Change to Skills Assessing Authority for Surveyor Occupation (Australia Migration Update – March 2026)
Following the liquidation of the Geospatial Council of Australia (GCA), the Australian Government has appointed The Institution of Surveyors New South Wales Ltd (ISNSW) as the new skills assessing authority for the Surveyor occupation (ANZSCO 232212).
If you are planning to migrate to Australia as a Surveyor or are currently preparing your Skills Assessment, this change may directly impact your application timeline and strategy.
Key Insights
The Australian Government has updated the skills assessing authority for the Surveyor occupation. On 27 March 2026, the Australian Government appointed the Institution of Surveyors New South Wales (ISNSW) as the new skills assessing authority.
However, the new skills assessing authority may not yet be fully operational, which could lead to delays or uncertainty for applicants.
What are the Changes?
Previously, the Geospatial Council of Australia (GCA) was the skills assessing authority for the Surveyor occupation.
However, the GCA went into liquidation in August 2025. This led them to stop accepting new applications immediately. As a result, the Australian Government appointed a new assessing authority, which is the Institution of Surveyors New South Wales (ISNSW).
The ISNSW will now take over the responsibility for assessing Surveyor qualifications for migration purposes.
The changes:
- Apply to visa applications made on or after 8 October 2025, including those not yet finalised
- Ensure applicants are not disadvantaged by delays in updating the legislative instruments
- Confirm that the skills assessment issued by the GCA prior to liquidation remains valid, so applicants don’t require a new assessment
Important: Skills Assessments May Still Not Be Available Yet
While the Institution of Surveyors New South Wales (ISNSW) has now been appointed as the new assessing authority for Surveyor (ANZSCO 232212), applicants should be aware that the Skills Assessment may still not be available yet.
As of the latest updates:
- ISNSW has published guidance and preparation materials, which applicants can access here.
- Applicants are advised not to lodge applications yet
- The timeline for full operational commencement remains unavailable
This creates a temporary gap where Surveyor applicants may not be able to obtain a skills assessment immediately, leading to a potential delay in visa applications.
Read this article to further understand the skills assessment process and function in Australia.
What This Means for Skilled Migration Applicants
If you are applying under the Surveyor occupation, this update may impact you in several ways:
1. Possible delays in Skills Assessment
Considering the new skills assessing authority is not fully operational yet, the new applications may not be processed, and timelines may be uncertain.
So, it can delay your skilled visa applications, including the 189 Visa, 190 Visa, 491 Visa, 482 Visa, and 186 Visa, which require a valid Skills Assessment at the time of visa application.
2. Pipeline Disruption for Current Applicants
If you previously submitted a skills assessment application through the previous assessing authority, your pathway may now be disrupted or paused.
So, you may need to:
- Wait for the new authority to receive applications
- Reassess your migration strategy with a registered migration agent
3. Increased Competition in the Future
Australia is currently facing a shortage of qualified surveyors, increasing demand for skilled migrants.
So, once the assessment reopens, there may be an increase in applications, and processing times may take longer
What Should You Do Now?
If you are affected by this update, consider taking the following steps:
1. Do not lodge incomplete applications
Submitting an application without a valid skills assessment will only lead to refusal, wasted application fees, and delays in your migration pathway.
2. Monitor when assessments reopen
The ISNSW will start the processing once the operational systems are in place, so ensure to keep monitoring on this matter as timing will be critical.
3. Review alternative visa pathways
Depending on your situation, you may consider an alternative occupation that is still relevant to your experience and qualifications. Otherwise, you may consider different visa strategies, including employer sponsorship pathways.
4. Seek professional advice as soon as possible
Changes like this can significantly affect your migration plan.
A small strategic decision now can determine whether your visa is approved or how long the process takes.
Need Help in Navigating This Change?
At ONEderland Consulting, we assist skilled migration applicants in navigating complex updates like this, including:
- Skills assessment strategy
- Occupation eligibility review
- Visa pathway planning
- Handling delays and regulatory changes
Book a consultation with our migration agents today to understand how this update affects your migration plans:
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Take the first step and contact us via email at [email protected], by phone at 1300 827 159, or through WhatsApp at +61494372414. Alternatively, you can book your consultation online, and it is backed by our 100% Money-Back Guarantee Program.
