If you’re planning a Skills Assessment under the Surveyor occupation to migrate to Australia, a major update has been announced regarding the skills assessing authority.
Due to the liquidation of the Geospatial Council of Australia (GCA), the Australian Government has officially appointed the Institution of Surveyors New South Wales (ISNSW) as the new Skills Assessing Authority for Surveyor (ANZSCO 232212).
This update reopens the Skills Assessment pathway for Surveyor applicants, which had been uncertain since GCA ceased operations in August 2025. It allows applicants to move forward towards skilled migration pathways such as Subclass 189, Subclass 190, and Subclass 491.
Why This Change Happened
Previously, the Geospatial Council of Australia (GCA) was responsible for Skills Assessments for Surveyors (ANZSCO 232212). However, the organisation went into liquidation in August 2025, which led to a pause on new Skills Assessment applications under this occupation and delayed applicants’ migration plans for Australia PR.
To resolve this, the Australian Government officially appointed the Institution of Surveyors NSW (ISNSW) on 27 March 2026 as the new authorised Skills Assessment authority under the Migration Regulations 1994.
This means ISNSW is now legally authorised to assess Surveyor applicants. However, due to the transition period, the Skills Assessment system may not yet be fully operational, which could temporarily affect application timelines.
Occupation Covered Under This Assessment
ISNSW will assess Surveyor (ANZSCO 232212) only, and applicants can apply under one of the following pathways:
- Pathway A: Applicants Who Studied in Australia
- Pathway B: Applicants Who Studied Overseas
- Pathway C: Hydrography-Related Qualifications
Important: The Institution of Surveyors NSW does not assess all occupations referred to as “Surveying” in other countries. These include:
- Quantity Surveying
- Valuation Surveying
- Building Surveying
- General Practice Surveying
Applications for Surveying and Cartographic Associate are also assessed by VETASSESS.
So, make sure you choose the correct occupation and assessing authority to not risk your Australia PR pathway under the General Skilled Migration stream.
About Assessment Timeline & Costs
1. Assessment Processing Time
According to the official guidance, the standard processing time for this assessment may take up to 60 business days from the date of receipt of a complete application.
ISNSW also offers priority processing that completes within 14 business days, but with strict eligibility and extra fees. It is available only if your Australian visa deadline is less than 12 weeks and you provide supporting documentation confirming urgency.
2. Assessment Fees
| Assessment Type | Fee (AUD) |
| Application for Assessment of Professional Qualifications | $850 |
| Reapplication for Assessment of Professional Qualifications | $400 |
| Priority Processing | $300 |
| Internal Review Application | $400 |
| External Appeal Application | $850 |
3. What You Should Do Now
If you are planning to migrate as a Surveyor, consider the following steps:
- Prepare academic and employment documents early
- Confirm your correct occupation category
- Monitor when ISNSW begins accepting applications
- Review alternative migration strategies if required
- Seek professional migration advice to avoid delays
Due to the pause in assessments and expected backlog, demand may increase once applications reopen. So, early preparation will help you stay ahead.
How Growmore Immigration Can Help
At Growmore Immigration, we specialise in Australian Skilled Migration and stay updated with every policy change in Australian immigration that impacts applicants. Here, our team assists you with skills assessment strategy, occupation eligibility review, visa pathway planning, and employer sponsorship guidance.
So, contact us now to understand your eligibility, prepare your Skills Assessment, and plan your Australian migration pathway with confidence.
Email: info@growmore.one | WhatsApp: +61 434 202 021 | Phone: +61 3 8764 3334
Source: Migration Legislation Amendment (Assessing Authorities) Instrument 2026