Permanent Residency Pathways for Construction Workers - Skilled Occupations That Support Australia’s Housing and Infrastructure Needs
Your skills are in high demand in Australia. As the nation expands its housing and infrastructure, the need for experienced professionals in construction, engineering, and related trades has never been greater. This growing demand creates clear, direct visa pathways to Australian Permanent Residency (PR) for qualified individuals like you.
1. Construction Trades
Carpenters, bricklayers, plumbers, tilers, electricians and many other construction workers are essential for residential and commercial building projects. Many of these occupations are included on the skilled occupation lists.
Visa pathways include
- Subclass 482 – Skills in Demand (SID) Visa (employer-sponsored)
- Main Requirements: Must be sponsored by an approved employer, have at least one year of relevant work experience, have the occupation on the Core Skills Occupation List (CSOL) and meet English language criteria. You may be eligible to apply for Permanent Residency after two years holding a 482 visa.
- Subclass 186 Temporary Residence Transition stream – Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS) - 482 visa to 186 PR
- Main Requirements: The applicant needs to hold a 482 visa for at least 2 years, and the employer must nominate them for permanent residency. Generally, the applicant must also be under 45 years old.
- Subclass 186 Direct Entry stream – Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS) – PR through employer nomination
- Main Requirements: Requires a nomination from an Australian employer, a positive skills assessment,at least three years of work experience, have the occupation on the Core Skills Occupation List (CSOL), and competent English.
- Subclass 189 - Skilled Independent, and 190/491 - State Nominated visas
- Main Requirements: Based on a points system. Requires a positive skills assessment, must be invited to apply, and be under 45 years of age. The Subclass 190 and 491 also require a nomination from a state or territory government. Each state has different criteria and occupation lists.
- Designated Area Migration Agreements (DAMA)
- Main Requirements: Available in specific regions of Australia. Employers in these areas can sponsor overseas workers, often with concessions for skills, language, and age requirements (up to 55 years old).
Work Visa Lawyers Tip: Our team helps tradespeople prepare for Trades Recognition Australia (TRA) skills assessments and lodge strong skilled visa applications.
2. Engineers
Civil, structural, and electrical engineers are vital for infrastructure development and housing projects.
Visa pathways include
- Subclass 482 → 186 (TRT) pathway
- Main Requirements: Begin with an employer-sponsored 482 visa, then transition to the 186 PR visa after working for your employer for a specified period (usually two years).
- Subclass 186 - Direct Entry pathway
- Main Requirements: Requires a nomination from an Australian employer, a positive skills assessment, at least three years of relevant work experience, and competent English.
- Subclass 189/190 - Skilled visas via points or state nomination
- Main Requirements: A points-based system where candidates need a positive skills assessment from Engineers Australia, must meet a points threshold, and be invited to apply. The 190 visa requires state nomination.
- Subclass 491 - Regional provisional visas leading to 191 PR
- Main Requirements: Requires nomination by a state/territory or an eligible family member to live and work in a designated regional area. This visa provides a pathway to the permanent 191 visa.
Work Visa Lawyers Tip: We assist engineers with Engineers Australia skills assessments and points-tested visas.
3. Surveyors & Architects
Surveyors and architects support the planning and design side of housing and urban development. These roles are also recognised on the skilled lists.
Visa pathways include
- Subclass 482 - Employer sponsorship
- Main Requirements: Requires sponsorship from an approved Australian employer, relevant qualifications, and English language proficiency.
- Subclass 186 - ENS PR pathway
- Main Requirements: Can be accessed via the Direct Entry or Temporary Residence Transition stream. Requires a positive skills assessment and relevant work experience.
- Subclass 189/190 - Skilled PR visas
- Main Requirements: A points-tested pathway requiring a positive skills assessment from the relevant assessing body, an invitation to apply, and meeting the points threshold.
- Subclass 491 - Regional provisional visa
- Main Requirements: Requires nomination from a state or territory to live and work in a regional area, providing a pathway to permanent residency.
Work Visa Lawyers Tip: We provide advice for surveyors and architects navigating migration and state nomination requirements. Check our Employer-Sponsored Visa Services.
4. High-Demand Construction Occupations & Recent Invitation Rounds
Recent Subclass 189 invitation rounds have highlighted the strong demand for construction trades. In the last three 189 visa rounds, many of these occupations received invitations with a minimum of just 65 points. This demonstrates a clear opportunity for skilled tradespeople seeking permanent residency in Australia.
Examples of occupations invited include:
- Carpenters and Joiners (with 65 points)
- Bricklayers (with 65 points)
- Plumbers (with 65 points)
- Electricians (with 70 points)
Work Visa Lawyers Tip: We stay on top of migration trends and can advise you on your points score and chances of receiving an invitation.
Building Australia’s Future
From trades and engineers to surveyors and project managers, skilled professionals are central to Australia’s housing and infrastructure development. If you’re qualified in these areas, there are clear visa pathways available.
How Work Visa Lawyers Can Help
At Work Visa Lawyers, our Adelaide-based team—founded by Immigration Lawyer Chris Johnston in 2011—specialises in Australian visa pathways for skilled workers.
Since 2011, we’ve helped thousands of skilled workers, families, and businesses with their migration matters. Whether you’re a carpenter, engineer, or architect, we can help you plan your pathway to Australia.
Book a consultation to explore your visa options.
