Australian Visa Options For Mechanical Engineers

In this article, we take a look at how mechanical engineering occupations are classified and defined in Australia for migration purposes and the potential visa options for mechanical engineers, including mechanical engineer Australia immigration permanent residency pathways. This includes General Skilled Migration (GSM) points-tested visas which require you to attain at least 65 PR points for mechanical engineering in Australia to be eligible.

But before we discuss the skilled visa options that are available for mechanical engineer Australia immigration, we begin by first introducing you to some of the key elements that you need to take into account when assessing your eligibility for mechanical engineer immigration Australia.

Important Factors To Consider When Applying For Mechanical Engineer Australia Immigration

Skilled Occupation List

A key component in determining your eligibility for mechanical engineer immigration Australia is based on whether the mechanical engineering occupation is included on the Skilled Occupation List (SOL) for the relevant skilled visa being considered.

It is important to be aware that each skilled visa subclass is subject to a specified SOL, which is designed to respond to skill shortages in various industries and regions across Australia. As labour markets change, so too do the relevant SOLs to reflect pertaining market conditions. It is therefore vital if you are seeking to apply for mechanical engineer Australia immigration, that you apply the correct and most up-to-date SOL in assessing your eligibility for mechanical engineer immigration Australia.

Please note that as of 25 November 2023, there have been changes to occupation requirements for the Temporary Residence Transition (TRT) stream of the Subclass 186 Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS) visa. Occupations are no longer required to be specified in a SOL to be eligible for an ENS visa. Instead, the nominated occupation must be listed in the ANZSCO and the nominated worker must continue to work in the occupation nominated for their TSS visa (ANZSCO 4-digit occupation unit group code).

Targeted Approach

Certain skilled visa options go one step further by targeting skills shortages in certain geographical areas (including in regional Australia). Employers can also sponsor or nominate suitably skilled applicants to fill vacancies in individual businesses, thereby addressing an employer-specific need. An example of this is an employer sponsored Subclass 482 Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) visa for mechanical engineer Australia immigration.

There are several skilled visa options available for mechanical engineer immigration Australia, with each one designed to meet a specific purpose. The visa options available depend on the mechanical engineering occupation.

These comprise an independent, state sponsored, regional state sponsored, regional family sponsored, regional employer sponsored, employer sponsored and employer nominated skilled visa as well as a training and temporary graduate skilled visa (depending on the mechanical engineering occupation). Some examples before we move on?

Well, a Subclass 491 Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa is an example of a regional state or family sponsored visa for mechanical engineer Australia immigration.

While a Subclass 494 Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (Provisional) (SESR) visa is a regional employer-sponsored visa for mechanical engineer immigration Australia.

And a permanent residence employer nominated option for mechanical engineer Australia immigration is the Subclass 186 Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS) visa.

Each skilled visa subclass is subject to a prescribed set of visa lodgement and grant requirements, a key part of which is the relevant SOL which prescribes the selected skilled occupations which may be nominated for that visa subclass.

Nominating A Mechanical Engineer On The Skilled Occupation List

Different SOLs apply to each skilled visa subclass. For example, the Subclass 482 Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) visa, which is a temporary employer sponsored visa, is subject to a Short‑term Skilled Occupation List (STSOL), a Medium and Long‑term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL) and a Regional Occupation List (ROL). The skilled occupation list that applies to an occupation determines whether it can be nominated under the short-term or medium-term stream of the subclass 482 visa program. There is also a labour agreement stream which applies where the sponsoring employer has a labour agreement in place, and that agreement specifies the occupation/s that may be nominated for a TSS visa.

If the occupation is included on the STSOL, it may be nominated under the short-term stream. If the occupation is included on either the MLTSSL or the ROL, it may be nominated under the medium-term stream.

An occupation that is on the STSOL, MLTSSL or ROL currently provides a pathway to a Subclass 186 Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS) permanent residence visa after two years.

That is, all TSS visa holders have a pathway to a permanent residency visa.

The occupation of mechanical engineer is included on the MLTSSL, and so may be nominated by an employer for a TSS visa under the medium-term stream.

The occupation of mechanical engineering draftsperson is included on the ROL and so may be nominated by an employer for a TSS visa under the medium-term stream. It is, however, subject to a caveat (this is discussed further below).

The occupation of mechanical engineering technician is included on the STSOL and so may be nominated by an employer for a TSS visa under the short-term stream. It is, however, subject to a caveat (this is discussed further below).

