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

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. 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

1. 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).
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. 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

1. Subclass 482 - Employer sponsorship
   • Main Requirements: Requires sponsorship from an approved Australian employer, relevant qualifications, and English language proficiency.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. 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.

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How to Become a Registered Nurse in Australia

Australia is one of the most popular destinations for nurses around the world. With its high-quality healthcare system, strong demand for healthcare workers, and excellent career opportunities, many internationally qualified nurses and midwives (IQNMs) are choosing to build their future here.

If you're exploring how to become a registered nurse in Australia, this guide offers a complete breakdown of pathways, visa options, and registration procedures.

Applications for registration and renewals can be completed online through the Ahpra portal.

The portal allows applicants to create or log in to an account to start an application, update contact details, request a certificate of good standing or certificate of registration, and manage updates such as changing the principal place of practice or reporting a notifiable event.

Registration and Immigration – Two Separate Processes

If you want to work as a nurse or midwife in Australia, you need to go through two different applications:

Registration with the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia (NMBA) via Ahpra – to legally practice as a nurse or midwife.

• This checks qualifications, English skills, and whether the applicant meets professional standards.
• Without NMBA registration, you cannot legally work as a nurse/midwife in Australia, even if you have a visa.

Visa with the Department of Home Affairs – to live and work in Australia.

• This allows you to enter, live, and work in Australia.
• Without a visa, you cannot stay or be employed in the country — even if you have NMBA registration.

NMBA’s Registration Standards

Before you can work, you must meet the NMBA’s registration standards. These include:

• Criminal history check → Authorities review your past records to ensure suitability for healthcare roles.
• English language skills → Proof of English proficiency is required via one of the following:
  • IELTS (Academic): Overall 7.0, with 7.0 in each band.
  • OET (Nursing): B in each band.
  • PTE Academic: Overall 65, with 65 in each band.
  • TOEFL iBT: Total 94 (L:24, R:24, W:27, S:23).
    Results may be from one sitting or two within six months (minimum criteria apply).
• Recency of practice → You must show recent clinical experience.
• Professional indemnity insurance (PII) → You need to be covered for professional practice incidents.

Qualification Criteria

Qualifications are assessed for equivalence to Australian standards. The NMBA checks:

1. Recognition for registration – Must be officially recognised in your home country.
2. Accreditation – Programs must be accredited and include clinical placements.
3. Academic level – Equivalent to:
   • Level 7 Bachelor’s Degree for registered nurses/midwives.
   • Level 5 Diploma for enrolled nurses.

Country Classifications

The Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia (NMBA) has reviewed nursing and midwifery qualifications from different countries and grouped them into three categories. This classification helps determine the likely pathway you will follow toward Ahpra registration and is critical for internationally qualified nurses and midwives (IQNMs) pursuing careers in Australia.

Likely to Meet Standards (Fast-Track Recognition)

If you trained in one of the following countries, your qualification is usually considered equivalent to Australian standards:

• Canada
• United Kingdom
• United States of America
• Republic of Ireland
• Hong Kong (nursing only)

These candidates often follow a faster registration process with limited additional assessment.

May Meet Standards (Case-by-Case Assessment)

If you studied in one of the following countries, your qualifications may be accepted, but they’ll be assessed individually:

• Belgium (Flanders)
• Denmark
• Finland
• Germany
• Hong Kong (midwifery)
• Israel
• Malaysia
• Netherlands
• Norway (nursing)
• Pakistan
• Portugal
• Singapore
• South Africa
• Republic of Korea (South Korea)
• Spain
• Sweden

A detailed review will determine whether additional testing or bridging is needed.

Unlikely to Meet Standards (Additional Steps Required)

Qualifications from the countries below are generally not considered equivalent. Most applicants in this group will need to complete the Outcomes-Based Assessment (OBA) or undertake an approved bridging or transition program in Australia.

