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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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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482 Visa Secondary Applicants: Work & Study Rights for Spouses in Australia

The Skills in Demand (SID) 482 Visa is a popular migration pathway that allows skilled professionals to live and work in Australia. While the primary applicant must work for their sponsoring employer, many spouses and partners wonder: What about family members?

If you’re the spouse or de facto partner of a 482 visa holder (either TSS or SID), you may be curious about your rights — especially regarding employment and education.

Can 482 Visa Secondary Applicants Work or Study Freely in Australia?
Yes — and with no major restrictions.

As a secondary applicant (spouse or de facto partner), you have full work rights in Australia. This means you are not limited by occupation, employer, or industry.

You can:

• Work full-time, part-time, or casually
• Choose any sector, including starting your own business
• Apply for any job without needing sponsorship
• Choose not to work, if you prefer

In addition, you are free to study in Australia without added visa conditions. Just note that international student fees may apply depending on your course.

Are There Restrictions Based on the Visa Stream?

1. Core Skills Stream
2. Specialist Skills Stream
3. Labour Agreement Stream

No matter which stream the primary visa holder is on, the secondary applicant’s rights remain the same in terms of work and study. There are currently no restrictions linked to the stream for partners or spouses.

Practical Tips for 482 Visa Spouses and Partners

• Apply for a TFN and Superannuation

• Maximise Job Flexibility

• Explore Study Opportunities

• Stay Updated on Policy Changes

Need Legal Advice or Migration Support?

If you're unsure about your current work rights, thinking about switching careers, or planning a permanent residency application as a family — don’t leave it to guesswork.

  Book an Appointment

Book an appointment with a migration specialist to discuss your situation and plan your next steps with confidence.

There is important news for skilled migrants and employers in South Australia. The Designated Area Migration Agreements (DAMAs) for both Adelaide metropolitan and regional South Australia have been extended until 30 June 2026, providing continued access to skilled workers across key industries facing shortages.

This extension comes with several ongoing benefits and one major update: a faster pathway to permanent residency (PR) for holders of the Skills in Demand (SID) 482 visa under the DAMA. 

Extension to 30 June 2026

Both South Australian DAMAs have officially been extended through to mid-2026. This extension gives certainty to employers and migrants alike, supporting economic growth and regional development through skilled migration.

482 to 186 PR Pathway in 2 Years

One of the most significant updates is the reduction in the required period for PR application. Holders of the 482 visa through DAMA can now apply for the Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS) subclass 186 visa after only two years on their 482 visa.

Previously, applicants were required to wait three years. This change provides a faster and more appealing path to permanent residency for skilled migrants working in South Australia.

DAMA Concessions

South Australia continues to offer important concessions through the DAMA program, making it more accessible than standard employer-sponsored visas. Depending on the occupation, these can include:

• Age concession: Applicants can be up to 55 years old

• Income concession: A 10% reduction on the Temporary Skilled Migration Income Threshold (TSMIT)

• English language concessions for certain occupations

• Work experience concessions, depending on the role

These flexibilities provide greater opportunities for both employers seeking to fill skill gaps and workers hoping to settle in Australia.

Industry Labour Agreements Take Priority

Starting from 1 July 2025, occupations listed under specific Industry Labour Agreements (ILAs) will no longer be available under the South Australian DAMA if they are already covered by the relevant ILA.

For example, aged care providers will no longer be able to sponsor certain workers under the DAMA and must instead use the Aged Care Industry Labour Agreement (ACILA) or alternative programs such as the Pacific Australia Labour Mobility (PALM) scheme.

Employers must ensure they are using the correct migration program based on their sector and the occupation they intend to sponsor.

A New Five-Year Statewide DAMA

The South Australian Government has announced its intention to negotiate a new five-year statewide DAMA with the Commonwealth Government during the 2025–26 financial year. This would continue the state’s proactive approach to attracting skilled workers and meeting local workforce needs.

Need Assistance with a DAMA Application?

If you are:

• An employer in South Australia experiencing skill shortages

• A skilled worker seeking a pathway to work and live in South Australia

The DAMA program may be an ideal solution. At Work Visa Lawyers, we assist both employers and individuals with:

• DAMA endorsement applications

• Labour agreements, including Industry Labour Agreements

• Employer nominations

• Subclass 482 visa, 494 visa, and 186 visa applications

• Permanent residency pathways under DAMA concessions

Book a consultation with our team to explore your options with confidence.

Located in Adelaide and assisting clients across Australia and internationally.

Sources: 

https://www.migration.sa.gov.au/news-events/designated-area-migration-agreements-damas-extension

https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/employing-and-sponsoring-someone/sponsoring-workers/nominating-a-position/labour-agreements/designated-area-migration-agreements

From 1 July 2025, income thresholds for skilled visas will increase by 4.6%, in line with updates to the Average Weekly Ordinary Time Earnings (AWOTE). These changes deliver on commitments outlined in the Australian Government’s Migration Strategy and reflect recommendations from the Migration Review.

This annual indexation ensures that wages for skilled migrants grow in step with Australian earnings—helping to prevent skilled migration from being used to undercut local workers.

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Updated Income Thresholds (Effective 1 July 2025)

Core Skills Income Threshold (CSIT)

• Current: $73,150

• New CSIT (from 1 July 2025): $76,515

• Applies to nomination applications for the Core Skills stream of the Skills in Demand (subclass 482 Visa) and Employer Nomination Scheme (subclass 186) visas.

Specialist Skills Income Threshold (SSIT)

• Current: $135,000

• New SSIT (from 1 July 2025): $141,210

• Applies to the Specialist Skills stream of the Skills in Demand visa (subclass 482 Visa).

Temporary Skilled Migration Income Threshold (TSMIT)

• Current: $73,150

• New TSMIT (from 1 July 2025): $76,515

• Applies to the Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional visa (subclass 494 Visa).

Important Note:

For nomination applications lodged on or after 1 July 2025, employers must offer a salary that meets or exceeds the new threshold or the annual market salary rate —whichever is higher.

These changes do not apply to:

• Existing visa holders, or

• Nominations lodged before 1 July 2025.

High Income Threshold Updates

The High Income Threshold will also raise from 1 July 2025:

• Current: $175,000

• New High Income Threshold (from 1 July 2025): $183,100

The High Income Threshold is one of the factors that may be used to assess the applicant's exceptional and outstanding achievements.

The High Income Threshold may also be used if the applicant for sc-186 Visa - Temporary Residence Transition stream is over 45 years old and claiming for an age exemption.

Contact our team at Work Visa Lawyers for tailored advice and assistance.

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Sources: 

https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/news-media/archive/article?itemId=1308

https://www.fwc.gov.au/about-us/news-and-media/news/increase-application-fee-2025-26