All of the above mechanical engineering occupations may qualify for permanent residency after 2 years of holding a TSS visa.

Caveats

Certain occupations that may be nominated for a TSS visa are also subject to a caveat. This means if specified circumstances are present in regard to the position that the employer is seeking to fill, then the occupation is not eligible for nomination. To illustrate, the occupation of mechanical engineering draftsperson is included on the ROL for the subclass 482 visa, and so may be nominated for a TSS visa (under the medium-term stream) subject to the following caveat (or condition):

• • regional only – the nominated position must be located in a designated regional area of Australia.

The occupation of mechanical engineering technician is included on the STSOL and so may be nominated for a TSS visa (under the short-term stream) subject to the following caveats (or conditions):

• • the nominated position does not predominantly involve responsibility for low‑skilled tasks; and

• • excludes positions that relate to mobile phone repairs.

Nominating A Mechanical Engineer Under A Labour Agreement

A labour agreement is negotiated between the Australian Government (represented by the Department of Home Affairs) and employers who seek to sponsor overseas workers for their business.

Labour agreements allow approved businesses to sponsor skilled overseas workers when there is a demonstrated need that cannot be met in the Australian labour market and the standard temporary or permanent visa programs are not available (for example, the occupation which the employer is seeking to nominate is not included on the SOL for the TSS, SESR or ENS visa programs).

One of the main benefits of entering into a labour agreement is its flexibility as it enables an employer to negotiate terms that meet the needs of the business (different types of agreements allow for varying levels of flexibility). This means that an employer may be able to negotiate certain concessions to the skilled visa criteria that would normally apply under the standard employer sponsored visa grant requirements. This can include requirements relating to English language competency, salary and age thresholds. A labour agreement can also be used to employ overseas workers in new or emerging occupations that are not defined in the ANZSCO.

Under a labour agreement, an employer can sponsor or nominate suitably skilled overseas workers for an employer sponsored mechanical engineer Australia immigration visa in accordance with the terms which have been negotiated with the Department of Home Affairs (the Department) in the executed labour agreement (different types of agreements allow for varying levels of flexibility).

There are five types of Labour Agreements, which are as follows:

• • Company specific labour agreements

• • Designated Area Migration Agreements (DAMA)

• • Project agreements

• • Global Talent Employer Sponsored (GTES) agreements

• • Industry labour agreements

To learn more about labour agreements, including the different types of labour agreements and how they operate, please refer to our article on a Labour Agreement Visa.

Skills Assessment

To be deemed ‘suitably qualified’ for a nominated occupation under the skilled visa program, applicants are required to demonstrate that they possess a minimum level of skills, qualifications and/or employment experience as prescribed by the migration provisions for the relevant skilled visa class which is being applied for. This may include the requirement that an applicant obtains a positive skills assessment in their nominated occupation (to be completed by a specified skills assessing body). The skills assessment must be within the accepted validity date (which is normally either three years from the date of issue, or on a date earlier if specified in the skills assessment).

It must also be the correct type of skills assessment. Applicants must have a skills assessment that meets the requirements for the visa for which they are applying. For example, some assessing authorities offer a provisional skills assessment for recent graduates of Australian educational institutions who are applying for a Subclass 485 Temporary Graduate visa. A provisional skills assessment issued for this purpose is not a suitable skills assessment for a permanent residence skilled visa application, for example.

Skill Assessments For Mechanical Engineering Occupations

The prescribed skill assessing body for mechanical engineers and mechanical engineering draftspersons is Engineers Australia (EA). While for mechanical engineering technicians, the prescribed skill assessing body is Trades Recognition Australia (TRA).

We provide further information about the EA and TRA requirements for mechanical engineering occupations in our discussion further below in this article.

English Language

English language criteria also apply, which may require applicants to complete a prescribed English language test and achieve a specified minimum test score (there are exemptions in certain cases). Be aware that English test results are valid for a limited period (depending on the class of visa being applied for and the level of English competency required).

What Are The Possible Skilled Visa Options For Mechanical Engineer Immigration Australia?

Before we take a detailed look at how mechanical engineering occupations are defined for mechanical engineer immigration Australia purposes, we begin our discussion with an introduction of the main types of skilled visas that are available for mechanical engineering occupations (the specific visa options that are available for each respective mechanical engineering occupation are discussed further below in this article). We also provide links to further information on these visa options at the conclusion of this article.