• Afghanistan
• Albania
• Argentina
• Austria
• Bahrain
• Bangladesh
• Barbados
• Belgium (Walloon region)
• Bhutan
• Bosnia
• Botswana
• Brazil
• Brunei
• Bulgaria
• Cambodia
• Cameroon
• Chile
• China
• Colombia
• Cyprus
• Egypt
• Estonia
• Ethiopia
• Fiji
• Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia
• France
• Georgia
• Ghana
• Greece
• India
• Iran
• Iraq
• Italy
• Jamaica
• Japan
• Jordan
• Kenya
• Lebanon
• Lithuania
• Macedonia
• Malawi
• Malta
• Morocco
• Myanmar
• Namibia
• Nepal
• Nigeria
• Oman
• Occupied Palestinian Territory
• Papua New Guinea
• Peru
• Philippines
• Poland
• Romania
• Russia
• Rwanda
• Samoa
• Saudi Arabia
• Serbia
• Slovenia
• Solomon Islands
• Sri Lanka
• Swaziland (now Eswatini)
• Switzerland
• Sudan
• Taiwan
• Thailand
• Tonga
• Turkey
• Uganda
• Ukraine
• United Arab Emirates
• Zambia
• Zimbabwe
  

Applicants in this category typically need to complete the Outcomes-Based Assessment (OBA) pathway, which includes:

• NCLEX-RN-style multiple-choice exam
• Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE) conducted in Australia

Alternatively, you may complete an Approved Program of Study in Australia, such as a bridging or transition program to meet the NMBA’s registration standards.

Step-by-Step Pathway to Becoming a Nurse in Australia

1. Review NMBA registration standards
2. Complete the Self-Check on Ahpra’s website
   This determines if you fall under Stream A, B or C.
3. Follow the pathway:
   • Stream A: Equivalent → Orientation + documentation
   • Stream B: Relevant but not equivalent → OBA (exams + portfolio)
   • Stream C: Not equivalent → Bridging or further study
4. Apply for NMBA registration via Ahpra, ensuring you meet all requirements
5. Apply for an Australian visa through the Department of Home Affairs
   • Skilled Migration, Employer-Sponsored, or Student Visa
6. Secure employment
   • Registration is required before starting work.
7. Relocate and begin work in Australia

ANMAC vs NMBA – Know the Difference

• ANMAC assesses your qualifications/work experience for visa/migration purposes.
• NMBA (via Ahpra) handles professional registration.

You must pass both if you plan to migrate and practice.

Fees for Nurses and Midwives (October 2025)

Application Fees

• General registration: AU$ 332
• Recent graduates (approved Australian programs): AU$ 97
• Non-practising: AU$ 39
• Fast-track application: AU$ 60

Annual Registration Renewal

• General: AU$ 193 (NSW: AU$ 189)
• Non-practising: AU$ 39

IQNM Fees

• Assessment & Orientation: AU$ 410
• NCLEX-RN Score Transfer: AU$ 250
• OSCE: AU$ 4,000
• Preliminary review: AU$ 575
• Tertiary review: AU$ 2,500

If you need assistance with your nursing visa, employer sponsorship, or other work-related visa options, get in touch with our team of experienced immigration lawyers and registered migration agents at Work Visa Lawyers.

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How to Register as a Doctor in Australia

All doctors practising medicine in Australia are required to be registered with the Medical Board of Australia (MBA). This registration process ensures that medical professionals meet stringent professional standards, providing safe, high-quality care to patients across the country.

Types of Medical Registration in Australia

The type of medical registration you need depends on your qualifications, level of experience, and specific training background. The Medical Board of Australia offers the following categories:

• General Registration – For fully qualified doctors eligible to practise independently in Australia.
• Specialist Registration – For doctors formally recognised as specialists in a defined field of medicine.
• Provisional Registration – For recent medical graduates undertaking supervised clinical practice.
• Limited Registration – For doctors practising in designated roles or under supervision, commonly applicable to International Medical Graduates (IMGs).
• Non-Practising Registration – For doctors who wish to retain registration without actively practising medicine.

