Migrating to Australia as a painter – is that even possible under Australia’s skilled migration program? Yes, it is. When Australian immigration law refers to “skilled workers”, this does not only mean academics. Tradespeople are in fact in particularly high demand across Australia. The Australian Government regularly assesses labour market needs and publishes the relevant occupations on the so-called Skilled Occupation Lists. Especially on the MLTSSL (Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List), which reflects medium- and long-term skills shortages and provides access to permanent visa subclasses, there are numerous trade occupations listed.
According to expert reports, the shortage of tradespeople is expected to increase significantly over the coming years. Australia is therefore attempting to address this shortage through targeted migration policies. If you are looking to migrate to Australia as a chef, carpenter or mechanic, your chances of obtaining a visa are generally very good. In addition, job prospects and earning potential for tradespeople in Australia are well above average.
What do I need to do if I want to migrate to Australia as a tradesperson?
One option is to apply directly for an Australian skilled migration visa, which requires a skills assessment. This is a formal occupation recognition process in which an Australian assessing authority determines whether an applicant’s qualifications and work experience meet the Australian standards for the relevant occupation. The basic requirements usually include a completed vocational qualification (a two- to three-year apprenticeship is sufficient for most trade occupations) as well as at least three years of full-time work experience.
If the requirements for a skills assessment cannot be met immediately, there is another option for prospective migrants to qualify for an Australian skilled migration visa. The required qualification and work experience in the relevant trade can also be obtained directly in Australia. This requires completing a trade qualification of at least two years, for which a student visa can be applied for. After completing the qualification, applicants may enter the Job Ready Program offered by Trades Recognition Australia (TRA), which allows them to gain initial work experience and, after 12 months of employment, apply for a practical skills assessment. This practical assessment is recognised as a skills assessment for skilled migration visas and can therefore open the pathway to permanent residency. However, this pathway involves higher costs and a greater level of risk.
Whichever pathway you choose for your migration to Australia, careful planning is essential, and professional advice is strongly recommended.