Training Visa

The Subclass 407 training visa is a temporary sponsored visa which is designed to help you to improve your skills in your current occupation, area of tertiary study, or to participate in a professional development training program in Australia. The subclass 407 visa is not suitable for applicants whose sole purpose is to perform work in Australia but rather, to engage in workplace-based training.

One of the subclass 407 visa requirements is that you need to be sponsored by an Australian organisation or government agency (including a foreign government). You must also be nominated for the subclass 407 visa (unless your sponsor is a Commonwealth Government agency, in which case you will need to be invited in writing). You need to select from one of three nomination types, depending on the purpose or type of training which you seek to undertake. Each nomination type has specified requirements, one of which requires your occupation to be included on a subclass 407 training visa skilled occupation list.

The subclass 407 visa can be granted for a period of up to two years and permits unrestricted travel to and from Australia for the duration of the visa. You can also include certain members of your family unit as dependent visa applicants, allowing them to accompany you to Australia.

Nomination Type 2: Occupational Training To Enhance Skills

Nomination type 2 requires the occupational training to be a structured workplace-based training program which is designed to meet your training needs, as the nominee.

Mechanical engineering occupations are included on the skilled occupation list for the subclass 407 training visa, which means that you may be nominated for this visa provided that you have at least 12 months full-time employment experience in the relevant mechanical engineering occupation (in the two years immediately before lodgement of the application) to qualify under nomination type 2.

Please note that the subclass 407 visa is a temporary visa only with no direct pathway to permanent residency in Australia.

To learn more about the subclass 407 training visa program, please see our article on the subclass 407 Training Visa Requirements And Occupations.

General Skilled Migration

The General Skilled Migration (GSM) visa program offers the following skilled visa options (all of which are points-based) for mechanical engineering occupations:

• • Subclass 189 Skilled (Independent) visa;

• • Subclass 190 Skilled (Nominated) visa (a permanent residence visa that requires State Sponsorship approval); and

• • Subclass 491 Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa.

The GSM program operates under an invitation-based system, whereby applicants must first lodge an Expression of Interest (EOI) with the Department of Home Affairs (the Department). Only upon receipt of an invitation can applicants then proceed to apply for the visa itself. Periodically, we publish a summary of the results for invitations issued in the most recent invitation round. We refer you to the latest invitation round results.

PR Points For Mechanical Engineering In Australia Visa

The subclass 189 visa grants you immediate permanent residence in Australia. It is a points-tested permanent residency visa, which means that you need to attain at least 65 PR points for mechanical engineering in Australia in the migration points test to be eligible.

The same applies to the subclass 190 visa, although you need to be nominated by a State or Territory Government to qualify. Note that you will be granted an additional 5 mechanical engineering PR points in Australia on account of the nomination.

Mechanical Engineering PR Points In Australia Pathway Visa

Mechanical engineering occupations may also be nominated by a State or Territory government agency or be sponsored by an eligible relative for a Subclass 491 Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa. This visa is also a points-tested visa. This means that to apply (and qualify for) a subclass 491 visa, you will need to gain at least 65 PR points for mechanical engineering in Australia to be eligible. This visa option grants you an additional 15 PR points for civil engineering in Australia for the nomination/sponsorship.

Eligible subclass 491 visa holders may qualify for a Subclass 191 Permanent Residence (Skilled Regional) visa after three years.

The term of the subclass 491 visa is five years. As a subclass 491 visa holder (including any accompanying visa dependents), you must live, work and study only in a designated regional area of Australia.

Subclass 491 visa holders have unrestricted rights to travel to and from Australia during the visa term and are also entitled to enrol in Medicare, Australia’s public health system.

Employer Sponsored Skilled Visa

Mechanical engineering occupations may also qualify for a Subclass 482 Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) visa, which is an employer sponsored temporary visa. A TSS mechanical engineer immigration Australia visa may be granted for two to four years (depending on the occupation being nominated).

The subclass 482 visa provides mechanical engineering occupations with a pathway to permanent residency with an employer nominated Subclass 186 visa (which is discussed below) after two years.

Employer Nominated Skilled Visa

Applicants seeking an employer nominated permanent residence visa who are prepared to commit to remaining with their nominating employer for at least two years from visa grant may consider a Subclass 186 Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS) visa.

The subclass 186 employer nominated visa comprises of a Direct Entry, Temporary Residence Transition (TRT) and Labour Agreement stream.

The TRT option provides a pathway to permanent residence for TSS subclass 482 visa holders after two years.

