Australia is a land of opportunities—not just for tech whizzes and corporate executives but also for skilled tradespeople. In fact, many trade jobs are on the priority list for permanent residency (PR). If you’re hands-on, technically skilled, and dreaming of an Aussie lifestyle, learning about the top trade jobs that help you get PR in Australia could be your golden ticket.
Trade professionals such as electricians, plumbers, carpenters, and chefs are the backbone of Australia’s growing infrastructure and service industries. The best part? These jobs are not only well-paid and respected but also act as strategic entry points to PR. With the country battling skill shortages, the government is keen on welcoming qualified tradespeople.
Trade jobs fill critical gaps in Australia’s economy. Many of these roles cannot be automated or outsourced—making them indispensable. The Australian government has identified trade roles as high-demand, long-term needs, which is why they feature prominently on immigration priority lists.
Moreover, PR pathways for trade jobs are often faster and more straightforward than for white-collar professions, provided candidates meet skill, language, and experience requirements.
Australia uses three main occupation lists to determine visa eligibility:
MLTSSL (Medium and Long-Term Strategic Skills List)
STSOL (Short-Term Skilled Occupation List)
ROL (Regional Occupation List)
Many trade jobs fall under the MLTSSL or ROL, meaning they are suitable for PR applications through multiple pathways.
The MLTSSL is Australia’s primary list of occupations eligible for skilled visas, including subclass 189 (independent) and subclass 190 (state nominated). Trade jobs such as electricians, plumbers, and chefs are often featured here.
If your trade occupation is on this list, your chances of getting a PR invitation are significantly enhanced.
Though not as powerful for PR as the MLTSSL, STSOL still provides pathways through state nomination (subclass 190) and employer sponsorship. Jobs like painting trades workers and air-conditioning mechanics may appear here.
To qualify for PR through a trade, you typically need:
A positive skills assessment (TRA, Vetassess, etc.)
Minimum 2 years of work experience
Proficiency in English (usually IELTS 6 or equivalent)
Age under 45 years
Educational qualifications in your trade (from Australia or overseas)
Points score (generally above 65)
Some compelling reasons why trade professionals pursue PR include:
Access to Medicare and education benefits
Work rights without restrictions
Ability to sponsor family members
Pathway to Australian citizenship
Job security in a skills-starved market
The typical PR journey for a trade worker looks like this:
Complete a relevant trade course or apprenticeship
Obtain work experience
Pass a skills assessment
Lodge an Expression of Interest (EOI) on SkillSelect
Receive an invitation and apply for a PR visa
Electricians are in massive demand across Australia. If you’re a qualified electrician with international or local certification, you’re likely to find your occupation on the MLTSSL. This role offers diverse PR pathways including subclass 189, 190, and 491.
You’ll need a skills assessment through TRA and possibly additional licensing depending on the state you move to.
Carpenters are fundamental to Australia’s booming construction industry. With major infrastructure projects and housing demands on the rise, carpenters remain high on the list of skilled trade occupations eligible for PR.
To qualify:
Your occupation should be listed under MLTSSL
You need a Certificate III or IV in Carpentry or equivalent international qualification
A positive skills assessment from TRA
Demonstrable work experience of 2+ years
Many states, such as Queensland and Victoria, often sponsor carpenters under Subclass 190 or 491.
Plumbers are among the most sought-after tradespeople in Australia. From residential to commercial sectors, their skills are indispensable. The role is consistently listed on MLTSSL, meaning PR is directly accessible.
Requirements for PR:
Certificate III in Plumbing
TRA or Vetassess skills assessment
English proficiency (IELTS 6 or equivalent)
Relevant licensing in the state where you intend to work
This job is especially useful in regional areas, enhancing your points score for subclass 491.
The hospitality industry in Australia thrives on multiculturalism—and skilled chefs are at the heart of it. Chefs are one of the top trade jobs that help you get PR in Australia because of their consistent inclusion on both MLTSSL and STSOL.
To apply:
Hold a Certificate III/IV in Commercial Cookery
Minimum of 2 years work experience
Complete a TRA skills assessment
Apply through GSM, 190 nomination, or Employer Sponsorship (ENS)
Chefs also have a great pathway from student visa > temporary graduate visa > PR, especially when studying in regional areas.
Motor mechanics help keep Australia’s vehicle-heavy lifestyle running smoothly. Their technical skills are essential and often hard to source locally, especially in rural and remote locations.
This occupation is:
On the MLTSSL
Eligible for independent PR through subclass 189
A strong contender for state and regional sponsorship
Complete a Certificate III in Light Vehicle Mechanical Technology and gain work experience for TRA assessment.
Welders play a vital role in manufacturing, mining, and infrastructure. Due to these industries’ expansion, skilled welders are always in short supply.
Benefits:
Listed on MLTSSL and ROL
High chances for regional nomination (491 visa)
Strong income and job security
To succeed, complete a trade certificate and pursue a skills assessment via TRA.
