Australia’s Permanent Residency for Skilled Trades: Steps for Jobs Over $80,000

Australia’s robust economy and high quality of life make it a prime destination for skilled workers seeking permanent residency (PR).

For those in skilled trades, particularly in high-demand occupations offering salaries above $80,000, the pathway to PR is both achievable and rewarding. This article outlines the detailed steps to secure Australian permanent residency through skilled trades, focusing on in-demand roles, visa options, and strategies to maximize your chances of success.

Whether you’re a plumber, electrician, carpenter, or another skilled tradesperson, this guide will help you navigate the process.

Why Choose Australia for Skilled Trades?

Australia’s labor market has a persistent demand for skilled trades due to infrastructure growth, population expansion, and an aging workforce.

According to the Australian Government’s Jobs and Skills Australia, trades such as electricians, plumbers, and carpenters are consistently listed on the Skilled Occupation List (SOL), reflecting critical shortages.

These roles often offer salaries exceeding $80,000 annually, particularly in urban centers like Sydney, Melbourne, and Perth, or in regional areas with additional incentives.

Skilled migration is a cornerstone of Australia’s immigration system, with over 60% of visas granted to professionals in high-demand fields.

The General Skilled Migration (GSM) program and employer-sponsored visas provide clear pathways to PR, offering benefits like access to healthcare, education, and the right to live and work indefinitely in Australia.

Step 1: Identify Eligible Skilled Trade Occupations

The first step is ensuring your trade is on the Skilled Occupation List (SOL) or the Core Skills Occupations List (CSOL), which are updated regularly by the Australian Department of Home Affairs. These lists prioritize occupations critical to Australia’s economy. Below are examples of skilled trades with salaries often exceeding $80,000, based on 2025 labor market data:

• Electricians (ANZSCO 341111): Install and maintain electrical systems. Average salary: $85,000–$100,000. High demand in renewable energy and construction.
• Plumbers (ANZSCO 334111): Work on water, gas, and drainage systems. Average salary: $80,000–$95,000. Essential for residential and commercial projects.
• Carpenters (ANZSCO 331212): Specialize in construction and woodworking. Average salary: $80,000–$90,000. Booming in infrastructure development.
• Construction Managers (ANZSCO 133111): Oversee building projects. Average salary: $100,000–$130,000. Ideal for experienced tradespeople.
• Welders (ANZSCO 322313): Perform specialized welding tasks. Average salary: $80,000–$90,000. Sought after in industrial sectors.

To confirm eligibility, visit the Department of Home Affairs website and search for your occupation by ANZSCO code. Ensure your skills align with the Medium and Long-Term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL) for PR-eligible visas like Subclass 189 or 190.

Step 2: Obtain a Skills Assessment

A skills assessment is mandatory for most skilled migration visas. This process verifies that your qualifications and work experience meet Australian standards. Each trade has a designated assessing authority, such as:

• Trades Recognition Australia (TRA): For electricians, plumbers, carpenters, and welders.
• VETASSESS: For some construction-related roles or other trades.

Requirements for Skills Assessment

• Qualifications: Provide evidence of vocational training, apprenticeships, or certifications equivalent to Australian standards (e.g., Certificate III or IV for trades).
• Work Experience: Most trades require at least 3–5 years of relevant experience. For jobs over $80,000, employers often prefer candidates with specialized skills or supervisory experience.
• Documentation: Submit certificates, transcripts, employment references, and proof of licensing (if applicable). For example, electricians may need a provisional license from an Australian state authority.

The assessment process can take 2–3 months and costs approximately AUD $500–$2,000, depending on the authority. Ensure all documents are certified and translated into English if necessary.

Step 3: Meet English Language Requirements

Proficiency in English is critical for skilled migration. Most applicants must achieve at least Competent English (e.g., IELTS score of 6.0 or equivalent in each band). For jobs over $80,000, employers may expect higher proficiency, such as Proficient English (IELTS 7.0 or equivalent), to boost your points in the visa application.

Tests accepted include:

• IELTS (International English Language Testing System)
• PTE Academic (Pearson Test of English)
• TOEFL iBT
• OET (for healthcare-related trades)

Improving your English score can add 10–20 points to your visa application, significantly enhancing your chances. Consider preparatory courses if needed.

Step 4: Submit an Expression of Interest (EOI)

The SkillSelect system is the gateway to Australia’s General Skilled Migration (GSM) program. You’ll need to submit an Expression of Interest (EOI), which ranks applicants based on a points system. Points are awarded for:

• Age: Maximum points (30) for ages 25–32.
• English Proficiency: Up to 20 points for superior English.
• Work Experience: Up to 20 points for 8+ years in your trade.
• Education: Up to 20 points for recognized qualifications.
• Other Factors: Community language skills, regional study, or partner skills can add points.

For jobs over $80,000, highlight specialized experience or certifications (e.g., advanced welding techniques or electrical engineering qualifications) to maximize points. A score of 65 is the minimum for most visas, but competitive scores for PR-eligible trades often exceed 80.

Once your EOI is submitted, you may receive an invitation to apply for a visa within 60 days, depending on your points and occupation demand.