Mechanical engineers may also qualify for immediate permanent residency under the Direct Entry stream.

Employer Sponsored Regional Visa

The Subclass 494 Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (SESR) (Provisional) visa provides mechanical engineering occupations with a pathway to permanent residence with the Subclass 191 Permanent Residence (Skilled Regional) visa after three years if the applicant meets specified requirements at that time. The term of the subclass 494 visa is five years.

A SESR visa holder is required to live and work in a designated regional area of Australia. They can travel to and from Australia on an unrestricted basis over the visa term. They are also entitled to enrol in Medicare.

How Are Mechanical Engineering Occupations Defined For Australian Immigration For Civil Engineers?

For migration law purposes, each nominated occupation is defined based on the Australian and New Zealand Standard Classification of Occupations (ANZSCO). The ANZSCO occupational classification system provides a general description of each occupation, skill level, registration and/or licensing requirements and the tasks and duties that may be required to be performed as part of each occupation. Each occupation is assigned a unique ANZSCO code, which is used to identify the occupations that are eligible for a skilled visa for Australia.

The following occupational categories for mechanical engineering occupations contained in ANZSCO may be nominated for a skilled visa to Australia (classified as a minor group):

• • Engineering Professionals (minor group 233); and

• • Building and Engineering Technicians (minor group 312).

These minor groups are then broken down into unit groups of occupations. The next level below this are specific occupations, which are each identified using an ANZSCO code. Skilled visa eligibility is, in part, based on whether your occupation appears on the Skilled Occupation List (SOL) for the skilled visa that you are seeking to apply for.

Our discussion will follow the ANZSCO structure as we have outlined above. We will start by looking at the minor groups listed above. We will then explore the unit groups that make up these minor groups. We then conclude with the most important component in this discussion, that being the specific definition of each civil engineering occupation that may be nominated for mechanical engineer immigration Australia.

Minor Group 233 – Engineering Professionals

We begin by examining ANZSCO minor group 233 for Engineering Professionals.

ANZSCO General Description: Engineering Professionals design, plan and organise the testing, construction, installation and maintenance of structures, machines and their components, and production systems and plants, and plan production schedules and work procedures to ensure engineering projects are undertaken efficiently and in a cost effective manner.

ANZSCO Skill level: Most occupations in this minor group have a level of skill commensurate with a bachelor degree or higher qualification. In some instances, relevant experience and/or on-the-job training may be required in addition to the formal qualification (ANZSCO Skill Level 1).

Tasks include:

• • planning and designing chemical process systems, civil engineering projects, electrical power equipment and facilities, electronic components used in computer and industrial applications, mechanical equipment and systems, mining and drilling operations, and other engineering projects

• • drafting and interpreting specifications, drawings and plans, and determining construction methods

• • supervising the construction of structures, water and gas supply and transportation systems, and the manufacture, installation, operation and maintenance of equipment, machines and plant

• • organising and managing project labour and the delivery of materials, plant and equipment

• • estimating total costs and preparing detailed cost plans and estimates as tools for budgetary control

• • resolving design and operational problems in the various fields of engineering through the application of engineering technology

The 233 minor group comprises the following unit groups:

• • 2331 Chemical and Materials Engineers;

• • 2332 Civil Engineering Professionals;

• • 2333 Electrical Engineers;

• • 2334 Electronics Engineers;

• • 2335 Industrial, Mechanical and Production Engineers;

• • 2336 Mining Engineers; and

• • 2339 Other Engineering Professionals.

The occupation of mechanical engineer is included in unit group 2335 Industrial, Mechanical and Production Engineers.

Unit Group 2335 – Industrial, Mechanical And Production Engineers

Occupations in this unit group have the following elements:

ANZSCO General Description: Industrial, Mechanical and Production Engineers design, organise and oversee the construction, operation and maintenance of mechanical and process plant and installations, establish programs for the coordination of manufacturing activities, and ensure usage of resources is cost effective.

ANZSCO Skill level: Most occupations in this unit group have a level of skill commensurate with a bachelor degree or higher qualification. In some instances, relevant experience and/or on-the-job training may be required in addition to the formal qualification (ANZSCO Skill Level 1).

Registration or licensing may be required.