How to Apply for Medical Registration with AHPRA

All registration and renewal applications must be submitted online via the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) website. The standard steps include:

• Creating an AHPRA account – Enables you to complete, submit, and track your application.
• Preparing required documentation, such as:
  • Medical degree certificate and academic transcript
  • Proof of identity (e.g., passport or birth certificate)
  • Curriculum Vitae (CV)
  • Proof of English language proficiency (if applicable)
• Submitting your application – Complete the appropriate online form for your registration type and pay the relevant fee.

Tip: Make sure your documentation is complete and up to date before starting the AHPRA registration process to avoid delays.

Pathways to Medical Registration for International Medical Graduates (IMGs)

International Medical Graduates (IMGs)—doctors who obtained their qualifications outside Australia or New Zealand—can pursue medical registration in Australia through specific pathways. Each has unique eligibility and assessment requirements:

1. Competent Authority Pathway

• Designed for IMGs assessed by a recognised competent authority.
• Applicants must have practised in a competent authority country.
• Leads to general registration.

2. Standard Pathway

• For IMGs not eligible for the Competent Authority or Specialist Pathway.
• Requires successful completion of AMC exams.
• Leads to general registration.

3. Specialist Pathway

• For IMGs holding an international specialist qualification.
• Requires assessment by a relevant specialist college.
• Leads to specialist registration.

4. Expedited Specialist Pathway

• For specialists whose qualifications are listed on the MBA’s Expedited Specialist Pathway list.
• Leads to specialist registration.

5. Short-Term Training in a Medical Specialty Pathway

• For specialist IMGs or trainees seeking temporary training (up to 24 months) in Australia.
• Does not lead to ongoing registration or specialist registration.

Medical Board of Australia – Schedule of Fees (Effective 1 August 2025)

All fees listed are in AUD and must be paid at the time of application unless stated otherwise. Both the application fee and the registration fee are generally required.

All doctors practising in Australia must be registered with the Medical Board of Australia via AHPRA.

Why Registration Fees Are Important

These fees fund the vital work of AHPRA and the MBA to ensure public safety and uphold medical standards. The cost of regulating the profession is fully funded through these fees, with no government subsidies.

What Do the Fees Support?

Fees help fund essential functions, such as:

• Assessing and managing local and international registration applications
• Developing and enforcing professional medical standards
• Accrediting medical programs and intern training via the Australian Medical Council (AMC)
• Investigating concerns about registered practitioners
• Supporting criminal prosecutions for breaches in advertising or title misuse
• Funding the work of the Health Ombudsman in Queensland
• Maintaining the public register of practitioners
• Providing practitioner health services
• Supporting the National Health Practitioner Ombudsman

Application Fees (September 2025)

Need Help with a Visa?

If you require visa assistance to work as a doctor in Australia, please contact our expert team of immigration lawyers and registered migration agents at Work Visa Lawyers. We offer personalised guidance for doctors and health professionals migrating to Australia.

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482 Visa English Requirements

The Subclass 482 – Skills in Demand (SID) Visa is one of the most common Australian work visas. It allows skilled workers to be sponsored by an eligible Australian employer to live and work in Australia for up to four years.

Meeting the English language requirement is an essential part of the application. The rules were recently updated, with changes applying from 13 September 2025. Below is a full guide to the current requirements, including accepted tests, exemptions, and what this means if you plan to transition to permanent residency.

Recently, the Australian Government reduced the PTE English test requirement for the Subclass 482 visa. The change took effect on 13 September 2025 and applies to English tests taken on or after that date. Tests completed before this date must still meet the previous requirements.

For the Subclass 482 visa, the One Skill Retake (OSR) is now permitted for English tests that offer this option, such as IELTS.

English Tests Completed On or After 13 September 2025

If your English test provider offers a One Skill Retake (OSR) option, results from that retake may be accepted.

Minimum Score Required by Test:

English Tests Completed Before 13 September 2025

Scores must be achieved in a single sitting. One Skill Retake results are not accepted.

Minimum Score Required by Test:

Note: From 26 July 2023 to 4 May 2024, TOEFL iBT was not accepted for visa purposes. From 12 February 2024, only the paper-based CAE version is accepted. Older valid results remain acceptable.

Who Does Not Need to Sit an English Test?

