MLTSSL Migration Pathway

Fitter Welder

ANZSCO Code: 323213 | Dual-Trade Industrial Specialist

⚙️

Strong Future Demand

🔒

Strong Job Security

🇦🇺

MLTSSL Visa Status

💰

$70k – $100k Avg Salary (AUD)

PR Pathway Overview

Study

→

Graduate

→

485 Visa

→

Work

→

Skills Assess

→

EOI

→

Invitation

→

Visa Grant

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 depending on work experience, state nomination and invitation rounds.

Occupation Overview

QualificationsCertificate III in Engineering – Fabrication and/or Mechanical Trade.
TrainingStandard 4-year Australian apprenticeship required.
Course Duration4 Year Apprenticeship (Vocational + Workplace).
Course CostAUD $10,000 – $20,000 / Year
Assessing BodyTrades Recognition Australia (TRA).
Entry Req.Year 12 completion preferred with IELTS 6.0 overall or equivalent.
IntakesFebruary, July and November.

Job Description & Strategic Insight

Fitter Welders are elite industrial technicians who combine precision mechanical fitting with advanced welding techniques. This Dual-Trade status is highly sought after in Australia’s mining shutdowns, energy projects, and heavy manufacturing sectors, providing exceptional marketability.

Business Opportunities • Mechanical Maintenance Contracting
• Mining Shutdown Specialization Services
• Integrated Fabrication & Maintenance Firm
• Heavy Equipment Component Repair

Simple 4 Step Process

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

Apply for 485 visa

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

Undertake a Full Skill Assessment

Most trade occupations undertake the Job Ready Program through TRA which involves paid work experience, workplace verification and technical competency assessments.

Apply for 189, 190, 491 visas

Finally, you may be eligible to apply for General Skilled Migration Visas including Subclass 189, Subclass 190 or Subclass 491.

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

What are the entry requirements for Fitter Welder courses?

Most training providers require Year 12 completion along with IELTS 6.0 overall or equivalent English proficiency.

What intakes are available for Fitter Welder courses?

Most vocational institutions offer February, July and November intakes each year.

How long is the Fitter Welder course pathway?

The standard apprenticeship pathway generally takes around 4 years including workplace training.

Does studying regionally add migration points?

Yes. Eligible applicants can receive an additional +5 migration points for studying or working in regional Australia.

Is the Fitter Welder occupation in demand in Australia?

Yes. Fitter Welders remain highly sought after across mining, heavy manufacturing, shutdown maintenance and infrastructure projects.

Do I need licensing or registration to work as a Fitter Welder?

Licensing requirements may vary depending on state and employer, however TRA skills assessment and workplace safety certifications are commonly required.