Tasks include:

• • studying functional statements, organisational charts and project information to determine functions and responsibilities of workers and work units and to identify areas of duplication

• • establishing work measurement programs and analysing work samples to develop standards for labour utilisation

• • analysing workforce utilisation, facility layout, operational data and production schedules and costs to determine optimum worker and equipment efficiencies

• • designing mechanical equipment, machines, components, products for manufacture, and plant and systems for construction

• • developing specifications for manufacture, and determining materials, equipment, piping, material flows, capacities and layout of plant and systems

• • organising and managing project labour and the delivery of materials, plant and equipment

• • establishing standards and policies for installation, modification, quality control, testing, inspection and maintenance according to engineering principles and safety regulations

• • inspecting plant to ensure optimum performance is maintained

• • directing the maintenance of plant buildings and equipment, and coordinating the requirements for new designs, surveys and maintenance schedules

Skill assessing authority: Engineers Australia

Skilled Occupation List: Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL)

Skilled Visa Options:

• • Subclass 189 Skilled (Independent) visa

• • Subclass 190 Skilled (Nominated) visa

• • Subclass 186 Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS) visa

• • Subclass 407 Training visa

• • Subclass 482 Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) visa (Medium Term Stream)

• • Subclass 485 Temporary Graduate visa (Graduate Work Stream)*

• • Subclass 491 Skilled Work Regional (provisional) visa (State or Territory nominated)

• • Subclass 491 Skilled Work Regional (provisional) visa (Family sponsored)

• • Subclass 494 Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (provisional) visa (Employer sponsored stream)

* Potential applicants may also qualify under the Post-Study Work Stream, which does not apply a Skilled Occupation List.

As you can see from the above list of skilled visas, mechanical engineers have several options for mechanical engineer immigration Australia, covering temporary, provisional and permanent options.

This includes the subclass 190 visa, which is a permanent residency visa. It requires a minimum of 65 PR points for mechanical engineering in Australia to qualify. It is a mechanical engineer immigration Australia option which requires State sponsorship.

The subclass 491 is a provisional mechanical engineer Australia immigration visa, which provides a pathway to a permanent residency visa. It is also points-tested, requiring you to attain at least 65 mechanical engineering PR points in Australia to qualify. It also requires state sponsorship. Alternatively, you may be sponsored by an eligible relative in Australia.

The subclass 494 visa is a provisional regional employer sponsored mechanical engineer Australia immigration visa which provides a pathway to permanent residency visa, and requires sponsorship by an employer.

A description of the occupation of mechanical engineer, as defined in this ANZSCO group, is listed below.

Note that to lodge an EOI for a subclass 189, 190 or 491 visa, you must attain at least 65 mechanical engineering PR points in Australia.

Minor Group 312 – Building And Engineering Technicians

Next, we take a look at ANZSCO minor group 312 for Building and Engineering Technicians.

ANZSCO General Description: Building and engineering technicians perform tests and provide technical support to Construction Managers, Architects and Engineering Professionals in research, design, construction, operation and maintenance of equipment, distribution systems and installations, and resource estimation and site inspection.

ANZSCO Skill level:

Most occupations in this minor group have a level of skill commensurate with the qualifications and experience outlined below.

Tasks include: Most occupations in this minor group have a level of skill commensurate with an AQF Associate Degree, Advanced Diploma or Diploma (ANZSCO Skill Level 2).

At least three years of relevant experience may substitute for the formal qualifications listed above. In some instances, relevant experience and/or on-the-job training may be required in addition to the formal qualification.

Tasks include:

• • preparing, interpreting, inspecting and revising drawings, plans, diagrams, designs, maps and charts
  • performing complex computations and field and laboratory tests, and recording the results
  • installing, testing, repairing and modifying electrical, electronic and mechanical equipment
  • estimating quantities and costs of materials
  • inspecting buildings, plumbing work, machines, equipment, working conditions and public places to ensure compliance with relevant laws, standards and regulations
  • planning, scheduling, coordinating and monitoring maintenance of plant equipment
  • testing materials
  • overseeing the safety of mining operations and supervising Miners

The 312 minor group comprises the following unit groups:

• • 3121 Architectural, Building and Surveying Technicians;
  • 3122 Civil Engineering Draftspersons and Technicians;
  • 3123 Electrical Engineering Draftspersons and Technicians;
  • 3124 Electronic Engineering Draftspersons and Technicians;
  • 3125 Mechanical Engineering Draftspersons and Technicians;
  • 3126 Safety Inspectors; and
  • 3129 Other Building and Engineering Technicians.

Set out below are the specific Building and engineering technicians occupations which may be nominated and therefore may qualify for an Australian skilled visa.

