Want to Start Fresh in Australia? Here’s How to Emigrate as a Carpenter
Your Step-by-Step Guide
Thinking about moving to Australia as a skilled carpenter?
You’re in the right place.
Australia is known for its thriving construction industry, and the demand for tradespeople is through the roof. Whether you’re eyeing better job prospects, a higher quality of life, or a new adventure, Australia has opportunities that can change your life.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through the process—plain and simple.
You’ll learn about the visa options, job market, and what it really takes to start a new chapter in Australia as a carpenter.
Ready? Let’s dive in.
First things first—getting a visa.
Australia offers several visa pathways for carpenters, and we’ll help you figure out which one fits best.
Here are the main options:
Subclass 189 Skilled Independent Visa
This is a permanent residency visa. It’s points-tested, meaning you need a minimum of 65 points to qualify. No need for a job offer or employer sponsorship—you can live and work anywhere in Australia.
Subclass 190 Skilled Nominated Visa
With this visa, you’ll need a nomination from an Australian state or territory. It’s permanent residency, and you get extra points toward your application for being in demand in certain regions.
Subclass 482 Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) Visa
This is employer-sponsored, allowing you to work in Australia for up to four years. After three years, you can transition to permanent residency via the Subclass 186 Employer Nomination Scheme.
Subclass 491 Skilled Work Regional Visa
Want to live and work in regional Australia? This provisional visa lets you stay for up to five years, with a pathway to permanent residency after three years.
And don’t worry if you’re new to this—we can help guide you through the process Learn more about your visa options.
You’ve got the skills, but do they meet Australian standards?
As a carpenter, your occupation falls under ANZSCO code 331212 on the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL). Australia is actively looking for carpenters, which boosts your chances of getting approved.
Here’s what they expect:
These are just some of the tasks that showcase your trade skills. Make sure your resume or CV reflects these responsibilities.
Before you apply for a visa, you’ll need a skills assessment. This is where Trades Recognition Australia (TRA) steps in.
They’ll assess whether your carpentry skills match Australian standards. The process depends on your circumstances:
What to expect during the assessment:
Sound complicated? Don’t stress, we’re here to help guide you through this Read more about skills assessments here.
Let’s talk jobs.
The construction industry in Australia is booming, and there’s a real demand for skilled carpenters. Whether you’re targeting the big cities—Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane—or looking for a quieter lifestyle in regional areas, there are plenty of opportunities.
Here’s a quick comparison of carpenter salaries in Australia:
| Location | Average Salary (AUD) |
|---|---|
| Sydney | $75,000 – $90,000 |
| Melbourne | $70,000 – $85,000 |
| Brisbane | $65,000 – $80,000 |
| Regional Areas | $60,000 – $75,000 |
Tip: Securing a job offer before you apply for your visa can seriously improve your chances of approval. Recruitup can assist you with that—we specialise in helping skilled tradespeople find their way into Australia’s workforce.
For most skilled visas, you’ll need to pass a points test.
Here’s how you earn points:
You need at least 65 points to be considered, but the higher your score, the better your chances. Our team can help you calculate your points Check out the points calculator.
Let’s meet Mark.
Mark, a carpenter from South Africa, was tired of inconsistent work and low wages. He heard about the demand for carpenters in Australia, reached out to Recruitup, and we helped him through the visa process.
Within a year, he had a job lined up in Perth, secured a Subclass 190 visa, and was earning double his previous salary. Now, Mark’s family is enjoying a better lifestyle, and he’s thriving in Australia’s construction industry.
You could be next.
Q: Do I need a job offer to apply for a visa?
A: Not necessarily. For the Subclass 189 visa, a job offer isn’t required. But having one improves your chances of getting approved.
Q: How long does the visa process take?
A: It varies depending on the visa type, but most skilled visas take 6-12 months to process.
Q: Can I bring my family?
A: Yes, many skilled visas allow you to include your family members on your application.
Now that you know what it takes to emigrate to Australia as a carpenter, here’s what you should do:
At Recruitup, we’re here to help every step of the way. Whether you need guidance with your skills assessment or help finding the right job in Australia, we’ve got you covered.
Build Your Future in Australia
Emigrating to Australia is a big decision, but for skilled carpenters, it’s a golden opportunity.
Ready to start building your future Down Under? Let’s make it happen.
Website by BSharp Tech