups 1331 (Construction Managers), 2321 (Architects), 2332 (Civil Engineering Professionals), 3121, 3126, 3129, 3222, 3223, 7111, 7121, 7212, and 341111/341112; group 1332 (Engineering Managers) and 3122 (Civil Engineering Draftspersons/Technicians) have also been added. Conversely, a Human Resources Manager or Electrical Engineer working on that same construction project is not considered a construction occupation for the purposes of Direction 121 and does not receive priority simply due to their presence on the project.
Priority means order of processing, not easier conditions
These directions do not change visa eligibility requirements; they only determine the sequence in which eligible applications are processed. Another important point concerns nomination: while Direction 119 also had a priority sequence for nomination applications, Direction 121 addresses only visa applications. Neither Direction 121 nor 122 determines the processing order for nominations, and as of 6 October 2026, no separate order for nominations has been released. Therefore, the fast approval of one nomination versus a delay in another is not necessarily a result of sector prioritisation. Additionally, the «onshore» requirement for construction, healthcare, and education has been removed, and offshore applicants in these sectors also receive top priority.
The assessing authority differs for each occupation
The common misconception that «all these occupations are assessed by Engineers Australia» does not align with the reality of the pathways: Construction Project Manager (133111) and Project Builder (133112) are assessed by VETASSESS; Civil Engineer (233211) by Engineers Australia; and Civil Engineering Draftsperson/Technician (group 3122) by either Engineers Australia or VETASSESS depending on the pathway—which must be verified on the official occupation list at immi.homeaffairs.gov.au. Construction trades such as painting, bricklaying, tiling, plumbing, and welding primarily proceed through trade assessment pathways, which further involve state licensing requirements and have no connection to Engineers Australia.
Why there is no “one-size-fits-all” requirement
Eligibility for lists and visa pathways differs among these occupations: the CSOL applies to the 482 visa Core Skills stream, and the MLTSSL to the 189 visa. For instance, 133111 and 133112 are on the Core Skills Occupation List, and the CSOL covers the 482 Core Skills and 186 Direct Entry pathways. Furthermore, skill levels, salary thresholds (Core Skills vs. Specialist Skills with a $146,576 threshold), state nomination, and licensing requirements are not the same for these occupations. Before making any decisions, the precise list of construction groups in Direction 121 and the assessing authority for each ANZSCO code must be verified via the official pages of immi.homeaffairs.gov.au and legislation.gov.au.
If your occupation code sits somewhere between project management, civil engineering, drafting, or construction trades, a detailed and personal review can clarify the right path and provide peace of mind; please contact us for bespoke guidance regarding your case.
Read the full legal breakdown ←
This answer reflects the law and policy as verified on October 27, 2026. Immigration rules change frequently — confirm the current position before acting.
Mrs. Negin Safaee Registered Migration Agent 1791573
This article is general information only, current at the date shown, and is not legal advice. Do not rely on it for your own situation — immigration law and policy change frequently. Seek advice from a registered migration agent or immigration lawyer about your circumstances.