Unit Group 3125 – Mechanical Engineering Draftspersons And Technicians

There are two occupations included in the Mechanical Engineering Draftspersons and Technicians ANZSCO group which may be nominated for a skilled visa, with the following elements:

ANZSCO General Description: Mechanical Engineering Draftspersons and Technicians assist in mechanical engineering research, design, manufacture, construction, operation and maintenance of machines, manufacturing equipment, mechanical installations and facilities.

ANZSCO Skill level: Most occupations in this unit group have a level of skill commensurate with AQF Associate Degree, Advanced Diploma or Diploma (ANZSCO Skill Level 2).

At least three years of relevant experience may substitute for the formal qualifications listed above. In some instances, relevant experience and/or on-the-job training may be required in addition to the formal qualification.

Tasks include:

• • preparing drawings, plans and designs for mechanical engineering work under the direction of Mechanical Engineers and Engineering Technologists
  • assisting Mechanical Engineers and Engineering Technologists in the design of mechanical equipment and plant
  • selecting tools and equipment
  • assembling and installing new and modified mechanical assemblies, components, machine tools and controls, and hydraulic power systems
  • estimating material costs and quantities, and machine requirements
  • performing and directing field and laboratory tests
  • collecting and analysing data, carrying out complex computations and preparing diagrams
  • organising and supervising inspection and maintenance of machines and plant
  • ensuring that designs and finished work are within specifications, regulations and contract provisions

A description of each occupation in the Mechanical Engineering Draftspersons And Technicians ANZSCO group is listed below.

*Subject to caveat: (1) Regional only. Excludes positions that are not located in regional Australia. 
^Subject to caveats: (1) Low-skilled tasks. Excludes positions that predominantly involve responsibility for low-skilled tasks. (2) Excludes positions that relate to mobile phone repairs.

Note that to lodge an EOI for a subclass 190 or 491 visa, you must attain at least 65 PR points for mechanical engineering in Australia.

As you can see from the above list of skilled visas, mechanical engineering draftspersons and mechanical engineering technicians have several options for mechanical engineer immigration Australia covering temporary, provisional and permanent options (depending on the occupation being nominated).

This includes the subclass 190 visa, which is a permanent residency visa. It requires a minimum of 65 mechanical engineering PR points in Australia to qualify. It also requires State sponsorship.

The subclass 491 is a provisional visa, which provides a pathway to a permanent residency visa. It is also points-tested, requiring you to attain at least 65 mechanical engineering PR points in Australia
to qualify. It also requires state sponsorship.

The subclass 494 visa is a provisional regional employer sponsored mechanical engineer immigration Australia visa which provides a pathway to a permanent residency visa, and requires sponsorship by an employer.

Skill Assessments For Mechanical Engineering Occupations

As noted in our discussion above, the prescribed skill assessing body for mechanical engineers and mechanical engineering draftspersons is Engineers Australia (EA). For mechanical engineering technicians, the prescribed skill assessing body is Trades Recognition Australia (TRA). For the remainder of our discussion, we provide further details about the skill assessment process and requirements for these skill assessing bodies.

Engineers Australia

To apply for a skills assessment with EA, follow the below process.

Check Your Qualification

Your qualification is the main factor in choosing the right assessment pathway. It’s determined by:

• • the country from which you received it;

• • the type of qualification; and

• • whether it’s accredited.

Accredited qualifications are engineering qualifications that are recognised through agreements known as Accords. There are three relevant Accords – the Washington Accord, Sydney Accord and Dublin Accord. EA will recognise your qualifications under these Accords if:

• • it was completed after, or in the same year in which the country was accepted as a full signatory under the Accord;

• • your program falls within the time period specified as accredited on the signatory’s website for your country. This may be referred to as a program’s intake, commencement or graduate year

• • your program is listed as fully accredited, provisional accreditation isn’t sufficient.

Use the qualification checker on the International Engineering Alliance website to check if your qualifications are accredited.

If you completed your qualification in Australia and it’s listed in Engineers Australia’s list of accredited programs, then you can apply directly through the Australian qualifications pathway.

Occupational Categories

Engineers Australia recognises four occupational categories for skilled migration:

• • Professional engineer;

• • Engineering technologist;

• • Engineering associate; and

• • Engineering manager.

Based on your qualifications and skills, you will work in Australia in one of these occupational categories.

Select An Assessment Pathway

If your qualification is accredited, you can choose between four assessment pathways or types:

• • Australian qualification;

• • Washington Accord;

• • Dublin Accord; or

• • Sydney Accord.

