The Subclass 476 Skilled, Recognised Graduate visa is no longer available for new applicants. This visa subclass has been closed by the Australian Government.
Previously, this visa allowed recent engineering graduates from recognised institutions under the Washington Accord, Sydney Accord or Dublin Accord to gain up to 18 months of skilled work experience in Australia.
Engineering graduates seeking to work in Australia should explore alternative visa pathways, including the Skilled Independent visa (Subclass 189), Skilled Nominated visa (Subclass 190), Skilled Work Regional visa (Subclass 491), or employer-sponsored options such as the Temporary Skill Shortage visa (Subclass 482) and Employer Nomination Scheme (Subclass 186).
Who is this permit for?
This visa subclass is no longer available. The information below is for reference only. If you're an engineering graduate looking to work in Australia, get in touch and we'll find the right current pathway for you.
This visa is NO LONGER AVAILABLE for new applicants
Engineering graduates should consider the Subclass 189, 190, 491, 482, or 186 visa pathways
A skills assessment through Engineers Australia may be required for alternative visa applications
Contact our team for a current eligibility assessment based on available visa options
Common reasons for rejection
Visa subclass is closed: The Subclass 476 is no longer available for new applications. Any application submitted under this subclass will be refused. Applicants should pursue current alternative pathways for engineering professionals.
Failed skills assessment for alternative pathways: Most current skilled migration pathways for engineers require a positive skills assessment from Engineers Australia. A negative outcome, often due to insufficient experience, unrecognised qualifications or gaps in employment, will prevent progression to any points-tested or employer-sponsored visa.
Points score not competitive on alternative visas: For the Subclass 189, 190 or 491, a minimum of 65 points is required, but competitive scores are typically higher. Engineers who score exactly the minimum threshold may wait extended periods without receiving an invitation.
Occupation not on relevant skilled occupation list: Not all engineering disciplines appear on the current MLTSSL or state occupation lists. If your specific engineering occupation is not listed, you may be ineligible for the points-tested skilled migration pathway you are targeting.
English language requirements not met: All skilled migration pathways require a minimum level of English. Providing an expired test, insufficient band scores or the wrong test type will delay or prevent a visa grant.
Age limit for alternative visa pathways: Skills-based visas (189, 190, 491) require applicants to be under 45 at the time of invitation. Engineers approaching this threshold should seek advice urgently to identify the most suitable and time-appropriate pathway.
Application process
1. Important Notice
The Subclass 476 visa is no longer available for new applications. The steps below are provided for historical reference only.
2. Alternative Pathway Assessment
Our team can assess your qualifications, experience, and circumstances to identify the most suitable current visa pathway for engineering professionals.
3. Skills Assessment
For most alternative skilled visa pathways, you will need a skills assessment from Engineers Australia or the relevant assessing authority for your engineering discipline.
4. Visa Application
Once the most appropriate pathway is identified, we guide you through the full application process for your chosen visa subclass.
Key considerations
The Subclass 476 visa is no longer available for new applications.
Engineering graduates should explore current visa options including the Subclass 189, 190, 491, 482, and 186.
A skills assessment through Engineers Australia is typically required for skilled migration pathways.
Points-tested visa categories (189, 190, 491) require meeting a minimum points threshold.
Employer-sponsored pathways (482, 186) require a sponsoring Australian employer.
Contact New World Immigration for a current assessment of your options.
Costs
As the Subclass 476 is no longer available, costs will depend on which alternative visa pathway is most suitable for your circumstances. Please contact our team for a personalised assessment.
Alternative Visa Government Fees: Varies by visa subclass
Costs vary depending on the visa pathway chosen. Contact our team for specific fee information.
Processing timeframes
As the Subclass 476 is no longer available, processing times will depend on the alternative visa pathway chosen.
This visa subclass: No longer available
Alternative pathways: Varies, contact our team
Job offer requirements
The Subclass 476 visa is no longer available. For alternative visa pathways, job offer requirements vary depending on the visa subclass chosen.
Employer-sponsored visas (such as Subclass 482 and 186) require a job offer from an approved Australian employer. Points-tested visas (189, 190, 491) do not require a job offer.