Step 5: Choose the Right Visa Pathway

Several visa options lead to permanent residency for skilled tradespeople. The most relevant for jobs over $80,000 include:

1. Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189)

• Description: For highly skilled workers to live and work anywhere in Australia without employer sponsorship.
• Eligibility: Occupation on the MLTSSL, high points score (typically 80+), and a positive skills assessment.
• Salary Impact: Jobs like construction managers or specialized electricians often meet the salary threshold and demand for this visa.
• Path to PR: Grants immediate permanent residency.

2. Skilled Nominated Visa (Subclass 190)

• Description: Requires nomination by a state or territory government, restricting you to live in that region for two years.
• Eligibility: Occupation on the MLTSSL or STSOL, plus state nomination (adds 5 points).
• Salary Impact: States like Western Australia and South Australia prioritize trades for regional projects, often offering salaries above $80,000.
• Path to PR: Grants immediate permanent residency.

3. Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Visa (Subclass 491)

• Description: A provisional visa for regional areas, leading to PR after three years.
• Eligibility: Occupation on the Regional Occupation List (ROL), state nomination (adds 15 points).
• Salary Impact: Regional roles, such as plumbers in mining towns, often exceed $80,000 due to skill shortages.
• Path to PR: Transition to Subclass 191 after three years of work and residence in a regional area.

4. Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS) Visa (Subclass 186)

• Description: For workers nominated by an Australian employer.
• Eligibility: A job offer with a salary above $80,000, plus relevant skills and experience.
• Salary Impact: Ideal for tradespeople with specialized skills (e.g., welders in industrial projects).
• Path to PR: Grants immediate permanent residency.

For roles exceeding $80,000, the Subclass 186 and 189 are particularly attractive due to their direct PR pathways and flexibility.

Step 6: Secure a High-Paying Job Offer

While the Subclass 189 and 190 visas don’t require a job offer, having one significantly boosts your chances, especially for the Subclass 186. Here’s how to land a job in a skilled trade with a salary over $80,000:

• Job Boards: Use platforms like Seek, Indeed, or Regional Development Australia to find trade roles. Filter for salaries above $80,000.
• Networking: Connect with Australian employers through LinkedIn or industry events. Many high-paying roles are filled through referrals.
• Regional Opportunities: Regional areas like Queensland and Western Australia offer higher salaries and visa incentives due to skill shortages.
• Licensing: Obtain necessary trade licenses (e.g., electrical or plumbing licenses) to meet Australian standards. This may require additional training or bridging courses.

For example, construction managers overseeing large projects in Sydney or Perth can earn $100,000–$130,000, while electricians in renewable energy projects often exceed $90,000.

Step 7: Apply for the Visa

Once invited through SkillSelect or nominated by an employer, submit your visa application via the ImmiAccount portal. Required documents include:

• Skills assessment outcome
• English test results
• Employment references
• Educational qualifications
• Health and character checks (e.g., police clearance)

Visa processing times vary:

• Subclass 189: 6–12 months
• Subclass 190: 7–14 months
• Subclass 491: 8–15 months
• Subclass 186: 6–12 months

Application fees range from AUD $4,000–$5,000, with additional costs for health checks and document certification.

Step 8: Consider Regional Incentives

Regional areas offer faster PR pathways and higher salaries due to skill shortages. For example:

• Western Australia: High demand for carpenters and electricians in mining and construction.
• South Australia: Needs plumbers for infrastructure projects.
• Northern Territory: Offers doubled nomination places for 2024–25.

Living in regional areas can add 15 points to your EOI for the Subclass 491 visa and often includes priority processing.

Step 9: Work with a Migration Agent

Navigating Australia’s migration system can be complex. Engaging a Migration Agent Registration Authority (MARA)-registered agent ensures compliance and increases success rates. Agents can:

• Assess your eligibility
• Optimize your EOI points
• Handle documentation and submissions

Expect fees of AUD $2,000–$5,000, depending on the complexity of your case.

Step 10: Prepare for Life in Australia

Once your visa is approved, plan your relocation:

• Cost of Living: High-paying trade jobs in cities like Sydney or Melbourne offset higher living costs. Regional areas offer lower costs and additional PR incentives.
• Licensing: Secure state-specific trade licenses before starting work.
• Networking: Join trade associations (e.g., Master Plumbers Australia) to build connections and access job opportunities.

Challenges and Tips for Success

• Challenge: High competition for PR invitations.
  • Tip: Maximize points by improving English scores, gaining additional work experience, or studying in Australia (adds 5 points).
• Challenge: Licensing requirements vary by state.
  • Tip: Research state-specific regulations early and complete bridging courses if needed.
• Challenge: Regional work commitments.
  • Tip: Embrace regional opportunities for faster processing and higher salaries.

Conclusion

Securing Australian permanent residency through skilled trades is a viable pathway for those targeting jobs over $80,000. By aligning your skills with the Skilled Occupation List, obtaining a positive skills assessment, and choosing the right visa, you can build a rewarding career and life in Australia.

Start by confirming your occupation’s eligibility, boosting your EOI points, and exploring regional opportunities. With careful planning and professional guidance, your dream of living Down Under can become a reality.

For further details, visit the Department of Home Affairs website or consult a MARA-registered migration agent. Take the first step today toward a secure and prosperous future in Australia.