You may be exempt from taking an English test if:

• You hold a passport from:
  • United Kingdom
  • Ireland
  • USA
  • Canada
  • New Zealand
• You have completed at least five years of full-time study in English at a secondary level or higher
• You are sponsored under a labour agreement that specifies a different English requirement
• You hold registration that has the same or higher English requirement, such as for medical practitioners

482 Visa to 186 Visa: Permanent Residency Transition

Many Subclass 482 visa holders later apply for permanent residency through the Subclass 186 – Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS) Visa.

For the 186 visa, you must show Competent English, which is a higher requirement than for the 482 visa.

Competent English – Tests Taken On or After 7 August 2025

Competent English – Tests Taken Before 7 August 2025

If your long-term goal is permanent residency, it is important to plan ahead and prepare for the higher Competent English requirement.

How Work Visa Lawyers Can Help

At Work Visa Lawyers, we assist both skilled workers and Australian employers with all aspects of the Subclass 482 visa process, including:

• Assessing whether you need to sit an English test or qualify for an exemption
• Preparing and lodging a strong application
• Helping you plan your pathway to permanent residency via the Subclass 186 visa

Contact Work Visa Lawyers today to book a consultation and receive expert advice on your visa application.

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How to Create an ImmiAccount: Step-by-Step Guide

Step 1: Visit the Official ImmiAccount Website

Go to the Australian Department of Home Affairs website.

Important: Always ensure you're on the official government website to avoid scams. The URL should start with: https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au

Creating an ImmiAccount is essential for applying for Australian visas, citizenship, or accessing immigration services online.

Step 2: Click on “Create ImmiAccount”

On the login page, you’ll see the “Create ImmiAccount” button. Click on it to begin your registration.
Visit: https://online.immi.gov.au/lusc/login

Enter your valid email address to receive a verification code.

Once you receive the code, enter it and click “NEXT” to proceed.

Step 3: Select Your Account Type and Enter New User Details

You will be prompted to choose between:

• Individual – for personal visa applications
• Organisation – for companies or registered migration agents
  
  

Enter the following New User Details:

• First and last name
• Contact number

Tip: Ensure these match your identity documents for a smoother visa application process.

Step 4: Account Details

Login Details:

Create a Username and Password
Choose a secure username and password. Typical password requirements include:

• At least 14 characters
• A mix of uppercase and lowercase letters
• Numbers and special characters

Set Security Questions

Select and answer security questions. These will be used if you ever need to recover your account.

Review and Accept Terms

Read the terms and conditions carefully.
Tick the checkbox to accept them and continue.

Step 5: Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)

Before your account is fully created, you must set up Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA). This adds an extra layer of security to prevent unauthorized access and cyberattacks.

Tip: Ensure your email and mobile number are accessible during this step.

Steps to Enable MFA:

• Download the Microsoft Authenticator App
  Available on Google Play (Android) or App Store (iOS)
• Scan the Generated QR Code
  Open the app and scan the QR code shown on the ImmiAccount setup screen
• Enter the 6-Digit Authentication Code
  The app will display a 6-digit code. Enter it into the ImmiAccount page to verify.
  
  

This ensures your account remains secure and accessible only by you. Keep your mobile device safe and handy for future logins.

Step 6: Log in – ImmiAccount Has Been Created Successfully

You’ve now successfully created your ImmiAccount.
Go to https://online.immi.gov.au/lusc/login to log in using your new credentials.

You can now:

• Apply for or manage visa applications
• Upload documents
• Receive status updates and official correspondence

ImmiAccount is your personal dashboard for all interactions with the Australian Department of Home Affairs.

How Can Work Visa Lawyers Assist You?

If you're seeking help from a Registered Migration Agent or Immigration Lawyer to guide your visa application, Work Visa Lawyers is here to help.

Since 2011, we’ve assisted thousands of applicants — individuals, families, and businesses — in securing Australian visas.

Our experienced legal team offers:

• Honest advice
• Strategic preparation
• Ongoing support tailored to your situation

Contact us today to take the next step toward your Australian visa.

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