Australian PR Points for Construction Project Manager, ANZSCO 133111
Construction Project Managers (ANZSCO 133111) are well regarded within Australia's General Skilled Migration programme, largely due to ongoing civil and building works. Sitting on the MLTSSL, general historical patterns for this occupation category suggest a competitive subclass 189 score is often around 80 points, though this is indicative only, not a figure published by the Department of Home Affairs for a specific round. The 190 visa can also provide a solid pathway-assuming states open their programmes and include this occupation-lowering the base points requirement. This page helps you gauge your potential score across all three visa pathways with Construction Project Manager-specific context.
Subclass 189: Skilled Independent
Construction Project Manager, MLTSSL status
Based on general historical patterns, ANZSCO 133111 tends to be competitive around 80 points, though this is an indicative range, not a published figure for a specific round. It's competitive, so maximising your English score and work experience is highly beneficial.
→ How the 189 visa worksSubclass 190: State Nominated
With +5 state nomination points
Historically a strong pathway when state migration programmes are active. States like NSW, VIC, and QLD often value construction expertise, subject to their annual quotas.
→ 190 eligibility explainedSubclass 491: Regional
With +15 regional bonus points
The +15 regional bonus helps boost overall points, but relies on states and territories having active allocations for regional visas in this occupation.
→ 491 eligibility explainedYour Construction Project Manager Score Across All Three Visa Pathways
| Subclass 189 | Subclass 190 | Subclass 491 |
|---|
| Nomination bonus | +0 | +5 | +15 |
| Indicative range (ANZSCO 133111) | ~80 pts | Check states | Check states |
| Occupation list | MLTSSL | MLTSSL | MLTSSL |
| Invitation pathway | Federal round | State dependent | State dependent |
| Primary assessing body | VETASSESS | VETASSESS | VETASSESS |
Invitation cutoffs change based on the round and occupation ceilings. Always check current data before relying on past trends.
→ See our monthly invitation round tracker for latest resultsSkills Assessment for Construction Project Manager
You need a positive skills assessment before you can lodge an Expression of Interest (EOI) in SkillSelect.
Construction Project Manager (ANZSCO 133111) is assessed by VETASSESS
| Assessing body | VETASSESS |
| Official portal | vetassess.com.au |
| Processing time | Check VETASSESS official portal |
| Assessment fee | Check VETASSESS official portal |
| Assessment type | General Professional (Group A) |
| Qualification required | Bachelor degree or higher (highly relevant) |
VETASSESS Group A occupation criteria require a qualification assessed as comparable to an Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) Bachelor degree or higher, in a highly relevant field, plus at least one year of post-qualification highly relevant employment completed within the last five years.
⚠ Warning: Your skills assessment must still be valid when you receive an Invitation to Apply, not just when you lodge your EOI. VETASSESS assessments generally last for 3 years for migration purposes.
State Nomination for Construction Project Managers: What to Know
State nomination gives you +5 points (190) or +15 points (491). It relies heavily on each state's annual quotas and occupation lists.
| State | 190 Available? | 491 Available? | Notes |
|---|
| NSW | Check current | Check current | Historically focuses on major infrastructure; waiting on 2026-27 allocations. |
| VIC | Check current | Check current | Requires an ROI; competitive selection based on state priorities. |
| QLD | Check current | Check current | Check official portal for updated settings and lists. |
| SA | Check current | Check current | Check official portal for updated settings and lists. |
| WA | Check current | Check current | Check official portal for updated settings and lists. |
| TAS | Check current | Check current | Typically more accessible for applicants living and working in Tasmania. |
| ACT | Check current | Check current | Based on the Canberra Matrix; subject to current list updates. |
| NT | Check current | Check current | Generally favours NT residents. |
Note: State occupation lists and quotas are subject to change. Always verify directly at each state's official migration portal before preparing your application.
Construction Project Managers have historically been sought after by states building up infrastructure. Because state nomination isn't guaranteed and quotas run out, ensuring you have a competitive base score remains important.
How to Improve Your Score as a Construction Project Manager
Personalised to ANZSCO 133111, the improvements with the highest impact for your specific occupation.
1. Superior English
Moving from Proficient (IELTS 7.0) to Superior (IELTS 8.0/PTE 79) gives you an extra 10 points. For Construction Project Managers, this can be the difference in bridging the gap to the indicative competitive range around 80 points.
→ Explore points-boosting options2. State Nomination (190)
Targeting a 190 visa adds 5 points immediately. While subject to state quotas, it can be a great option if your base score sits just below the 189 threshold.
→ Full 190 visa breakdown3. Claim Maximum Work Experience
Project managers often have valuable offshore experience. Having VETASSESS properly assess this experience could yield up to 15 points for employment history.
→ Work experience guide| Strategy | Points Gained | Time Required | Reform Risk |
|---|
| Superior English (if at Proficient) | +10 | 2-6 months | Low |
| State nomination (190) | +5 | 2-12 weeks | Low |
| Regional sponsorship (491) | +15 | 2-12 weeks | Low |
| Australian work exp (1 more year) | +5 | 1 year | Low |
| Partner Skills | +5 to +10 | Varies | Low |
How the 2026 Reform Affects Construction Project Managers
⚠ The 2026 points test reform is proposed, not yet legislated. The current Schedule 6D system remains fully in effect until laws pass.
The construction sector is highly critical to Australia's infrastructure, so underlying demand for Construction Project Managers should remain solid. However, proposed changes to the points test-including potentially raising the minimum point threshold and introducing income-based points to reward high-earners-could shake up how applicants rank in SkillSelect. Experienced managers on strong salaries could see a tangible benefit under these proposals.
→ Learn more about the 2026 points test reform