If you have a French qualification, you can apply under the Washington Accord.

You can apply via the Australian qualification pathway if:

• • you have an ASQA-recognised Australian associate degree or advanced diploma in engineering; and

• • you’re looking for a role as an engineering associate.

If you have an Australian provisionally-accredited qualification, apply through the competency demonstration report (CDR) assessment pathway.

If your qualification isn’t accredited, apply through the CDR pathway. In this case, your knowledge, skills and competency are assessed against internationally benchmarked factors.

In the online application for the CDR pathway you’ll be asked to choose your engineering occupation (or qualification) from a dropdown list.

If your assessment is successful, both your occupational category and your engineering occupation will be reflected in the outcome letter.

A minimum English language competency must also be demonstrated to meet assessment requirements for all Engineers Australia occupations. Exemptions apply in certain circumstances.

Prepare And Submit Your Application

Skill assessment applications must be submitted online with all required documents to be attached (in the correct form).

Please refer to the Engineers Australia website for further information.

Trades Recognition Australia

TRA has a number of skills assessment programs, depending on your country of passport, where you studied and the type of visa that you are seeking to apply for. The TRA Pathfinder is a good starting point to determine which skills assessment program to select based on your individual circumstances. Detailed guidelines are also available for each TRA assessment program.

We outline below the criteria for some of the main TRA skills assessment programs.

Provisional Skills Assessment (PSA)

A PSA will verify your:

• • identity; and

• • Australian qualifications.

If your assessment is successful, the outcome letter can be used to apply for a subclass 485 Temporary Graduate visa.

To apply for the Provisional Skills Assessment (PSA), you must have:

• • a current and valid passport

• • an Australian qualification directly relevant to the occupation you are applying for.

This qualification must be from a Registered Training Organisation (RTO) on the Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students (CRICOS).

Before you apply, you should read the PSA Applicant Guidelines and check you can meet the requirements for submitting a decision-ready application.

A successful PSA outcome also means you meet the pre-requisite requirement to participate in the JRP, however, you must apply for the JRP within 3 years from the date of your PSA outcome.

Migration Skills Assessment

The Migration Skills Assessment (MSA) is for applicants who need a skills assessment as part of their skilled migration visa application to the Department of Home Affairs.

The MSA outcome recognises if you have the skills and experience needed at the required level to work in Australia in your nominated occupation.

You can only use a successful MSA outcome for your visa application to Home Affairs for migration purposes

To apply for MSA, you must:

• • have a qualification directly related to your nominated occupation

• • have the required amount of directly relevant employment in your occupation

• • read the MSA Applicant Guidelines for employment requirements

• • have your occupation listed on a skilled occupation list (with TRA listed as the relevant assessing authority).

Please refer to the TRA website for further information.

Get More Information

Skilled Visa Options For Selected Occupations

Please refer to our series of articles on the skilled visa options that are available for selected occupations below:

Visa Options For Professionals

Skilled Trade Visa Options In Australia

Australian Visa Options For IT Occupations

Australian Immigration And Visa Options For Doctors

Australian Immigration And Visa Options For Nurses

Australian Visa Options For Engineers

Migrate To Australia As A Plastics Moulder Machine Operator, Fabricator, Welder Or Technician

How To Migrate To Australia As A Pig Farmer Or A Senior Piggery Stockperson

Migrate To Australia As A Small Engine Mechanic

Migrate To Australia As A Sandblaster

Employer Sponsored Regional Visa

For further information on the subclass 494 regional employer sponsored visa, please see the following articles:

Skilled Regional Visa Australia

Regional Sponsor Migration Scheme

Regional Sponsored Visa Requirements

Employer Sponsored Visa

To learn more about an employer sponsorship visa, please see the following articles:

Employer Sponsored Visas

Employer Nomination Migration Scheme

Labour Agreement Visa

482 Visa Employer Obligations

457 Visa Replacement

Employer Sponsor Visa Requirements

Changes To 457 Temporary Work Skilled Visa

Business Requirements For Accredited Sponsorship

Self Sponsor Visa Australia

Does 482 Visa Require Skills Assessment

Subclass 482 – A Guide to Temporary Skill Shortage

Permanent Residence Eligibility Extended For Certain Subclass 457 And 482 Visa Holders

