Urban & Regional Planner
ANZSCO 232611 (STSOL) — active across state nomination programs (Subclass 190 and 491).
Australia PR · Skills assessment guide
Planning Institute of Australia (PIA) Assessment Guide
The Planning Institute of Australia (PIA) assesses Urban and Regional Planners (ANZSCO 232611). MovesEdu guides urban designers, city planners, and regional development specialists through the migration assessment process.
Please note: MovesEdu provides immigration consulting. The PIA evaluates urban planning qualifications independently.
Section 01
What is the PIA?
The PIA is the national professional body representing the planning profession in Australia.
Degree Standards
Requires a qualification comparable to an Australian Bachelor or Master degree in urban and regional planning.
Employment Review
Evaluates post-qualification professional planning work experience.
Infrastructure Boom
High demand driven by Australian transport, housing, and sustainable urban growth projects.
Assessment criteria, occupation lists and requirements are set by Planning Institute of Australia and the Australian Government and are subject to change without notice. Always verify current requirements on the official website before applying.
Section 02
What PIA assesses
PIA Assessment Structure
PIA Assessment
| Component | Details |
|---|---|
| Qualification Assessment | Review of urban planning curriculum, planning law, and spatial design subjects. |
| Skilled Employment | Verification of at least 1 year of post-qualification planning employment. |
Indicative only. Your eligibility depends on your specific qualification, role and years of experience matched against the current ANZSCO occupation description.
Section 03
Who can apply?
Requires an assessed urban planning degree and evidence of professional planning experience.
Degree Equivalence: Degree majoring in urban and regional planning, town planning, or city development.
Work Experience: Minimum 1 year of post-qualification professional planning work.
English Requirement: IELTS Academic or PTE Academic for GSM points.
Section 04
Required documents checklist
Document requirements vary by occupation and individual profile. A personalised checklist is prepared after a professional profile review.
- Passport biographical page certified copy
- Degree certificates and transcripts in urban planning
- Course syllabus detailing planning theory, environmental planning, and statutory planning
- Detailed employment reference letters and planning project reports
Section 05
The assessment process, step by step
How a PIA application moves from profile review to outcome.
- 01
Curriculum Screening
Verify degree aligns with urban planning core syllabus.
- 02
PIA Submission
Lodge application with the Planning Institute of Australia.
- 03
Skills Certificate
Receive positive assessment letter for state nomination EOI.
Section 06
Processing time
PIA assessment processing takes approximately 6 to 8 weeks.
Section 07
Fees
Published PIA rates, as at July 2026. Figures exclude visa charges and MovesEdu professional service fees.
PIA Assessment Fees (AUD)
| Service | Fee (AUD) |
|---|---|
| Migration Skills Assessment | $750 AUD |
Fees are subject to change without notice — always confirm current fees on www.planning.org.au before applying.
Section 08
Common reasons for a negative outcome
A negative or partial result can significantly affect your points score and visa eligibility — which is why accurate preparation from the outset matters.
- Degree in geography or civil engineering without sufficient urban planning specialization
- Work experience limited to drafting rather than strategic/statutory planning
Section 09
Why choose MovesEdu Immigration?
MovesEdu assists urban planners in targeting high-probability state nomination streams.
State Nomination Alignment: Targeting states with urban renewal priorities (NSW, VIC, QLD)
Project Evidence Formatting: Structuring planning policy evidence for PIA reviewers
MovesEdu Immigration is an independent migration consultancy. We are not Planning Institute of Australia, the Department of Home Affairs, or any Australian government body, and we do not determine or influence assessment outcomes.
Section 10 · Frequently asked questions
PIA, answered.
Urban and Regional Planner (ANZSCO 232611) is on the STSOL list, meaning it is eligible for Subclass 190 (State Nominated PR) and Subclass 491 (Regional Provisional to PR), but not Subclass 189.
Keep exploring
Other Australian assessing authorities
Your assessing body is determined by your nominated ANZSCO occupation.
Get your PIA assessment right, the first time.
A PIA skills assessment is a critical foundation for your Australian PR application — and getting it right the first time saves you time, money and uncertainty.
MovesEdu is a private migration advisory firm. We are not a government body; all final decisions rest with Australian and Canadian immigration authorities.