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MLTSSL Migration Pathway

Diesel Motor Mechanic

ANZSCO Code: 321212 | Heavy Machinery Specialist

🚜
Very Strong Future Demand
🔒
Very High Job Security
🇦🇺
MLTSSL Visa Status
💰
$70k – $100k Avg Salary (AUD)

PR Pathway Overview

Study
→
Graduate
→ →
Work
→
Skills Assess
→
EOI
→
Invitation
→
Visa Grant

Pathway Insights: Most applicants aim for 80+ points. Regional Advantage: Studying or working in regional Australia provides a significant advantage and grants an additional +5 points to your total. The estimated total timeline from course commencement to permanent residency grant is typically 4 to 6 years.

Occupation Overview

  • Entry Req.Year 12 completion (or equivalent); IELTS 5.5 overall (no band less than 5.0).
  • IntakesFebruary, July (varies by provider).
  • QualificationsCertificate III in Heavy Commercial Vehicle Mechanical Technology (AUR31116).
  • ApprenticeshipStandard 4-year Australian apprenticeship required.
  • Course Duration70 Weeks (Approx 1.4 Years) to 2 Years for international packaged courses.
  • Course CostAUD $10,000 – $18,000 / Year
  • Assessing BodyTrades Recognition Australia (TRA).
Heavy Vehicle Diesel Engine Maintenance

Job Description & Strategic Insight

Diesel Motor Mechanics maintain, repair, and overhaul heavy equipment across Australia's backbone industries. With chronic shortages in mining, agriculture, and heavy transport, this occupation offers exceptional stability and high earning potential.

Mining and Agricultural Machinery Repair
  • Business Opportunities • Mining Maintenance Contracting
    • Owner-Operator Diesel Workshop
    • Mobile Agricultural Machinery Service
    • Heavy Fleet Logistics Maintenance

Your Australian PR occupation guide

Select any occupation to see the full skills assessment pathway, study options, English requirements, state nomination status, and visa comparison — all in one place.

90 Occupations
8 Assessing Bodies
6 Visa Pathways
8 States & Territories
Search related occupations, ANZSCO code, or assessing body... ⌕

Simple 4 Step Process

1

Enrol to a Course

Firstly, you must enrol in the right course/courses – one that trains you for a position on the Medium and Long-Term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL).

FIND A COURSE
2

Apply for 485 visa

After graduation, you may be eligible to apply for a temporary work visa called the 485 Graduate Visa.

3

Undertake a Full Skill Assessment

Most trade occupations undertake the Job Ready Program assessed by Trades Recognition Australia (TRA), which involves 12-months of paid work experience.

4

Apply for 189, 190, 491 visas

Finally... you may be eligible to apply for General Skilled Migration Visas: The Skilled Independent (Subclass 189), State Nominated (Subclass 190) or Regional Nominated (Subclass 491) Visas.

Visa & PR Pathways

Skilled Independent

Subclass 189
  • Direct Permanent Residency
  • Points-based (No sponsor needed)
  • Full access via MLTSSL status

Skilled Nominated

Subclass 190
  • Permanent Residency
  • State/Territory nomination
  • +5 Points bonus for nomination

Regional Skilled

Subclass 491
  • 5-year provisional visa
  • +15 Points for Regional
  • Pathway to 191 Permanent Residency

Employer Sponsored

Subclass 482
  • Temporary Skill Shortage
  • Medium-term stream sponsorship
  • Pathway to PR available

Regional Employer

Subclass 494
  • Regional Employer Sponsored
  • Priority Processing
  • Direct PR pathway available

Frequently Asked Questions

Course entry requirements?

For international students, typical entry requirements include the successful completion of Year 12 (or equivalent) and an English proficiency score equivalent to IELTS 5.5 overall (with no individual band below 5.0).

Course intakes?

The major course intakes for Heavy Commercial Vehicle Mechanical Technology courses are generally in February and July, depending on the specific vocational education provider.

Course duration?

An international student taking a packaged trade course towards a Certificate III typically requires between 70 weeks up to 2 years of full-time study to meet Australian Study Requirements.

Does studying regionally add points?

Yes. By completing your studies and living in a designated regional area of Australia, you will be awarded an additional +5 points towards your overall skilled migration points score.

Is the Diesel Motor Mechanic role in demand?

Absolutely. It is listed on the MLTSSL due to chronic and sustained nationwide shortages of qualified mechanics in essential industries like mining, agriculture, and heavy logistics.

Do I need a license/registration to work?

While a general trade license is not strictly required to work as an employed mechanic, certain specific tasks (like working on mobile air-conditioning systems) require an ARC handling license, and heavy vehicle driver's licenses are highly sought after by employers.

What is the average salary expectation?

Qualified Diesel Motor Mechanics in Australia typically earn an average salary ranging between $70,000 and $100,000 AUD per year. Specialized roles in the mining sector can attract significantly higher remuneration.

What visa pathways are available?

Because Diesel Motor Mechanic is on the MLTSSL, you have access to highly advantageous PR pathways including the Subclass 189, the State Nominated Subclass 190, and the Regional Subclass 491 visas.

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