New World Immigration operates a recruitment division that can assist engineering professionals in connecting with Australian employers.
How to apply — step by step
1. Identify the most suitable current visa pathway
Since the Subclass 476 is closed, the first step is to identify which current visa best suits your profile. Options include the points-tested pathways (189, 190, 491) for independent and nominated skilled migration, or employer-sponsored options (482, 186) if you have or can secure a job offer from an Australian employer.
2. Obtain a skills assessment from Engineers Australia
For most engineering migration pathways, you will need a positive skills assessment from Engineers Australia (or the relevant body for your discipline). Prepare certified copies of your academic qualifications, detailed employment references and any professional registration documents.
3. Calculate your points (for 189, 190, 491)
Estimate your points across all categories, age, English language, qualifications, work experience, partner skills and any additional factors. This determines which points-tested pathway is viable and how competitive your invitation score will be.
4. Sit an English language test
Complete an approved English test (IELTS, PTE, TOEFL or Cambridge). Aim for Proficient English (IELTS 7.0+) if pursuing points-tested visas, as higher scores add significant bonus points.
5. Submit an EOI (for 189, 190, 491) or engage an employer (for 482, 186)
For points-tested visas, submit an Expression of Interest through SkillSelect. For employer-sponsored visas, identify a suitable Australian employer through our recruitment division or your own professional networks.
6. Complete health and character checks
Obtain police clearances from all countries where you have lived for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Complete health examinations with an approved panel physician once invited to apply.
7. Lodge the visa application
Once invited or nominated (for points-tested visas) or once the employer's nomination is approved (for sponsored visas), lodge a complete application through ImmiAccount with all required supporting documentation.
Quick tips
The Subclass 476 is closed, do not waste time or money on this pathway. Focus immediately on a current visa category.
Engineers Australia is the primary assessing body for most engineering disciplines. Confirm your occupation code before lodging an assessment to avoid delays.
If your engineering degree is from a Washington Accord institution, your qualifications are recognised globally and should support a positive skills assessment.
A higher English score adds meaningful points to your total. Proficient English (IELTS 7.0 average) is worth 10 bonus points; Superior (IELTS 8.0) is worth 20.
Regional visa options (Subclass 491) have a broader occupation list than the 189 and award 15 additional points. Perth, Adelaide and Canberra all qualify as "regional" for this visa.
If you are close to the age of 45, seek advice immediately, age points drop significantly at 33, 40 and again at 45, and a delay of even a few months can change your entire pathway strategy.
Employer-sponsored visas (482, 186) are an alternative if your points score is not competitive for independent pathways. Our recruitment division can assist with employer connections.
Documents needed
Valid passport
Positive skills assessment from Engineers Australia (or relevant assessing body)
English language test results (IELTS, PTE, TOEFL or Cambridge)
Certified engineering degree and academic transcripts
Professional registration or membership documents (if applicable)
Birth certificate
Police clearances from every country of residence (12+ months in past 10 years)
Health examination results from an approved panel physician
Any documentation related to the specific visa pathway chosen (EOI, nomination, employer nomination)
Frequently asked questions
Can I still apply for the Subclass 476 visa?
No. The Subclass 476 visa is no longer available for new applications. This visa subclass has been closed by the Australian Government.
What are the alternatives for engineering graduates?
Engineering graduates can explore the Skilled Independent visa (Subclass 189), Skilled Nominated visa (Subclass 190), Skilled Work Regional visa (Subclass 491), Temporary Skill Shortage visa (Subclass 482), or Employer Nomination Scheme (Subclass 186). The most suitable pathway depends on your qualifications, experience, and circumstances.
Do I need a skills assessment for alternative visas?
Yes. Most skilled migration pathways require a skills assessment from Engineers Australia or the relevant assessing authority for your engineering discipline.
Can New World Immigration help me find an alternative pathway?
Yes. Our team can assess your qualifications, experience, and circumstances to identify the most suitable current visa pathway and guide you through the application process.
Get expert help
While the Subclass 476 visa is no longer available, there are several alternative pathways for engineering professionals seeking to live and work in Australia.
Contact our team for a current eligibility assessment to identify the best visa option for your circumstances.