Despite being less glamorous, bricklayers are highly in demand, particularly in suburban development projects. Many skilled migration visas list bricklaying as a qualifying trade.
To qualify:
Complete a Certificate III in Bricklaying/Blocklaying
Gain a positive skills assessment from TRA
Demonstrate relevant work history
Meet English and age requirements
Several state governments offer direct nomination to bricklayers, especially in South Australia and Tasmania.
Australia’s logistics and transport industries rely heavily on diesel mechanics. With a booming mining and transport sector, diesel mechanics enjoy high employment rates and direct PR eligibility.
Pathway to PR:
Certificate III in Heavy Commercial Vehicle Mechanical Technology
Positive TRA assessment
Pathways through subclass 189, 190, and ENS visas
With Australia’s warm climate, refrigeration mechanics are indispensable across residential, industrial, and commercial sectors.
Details:
MLTSSL inclusion
High demand in both metro and regional areas
Opportunities via GSM or employer nomination schemes
Certification from Australian institutions and a valid license are often required.
Painters are essential for both residential and commercial construction. They are also eligible for PR via STSOL or ROL, making them great candidates for regional migration.
While not always on MLTSSL, many regions actively nominate painting trade workers due to labor shortages.
Australia’s Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme (RSMS) offers added incentives for trade professionals willing to live and work in designated regional areas. Benefits include:
Bonus points for subclass 491 visa
Faster processing times
Easier access to state nominations
Studying a trade course in Australia (especially in a regional area) is one of the most strategic pathways to PR. After completing a TAFE or trade qualification:
Apply for Temporary Graduate Visa (485)
Gain full-time work experience
Complete skills assessment
Apply for PR
TAFE institutions offer government-recognized certifications that are PR-compliant. Trades like plumbing, carpentry, and commercial cookery are all available.
Apprenticeships also help gain practical experience while earning and accumulating points.
For most trade jobs, the Trades Recognition Australia (TRA) is the go-to body for skills assessment. It validates your qualifications and work experience. Vetassess is used for some niche trade occupations.
You must meet these standards:
IELTS 6.0 (minimum per band)
Be under 45 years old
Meet health and character requirements
Obtain a positive skills assessment
Reach a minimum of 65 points in SkillSelect
Each Australian state has its own skilled migration list. By choosing a state where your trade is in demand, you boost your chance of nomination through subclass 190 or 491.
Tradespeople with an Australian employer sponsor can get PR through the Subclass 186 visa. Requirements include:
Employer nomination
At least 3 years of relevant work experience
Skills assessment and English proficiency
The GSM program includes:
Subclass 189 (Independent)
Subclass 190 (State Nominated)
Subclass 491 (Regional Provisional)
If your trade is on the MLTSSL, GSM is your best bet for PR.
Queensland – Strong construction demand
South Australia – Actively supports regional trade jobs
Tasmania – Low competition, high nomination rate
Northern Territory – Big opportunities in infrastructure
Western Australia – Mining and mechanical trade focus
DIY applications are cheaper, but prone to mistakes.
Agents:
Save time and stress
Know all the latest migration laws
Help you optimize your EOI and visa application
Choose based on complexity and your confidence level.
Myth: Only white-collar jobs lead to PR.
Fact: Many trade jobs are more PR-friendly and in higher demand.
Myth: You must have Australian experience.
Fact: International experience counts with proper documentation and skills assessment.
PR isn’t cheap. Include these in your financial plan:
Course fees (if studying in Australia)
Visa and assessment fees
Migration agent costs
Relocation and living expenses
Arjun from India became a PR through a plumbing apprenticeship in Melbourne.
Fatima from Pakistan secured a subclass 190 visa as a chef in regional NSW.
These stories showcase that with the right trade and strategy, PR is within reach.
Choose a trade listed on MLTSSL
Study in regional areas
Gain full-time post-study work experience
Work with a registered migration agent
Apply under the right visa subclass
Absolutely. With a growing economy, aging workforce, and infrastructure needs, Australia actively welcomes trade workers into its PR programs. Whether you’re a chef, carpenter, or mechanic, the key is knowing your pathway and planning smartly. The top trade jobs that help you get PR in Australia aren’t just a list—they’re a future waiting to be built.
What are the top trade jobs that help you get PR in Australia?
Jobs like electrician, plumber, carpenter, chef, and motor mechanic are among the most PR-eligible trades.
Can I apply for PR without Australian experience?
Yes, but you’ll need a positive skills assessment and meet all criteria.
Which trade job has the fastest PR pathway?
Electricians and chefs often have quicker PR outcomes due to high demand.
Is studying a trade in Australia helpful for PR?
Yes. It aligns you with local standards and makes the PR pathway easier.
What is the role of a skills assessment in trade PR applications?
It verifies your qualifications and experience to ensure you’re job-ready for Australia.
Can I get PR through regional migration as a tradesperson?
Definitely. Regional areas often provide bonus points and easier nomination processes.
