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In the landscape of Australian skilled migration, professions such as nursing, teaching and engineering often attract the most public attention. However, recent patterns in the Skilled Independent (subclass 189) visa program suggest that skilled trade occupations – particularly within the construction sector – can also provide practical pathways to permanent residency (PR). This appears to be reflected in invitation round outcomes, where certain trade occupations have, at times, received invitations at comparatively lower points thresholds than some highly competitive professional roles.
As migration agents specialising in Australia’s skilled visa programs, Riverwood Migration monitors these developments to assist prospective applicants in planning realistic and well‑informed migration strategies.
Why Construction Trades Are Increasingly Relevant
The Skilled Independent (subclass 189) visa is a points‑tested visa for skilled workers who are not sponsored by an employer or nominated by an Australian state or territory government. Applicants submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) through SkillSelect and are ranked according to their overall points score. Invitations are then issued periodically, depending on program priorities, occupational ceilings and the Government’s broader migration and labour market settings.
In recent invitation rounds, a wide range of occupations has received invitations, with minimum points thresholds varying significantly by occupation group and demand level. Within this context, construction trade occupations – such as carpenters, electricians, bricklayers, plasterers and tilers – have, in some rounds, appeared to be competitive at points scores in approximately the mid‑60s to low‑70s range, indicating continued demand in these fields relative to certain high‑competition professional occupations. Specific thresholds, however, remain subject to change from round to round and should always be checked against the latest official data.
These patterns align with broader labour market conditions, where ongoing housing and infrastructure needs continue to underpin demand for skilled tradespeople across Australia.
Why Trades Can Be a Viable PR Pathway
- Potentially Lower Points Requirements for Some Trades
While highly specialised professional roles (for example, certain engineering and scientific research occupations) may require very competitive points scores, many core trade occupations have, in some invitation rounds, appeared to receive invitations at comparatively lower points levels. This may make the Skilled Independent (subclass 189) pathway more attainable for suitably qualified tradespeople who do not currently meet the higher points scores common in some professional occupations. - Direct Pathway Without Sponsorship or Nomination
The Skilled Independent (subclass 189) visa provides a direct pathway to Australian permanent residency. Eligible applicants do not require employer sponsorship or state/territory nomination to be invited. This structure can be particularly attractive to tradespersons who hold recognised qualifications and relevant skilled work experience but who may not yet have secured an Australian job offer linked to migration outcomes. - Sustained Labour Demand in Construction
Australia’s ongoing housing, infrastructure and commercial development activity continues to drive demand for qualified tradespeople. Construction‑related occupations frequently feature in skills assessments and workforce planning discussions, reflecting projected shortages and the need for a stable pipeline of skilled workers across multiple states and territories.
Key Construction Trades Often Considered
The following construction trade occupations are commonly associated with skilled migration pathways and may, in some cases, feature in relevant invitation rounds under the Skilled Independent (subclass 189) visa program, subject to current policy and demand:
Carpenter – Frequently required on residential and commercial projects, with continuing demand in many regions.
Electrician (General) – A critical occupation with broad application across construction, maintenance and infrastructure projects.
Bricklayer – A core trade within structural construction, particularly in residential and medium‑density housing.
Wall and Floor Tiler – Often in demand in both new builds and renovation projects, with relatively clear training and assessment pathways.
The specific competitiveness of each occupation – including any indicative points levels – depends on the particular invitation round, program settings and occupational ceilings in place at the time.
Planning a Skilled Migration Pathway as a Tradesperson
Prospective applicants seeking to leverage skilled trades as a pathway to Australian permanent residency through the Skilled Independent (subclass 189) visa generally need to:
Obtain a positive skills assessment for the relevant trade occupation from the authorised assessing authority.
Achieve a competitive points score, taking into account age, English language proficiency, skilled work experience, qualifications and other eligible factors.
Lodge a well‑prepared Expression of Interest (EOI) through SkillSelect, ensuring that all information is accurate, up to date and properly evidenced.
Because invitation policies and occupational priorities can change over time, it is important for applicants to monitor official updates and ensure their EOI remains as competitive as possible in the lead‑up to potential invitation rounds.
Construction trade occupations can represent a practical and, in some cases, more accessible pathway to Australian permanent residency via the Skilled Independent (subclass 189) visa, particularly where these trades align with identified skills needs. While invitation outcomes vary across rounds and occupations, recent patterns underscore the value of considering skilled trades as part of a strategic and realistic migration plan.
Whether you are exploring a trade as your primary migration route or reassessing your broader skilled migration options, Riverwood Migration is available to provide tailored advice, evidence‑based assessment and professional support at each stage of the process.
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