Construction Project Manager Visa Pathway – Move from the UK to Australia

Why Move to Australia as a Construction Project Manager?

Construction Project Managers (CPMs) are in high demand across Australia due to the booming infrastructure, commercial, and residential construction sectors. With significant government investment in development projects, skilled professionals from the UK have excellent opportunities to secure employment and obtain Permanent Residency (PR) through skilled migration.

Key benefits include:

Strong job demand across residential, commercial, and infrastructure projects
High salaries, ranging from AUD $110,000 – $180,000 per year
Clear pathways to Permanent Residency (PR) via skilled migration
Opportunities to work on major construction projects across Australia

Step-by-Step Process for UK Construction Project Managers

Step 1: Check Eligibility

To qualify for an Australian skilled visa as a Construction Project Manager, you must:

Hold a formal qualification in construction management, civil engineering, or a related field (e.g., Bachelor’s degree or equivalent)
Have at least three years of relevant work experience in project management
Score 65+ points in the Australian immigration points test
Pass the VETASSESS skills assessment

Step 2: Skills Assessment with VETASSESS

Before applying for a skilled visa, UK Construction Project Managers must have their qualifications and experience assessed by VETASSESS, the designated assessing authority.

Skills Assessment Process:

Submit proof of academic qualifications, including transcripts and certificates
Provide evidence of work experience, such as job descriptions, references, and payslips
Demonstrate project management expertise in construction, including budgeting, scheduling, and site management
Receive a positive skills assessment outcome

Processing Time: 12-20 weeks
Assessment Fee: AUD $900 – $1,500

Step 3: Choose the Right Skilled Visa

UK Construction Project Managers can apply for the following skilled visas:

Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189)

No state or employer sponsorship required
Grants permanent residency upon approval
Requires a minimum of 65 points

Skilled Nominated Visa (Subclass 190)

Requires nomination from an Australian state or territory
Provides an additional five points towards the visa application
Grants permanent residency upon approval

Skilled Work Regional Visa (Subclass 491)

Requires nomination from a regional area
Provides an additional fifteen points towards the visa application
Leads to permanent residency after three years of living and working in a regional area

Construction Project Managers are in high demand in New South Wales, Victoria, Queensland, and Western Australia, where large-scale developments are ongoing.

Step 4: Expression of Interest (EOI) in SkillSelect

After completing the skills assessment, candidates must submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) through the SkillSelect system.

Factors influencing EOI selection include:

Immigration points score (age, experience, English proficiency, qualifications, and state nomination)
Demand for construction managers in the selected state
Invitation rounds conducted by the Department of Home Affairs

Waiting Time for Invitation: 1-6 months

Step 5: Apply for Your Visa

Once an invitation to apply is received, the visa application must be submitted with:

Health and character documents (police clearance and medical examination)
Proof of qualifications and work experience
English language test results (if applicable)

Processing Time:

Subclass 189 & 190: 4-8 months
Subclass 491: 6-12 months

Visa Fees: AUD $4,640 (Main Applicant)

Salary & Job Market for Construction Project Managers in Australia

The average salary for a Construction Project Manager in Australia varies depending on experience, location, and project size.

Salary Ranges:

Entry-Level Construction Managers: AUD $110,000 – $130,000
Experienced Construction Managers: AUD $130,000 – $160,000
Senior Construction Managers: AUD $160,000 – $180,000+

Top Employers:

Large construction firms and property developers
Government infrastructure projects (roads, rail, hospitals)
Commercial and residential building companies
Renewable energy and mining sector developments

With a growing demand for infrastructure and housing, skilled Construction Project Managers are sought after by major Australian employers.

Success Stories

Mark T. from London successfully migrated to Melbourne as a Construction Project Manager. By securing a positive VETASSESS skills assessment and obtaining state nomination, he was granted a Subclass 190 visa and found employment within weeks of arrival.

Those considering a similar move can benefit from expert migration guidance and structured visa application support.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need Australian construction management experience?
No. However, having experience with Australian building codes and standards can improve job prospects.

Can I bring my family with me?
Yes. Spouses and dependent children can be included in the visa application for permanent residency.

What if I do not meet the 65-point requirement?
Applicants can improve their points score by obtaining state nomination (5 points for the 190 Visa), applying for a regional visa (15 points for the 491 Visa), or achieving a higher score on an English test.

How soon can I begin working after my visa is granted?
Construction Project Managers can start working immediately upon arrival in Australia.

Next Steps

Check Eligibility – Complete a free assessment to determine visa options
Book a Consultation – Get expert advice on visa pathways and requirements
Stay Informed – Subscribe for updates on skilled migration changes

For personalized guidance and to begin the process, contact our migration specialists today.