Skilled Electricians & Fitters from the Philippines & Vietnam are in high demand in Australia! Mangalath Immigration guides you through visa options (ANZSCO 341111 & 323211) and steps to make your Australian dream a reality.
Australia is currently experiencing a significant demand for skilled tradespeople, and if you are a qualified Electrician or Fitter in the Philippines or Vietnam, your skills are in high demand Down Under! The land of opportunity offers a fantastic quality of life, competitive wages, and clear pathways to permanent residency for skilled workers like you.
At Mangalath Immigration, we specialise in navigating the complex Australian visa landscape. This post outlines the key steps and visa options for qualified Electricians (ANZSCO 341111) and Fitters (ANZSCO 323211) from the Philippines and Vietnam to make your Australian dream a reality.
Step 1: The Non-Negotiable – Skills Assessment
Before you can apply for a skilled migration visa, your trade skills and qualifications must be formally assessed by the relevant Australian assessing authority, which is generally Trades Recognition Australia (TRA). This step is crucial to ensure your overseas experience is equivalent to the required Australian standards (typically an AQF Certificate III or IV).
What You Need to Know:
- For Electricians (General): This is a licensed trade in Australia. The skills assessment typically involves the Offshore Skills Assessment Program (OSAP), which is a multi-stage process:
- Documentary Evidence Review: Submitting proof of qualifications, training, and extensive paid work experience (e.g., typically four years with formal training or six years without).
- Technical Interview: A discussion with an assessor to verify your knowledge.
- Practical Assessment: A hands-on test (often conducted in approved centres in the Philippines or Australia) to demonstrate your competence in the trade’s key tasks.
- Upon successful completion, you receive an Offshore Technical Skills Record (OTSR), which is essential for provisional licensing in Australia.
- For Fitters (General): The process is similar to the Electrician’s, and may also involve the OSAP pathway, requiring a documentary review and a technical interview. The goal is a positive Migration Skills Assessment (MSA)
- Key Requirement for both: You must provide clear, detailed evidence of your paid employment, including payslips, tax returns, and professional references.
Step 2: Choosing Your Visa Pathway to Australia
Once you have a positive Skills Assessment, you are eligible to apply for one of the skilled migration visas. Your best option will depend on your individual circumstances and points score.
I. General Skilled Migration (GSM) Visas (Points-Tested)
These visas require you to score at least 65 points on the points test, which considers factors like age, English language ability, qualifications, work experience, and partner skills.
| Visa Subclass | Description | Key Requirement |
|---|---|---|
| Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189) | Permanent residency. Does not require state or employer sponsorship. | High points score (often above the 65-point minimum) and receipt of an invitation to apply. |
| Skilled Nominated Visa (Subclass 190) | Permanent residency. Requires nomination from an Australian State or Territory government. | State nomination approval (adds 5 points to your score). State/Territory criteria vary widely and are often competitive. |
| Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Visa (Subclass 491) | Provisional visa (5 years) with a pathway to permanent residency after three years. | Regional nomination/sponsorship (adds 15 points to your score). You must live and work in a designated regional area. |
II. Employer-Sponsored Visas
If you secure a job offer from an Australian employer, this can provide a faster, more direct route, often bypassing the high points threshold of the 189/190 visas.
| Visa Subclass | Description | Key Requirement |
|---|---|---|
| Temporary Skill Shortage Visa (Subclass 482) | A temporary visa (up to 4 years) allowing you to work for your sponsoring employer. It offers a clear pathway to permanent residency. | An approved Australian employer sponsor and a formal employment contract for a position on the relevant occupation list. |
| Employer Nomination Scheme (Subclass 186) | A permanent residency visa. It can be accessed directly or after working for your employer on a Subclass 482 visa. | An approved Australian employer sponsor, relevant work experience (typically 3 years for the Direct Entry stream), and a positive Skills Assessment. |
| Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (Provisional) Visa (Subclass 494) | A provisional visa (5 years) for working in regional Australia, which provides a defined pathway to the permanent Subclass 191 visa. | Sponsorship from an approved employer in a designated regional area and a positive Skills Assessment. |
The Next Steps with Mangalath Immigration
The journey to Australia is a structured, step-by-step process, and getting it right the first time is essential. As a qualified Electrician or Fitter from the Philippines or Vietnam, you are in a privileged position to fill a major skills gap.
Here’s how Mangalath Immigration can help you achieve your goal:
- Visa Eligibility Assessment: We will review your qualifications, work history, and points score to determine the most viable visa option.
- Skills Assessment Guidance: We manage the entire TRA process, from documentary evidence preparation to coordinating your technical and practical assessments.
- Expression of Interest (EOI) & Nomination: We prepare and lodge your EOI in SkillSelect and manage your State/Territory nomination application (for 190/491 visas).
- Visa Application & Finalisation: We lodge your final visa application with the Department of Home Affairs, ensuring all health and character requirements are met.
Don’t let the paperwork stand between you and your new life. Contact the experts at Mangalath Immigration today for a consultation and take the first critical step toward a successful, rewarding career in Australia!