How To Sponsor An Employee For A Work Visa Or Permanent Residency

Overview Of Australian Work Visas And Employer Sponsorship

Guide To Australian Sponsorship Visa Costs

How To Become A Sponsor

Labour Market Testing Requirements

Skilled Visa

To learn more about applying for a skilled visa, please see the following articles:

Australian Skilled Migration Visa List

General Skilled Migration Visa Options

SAF Skilling Australians Fund Levy

General Skilled Migration Visa Points

Subclass 491 Regional Visa

Subclass 190 State Sponsorship Visa

Australian Skilled Occupations List

Australian Permanent Resident Visa Case Study

State Sponsorship Visas In Australia

South Australia State Sponsorship Opportunities

Skilled Regional Visa Australia

Regional Sponsor Migration Scheme

Regional Sponsored Visa Requirements

Visa Options For Professionals

Skilled Trade Visa Options In Australia

English Requirements For Skilled Visas

Australian Visa Options For IT Occupations

Australian Immigration And Visa Options For Doctors

Australian Immigration And Visa Options For Nurses

Australian Visa Options For Engineers

Adelaide 190 Visa

491 Visa Adelaide

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Contact us to book a no-obligation consultation to find out more about applying for a skilled mechanical engineer Australia immigration visa, including mechanical engineering PR points in Australia and to assess your eligibility for mechanical engineer immigration Australia.

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In conclusion, we note that the above discussion provides an overview of the Australian visa options for mechanical engineering occupations, including skilled visas which require PR points for mechanical engineering in Australia, as well as the Engineers Australia and Trades Recognition Australia criteria to be met to obtain a positive skills assessment for mechanical engineering occupations that may qualify for a mechanical engineer Australia immigration visa. We also provide links to further information so that you can learn more about the skilled visas options that are available for mechanical engineering occupations to qualify for mechanical engineer immigration Australia.

Australia’s migration laws are complex, and each case is different. We recommend that you seek professional advice if you are seeking to migrate to Australia as a mechanical engineer, as being fully informed will give you the best chance of achieving a successful outcome on your case. A migration professional can help you to do this.

For up-to-date advice on a skilled visa for mechanical engineers in Australia, book your confidential consultation with a migration agent in Adelaide. PAX Migration Australia is a leading immigration advice service based in Adelaide.

Sources/Links

1220.0 – ANZSCO – Australian and New Zealand Standard Classification of Occupations, 2013, Version 1.2
ARCHIVED ISSUE Released at 11:30 AM (CANBERRA TIME) 26/06/2013 – Contents – Major Group 2 Professionals – SUB-MAJOR GROUP 23 Design, Engineering, Science and Transport Professionals – MINOR GROUP 233 Engineering Professionals

1220.0 – ANZSCO – Australian and New Zealand Standard Classification of Occupations, 2013, Version 1.2
ARCHIVED ISSUE Released at 11:30 AM (CANBERRA TIME) 26/06/2013 – Contents – Major Group 2 Professionals – SUB-MAJOR GROUP 23 Design, Engineering, Science and Transport Professionals – MINOR GROUP 233 Engineering Professionals – UNIT GROUP 2335 Industrial, Mechanical and Production Engineers

1220.0 – ANZSCO – Australian and New Zealand Standard Classification of Occupations, 2013, Version 1.2
ARCHIVED ISSUE Released at 11:30 AM (CANBERRA TIME) 26/06/2013 – Contents – Major Group 3 Technicians and Trades Workers – SUB-MAJOR GROUP 31 Engineering, ICT and Science Technicians – MINOR GROUP 312 Building and Engineering Technicians

1220.0 – ANZSCO – Australian and New Zealand Standard Classification of Occupations, 2013, Version 1.2
ARCHIVED ISSUE Released at 11:30 AM (CANBERRA TIME) 26/06/2013 – Contents – Major Group 3 Technicians and Trades Workers – SUB-MAJOR GROUP 31 Engineering, ICT and Science Technicians – MINOR GROUP 312 Building and Engineering Technicians – UNIT GROUP 3125 Mechanical Engineering Draftspersons and Technicians

Australian Bureau of Statistics – Statistics Classifications ANZSCO – Australian and New Zealand Standard Classification of Occupations 2022

Australian Government – Department of Home Affairs – Immigration and Citizenship – Visas – Working in Australia – Skilled occupation list

Engineers Australia

Engineers Australia – For migrants – Migration skills assessment

Engineers Australia – About us – Accreditation

International Engineering Alliance

Engineers Australia – About engineering – Occupational categories

Australian Government – Australian Skills Quality Authority