Australia needs skilled metal fabricators and boilermakers
Visas for Metal Fabricators and Boilermakers
We run the Labour Agreement sponsorship programme for LaserBond, an ASX-listed surface engineering manufacturer, and place fabrication and machining tradespeople into Australian roles through it. We know the TRA assessment for these trades and what a nomination needs to hold up.
Metal fabrication, boilermaking and welding are in skills shortage in Australia, and the migration system reflects this. Metal Fabricator (322311), which covers boilermaking and structural steel fabrication, appears on both the Core Skills Occupation List (CSOL) for the subclass 482 and the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL) for the permanent and points-tested pathways. Related trades include Pressure Welder (322312) and Welder First Class (322313).
For most overseas metal fabricators, the pathway is: TRA skills assessment, followed by either employer sponsorship (subclass 482 with a pathway to 186) or a points-tested skilled visa (189, 190, or 491).
VISA OPTIONS FOR METAL FABRICATORS
Subclass 482, the Skills in Demand visa (employer-sponsored): requires an approved Australian sponsor, a job offer in an occupation on the Core Skills Occupation List (CSOL), and a positive TRA skills assessment. Metal Fabricator sits on the CSOL. The Core Skills stream applies where guaranteed earnings meet the Core Skills Income Threshold of $79,423, and runs up to four years with a pathway to the subclass 186 permanent visa after two years in the role.
Subclass 186 TRT (permanent): after two years on a 482 with the same employer, the employer nominates the worker for the 186 Employer Nomination Scheme. The permanent visa follows.
Subclass 189 (skilled independent): points-tested, no employer needed. Requires a TRA assessment, a competitive points score, and an invitation from SkillSelect.
Subclass 190 or 491 (state-sponsored): state nomination adds 5 or 15 points and improves invitation competitiveness. Some states specifically target trades in skills shortage.
THE TRA ASSESSMENT PATHWAY
Step 1 Confirm your ANZSCO occupation code
Confirm your ANZSCO occupation code. Metal Fabricator (322311), which covers boilermaking and structural steel fabrication, Pressure Welder (322312), or Welder First Class (322313). Confirm your primary occupation at consultation.
Step 2 Gather TRA evidence: trade qualifications or trade test evidence, employment references documenting tasks performed, payslips, and identity documents
Step 3 Lodge the TRA assessment application
Lodge the TRA assessment application. Allow for current TRA processing times. Check the TRA website for current timeframes.
Step 4 On receipt of a positive TRA assessment, lodge an EOI in SkillSelect
On receipt of a positive TRA assessment, lodge an EOI in SkillSelect (for the points stream) or proceed with employer sponsorship if a job offer is available.
Step 5 Visa application: lodge with all supporting documents, health checks, and police clearances
Speak to a Migration agent
Call 1300 VISA OZ (1300 8472 69) to discuss employer sponsorship for your Brisbane business. Available Monday to Friday. Zoom consultations take 45-60 minutes and give you a clear answer on what is achievable.
Prefer to start in writing? Email info@migrationburo.com.au with the role title, the occupation, and the candidate's nationality and qualifications.
Skills in Demand (SID) Visa
(Subclass 482)
Custom migration pathways for businesses facing ongoing skills shortages, including DAMA’s, industry-specific Labour agreements and Company Specific Labour Agreements.
Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS) Visa (Subclass 186)
Secure permanent residency for skilled international employees, strengthening your workforce with long-term expertise.
Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (Provisional) Visa (Subclass 494)
This visa provides a way for skilled workers in specific occupations, who are nominated by their employer in regional Australia, to live and work in Australia for 5 years. This visa contains two ‘streams’ with varying conditions and eligibility requirements. Click below to learn more, and contact us for professional advice and assistance.
Temporary Work (Short Stay Specialist) Visa (Subclass 400)
The Subclass 400 visa allows individuals with highly specialised skills to undertake short-term, non-ongoing work or projects in Australia..
Your Australian Visa application
Some frequently asked questions
Answers to some questions we often hear from people in your situation.
Does my welding certificate count for TRA?
TRA assesses the combination of qualifications and employment evidence. A formal welding certificate (such as an international welding qualification) is useful but not the only path. Employment evidence documenting the tasks of the nominated trade occupation is equally important.
What is the MLTSSL?
The Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List supports the permanent and points-tested pathways, including subclass 189 and the subclass 186 Direct Entry stream. The subclass 482 Skills in Demand visa uses the Core Skills Occupation List (CSOL). Metal Fabricator (ANZSCO 322311) appears on both lists.
Can my employer sponsor me if they are not yet an approved sponsor?
Yes. An employer applies to become an approved standard business sponsor as part of the overall 482 process. MigrationBuro manages the sponsorship application alongside the nomination and visa applications.
Do I need a state nomination?
Not for the employer-sponsored pathway or the 189. State nomination (190 or 491) is one option for the independent skilled stream, not a requirement for all pathways.
What is the difference between a 482 and a 186 visa?
Migration experience you can trust
MigrationBuro are your trusted migration agents in Brisbane. Founded and led by Andrew Heathcote, we specialise in Australian immigration services. With over 18 years of experience, Andrew is a registered migration agent (MARN) and a member of the Migration Institute of Australia, ensuring expert guidance through every step of the immigration process.
