United States
UPDATE
Effective 6th November 2024, the US Mutual Recognition Agreement between US, Australia & NZ will no longer require applicants to have:
- citizenship or permanent residency status in the United States, Australia, or New Zealand, and
- 6,000 hours (approximately 3 years) of post-licensure experience in the U.S., or
- 6,000 hours (approximately 3 years) of post-registration experience in Australia
to be eligible to apply.
US MRA
The Mutual Recognition Arrangement between U.S., Australia, and New Zealand has been designed to recognise the professional credentials of architects licensed/registered in the U.S., Australia, and New Zealand and to support their mobility by creating the opportunity to practice beyond their borders.
More specifically, the purpose of this arrangement is to facilitate:
- The registration of an architect licensed in a participating U.S. jurisdiction as an Australian architect or New Zealand architect; and
- The licensing of an Australian architect or New Zealand architect as an architect in a U.S. jurisdiction that has agreed to participate in the arrangement.
This enables Australian architects to gain registration in the following U.S. jurisdictions: Link
Eligibility
Australian Architects wishing to be licensed in the U.S. must have the following:
- Current registration in a state or territory in Australia
- Registration as an architect in Australia that was not obtained through any other foreign mutual recognition arrangement
Application Process
Applications are generally finalised within 3 weeks. Timeframes are dependent upon the submission of all required documents.
Eligibility
U.S. Architects wishing to be registered (licensed) in Australia must have the following:
- An active NCARB certificate
- A license to practice from a U.S. jurisdiction that has signed the arrangement
- Licensure in the U.S. not gained through foreign reciprocity
All Australian States and Territories’ registration boards will be participating in all pathways.
However, for the US MRA pathway, to be registered in Western Australia applicants must first register in any other state or territory in Australia and then apply through the standard Australian mutual recognition acts.
Application Process
Applications are generally finalised within 10 weeks. Timeframes are dependent upon the submission of all required documents and the interview schedule.
Outcome
Suitable Assessment Outcome
After successfully completing an assessment application and interview with AACA, applicants will receive an AACA Statement of Recognition. This statement can be submitted to State and Territory Architect Registration Boards in Australia to facilitate registration (additional fees and lodgements apply).
Applicants can also request from AACA an Australian Migration Skills Assessment for the occupation ‘Architect’, OSCA Code 241131 (previously ANZSCO code 232111.)
Not Suitable Assessment Outcome
Not Suitable (Unsuccessful) applicants will be advised of the NSCA Performance Criteria where they did not demonstrate the required competency and will be informed of the pathways available for registration.
Unsuccessful applicants offered a second interview should note that a fee applies to cover the interview and associated assessor costs. Please refer to our website for detailed fee information.
Application for 2nd Competency Assessment Interview
Not Suitable (Unsuccessful) candidates may apply for a 2nd Competency Assessment Interview. Costs apply.
A 2nd Competency Assessment Interview will be scheduled with the same two Assessors, using the documents originally submitted by the candidate.
Key Documents
Lodgement
Please follow the link below and create an account to begin your application.
Application Fees
- US Architect: AUD $4,900
- Australian Architect: AUD $550
A card transaction surcharge applies to all payments (1.49% for Australian cards and 2.9% for international cards).
Appeals
Refer to the AACA Appeals Policy – AACA website Homepage: AACA-Policies.
A candidate can only appeal the outcome of an AACA program on the ground that procedural fairness was denied to the candidate. Procedural fairness requires the decision maker to comply with established assessment procedures, and to act fairly, impartially and without bias in the making of a decision.
Appeals will not be accepted on any other grounds. Disagreement with an assessor’s judgment or general dissatisfaction with an outcome alone is not a ground for appeal. Causes or issues external to the assessment process (such as personal circumstances or comparisons to other candidates’ results) are not valid grounds for appeal.
Internal Review – Appeal
The AACA Assessment Manager reviews all Not Suitable Outcomes within 2 days, prior to issue of notification to applicants.
If an applicant subsequently wishes to APPEAL, the following is required within 28 days of the Not Suitable Outcome letter: Refer to the AACA Appeals Policy – AACA website Homepage: AACA-Policies.
The CEO will review the Grounds for Appeal within 28 days.
External Review – Appeal
If an APPEAL is upheld: Refer to the AACA Appeals Policy – AACA website Homepage: AACA-Policies.
