Your duties decide the answer. Site carpentry is different from workshop-based joinery, and some people do both.This choice shapes your visa options, your TRA assessment and your reference letters. We review your work history and choose the occupation your evidence supports best.
If an approved employer will sponsor you, the 482 is the usual starting point. After two years with the same employer you may move to the 186. The 186 Direct Entry stream needs a positive skills assessment and at least three years of experience.
Regional employer (494)
A provisional visa with a path to PR, for employers outside Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane.
No sponsor (189, 190, 491)
You need at least 65 points, a positive skills assessment and competent English. State nomination adds 5 points. A regional visa adds 15. Check your score with our points calculator guide.
Your TRA skills assessment
TRA checks your qualifications and work history against Australian standards. It looks closely at what you actually did on the job.The right TRA program depends on your visa and your situation. We confirm it before you pay any fee. Read our skills assessment guide for the full process.
The government announced on 17 September 2026 that housing trades will get the same qualification points as a degree. It has not said exactly which trades count, and no start date is set. Carpenters are widely expected to be included, but we will not assume it until the rules are published.Right now, a trade qualification earns fewer points than a bachelor degree in the points test. We can show you where you stand today and what might change.
Evidence to gather early
1. Your trade qualification or apprenticeship record 2. Employer references that describe your actual work, such as framing, fit-out or joinery tasks 3. Payslips, tax records and bank statements that match your claimed dates 4. Your passport and English test result
Carpenter visa questions
Everything you need to know about the our process.
Do I need an Australian licence before I apply?
It depends on your visa, your state and your timing. Licensing usually follows a TRA outcome, and it affects when you can start work. We map this out before you lodge.
Do I need an Australian licence before I apply?
It depends on your visa, your state and your timing. Licensing usually follows a TRA outcome, and it affects when you can start work. We map this out before you lodge.
Do I need an Australian licence before I apply?
It depends on your visa, your state and your timing. Licensing usually follows a TRA outcome, and it affects when you can start work. We map this out before you lodge.
Do I need an Australian licence before I apply?
It depends on your visa, your state and your timing. Licensing usually follows a TRA outcome, and it affects when you can start work. We map this out before you lodge.
Do I need an Australian licence before I apply?
It depends on your visa, your state and your timing. Licensing usually follows a TRA outcome, and it affects when you can start work. We map this out before you lodge.
Do I need an Australian licence before I apply?
It depends on your visa, your state and your timing. Licensing usually follows a TRA outcome, and it affects when you can start work. We map this out before you lodge.
Talk to a Registered Migration Agent
Book a $110 consultation. We will confirm your occupation, your best visa and your next step. Visit our Truganina office or Melbourne CBD office, or meet by phone or video. Need advice fast? An urgent consultation is $220.
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