Migrate to Australia as a Bricklayer: Complete Guide (2025/2026)

 

 

Australia is actively seeking skilled bricklayers to help address its national housing shortage. This makes bricklaying a highly viable pathway for skilled migration. However, the process is complex and requires careful planning. This guide breaks it down into clear, actionable steps.

 

Executive Summary: The Opportunity

• High Demand: Bricklaying is on the Skills Priority List as being in “National Shortage”.

• Visa Pathways: There are specific visas designed for skilled tradespeople.

• The Process: It revolves around proving your skills, getting your qualifications recognized, and then being invited to apply for a visa.

• Key Challenge: The skills assessment is rigorous and requires demonstrating substantial experience.

 

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Step 1: The Foundation – Check Your Eligibility

 

Before spending any money, ensure you meet the core requirements.

1. Occupation on a Relevant List: Your nominated occupation will be Bricklayer (ANZSCO Code: 331111). This is on several skilled occupation lists, making it eligible for various visas.

2. Skills Assessment: This is the most critical step. You must have your skills formally assessed by the relevant trades authority.

3. Points Test: For many visas, you need to submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) and be ranked on a points test. Aim for a minimum of 65 points, but competitive scores are often much higher (85+).

4. English Language Proficiency: You will need to take a test like IELTS or PTE to demonstrate competent English.

5. Age: Generally, you must be under 45 years of age at the time of invitation for most permanent skilled visas.

6. Health and Character: You and your family must meet health and character requirements.

 

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Step 2: The Cornerstone – Skills Assessment (TRA)

 

The Trades Recognition Australia (TRA) is the authorized assessing authority for bricklayers. For overseas applicants, the standard pathway is the Skills Assessment Program.

What TRA Will Assess:

• Formal Qualification: A relevant certificate or apprenticeship qualification in bricklaying.

• Substantial Work Experience: This is crucial. You typically need at least 3 years of full-time, paid employment in the trade, gained within the last 5 years. This experience must be after your formal qualification.

• Journeyman-Level Skills: You must prove you can perform all the core tasks of a bricklayer to an Australian standard.

The Application Process:

1. Prepare Evidence: This is exhaustive. You will need:

   • Certified copies of your qualifications, passports, and marriage certificates (if applicable).

   • Detailed employment references, pay slips, tax records, and bank statements.

   • A comprehensive portfolio of your work, including photos and videos demonstrating your skills across a range of tasks (laying bricks, blocks, setting out, reading plans, etc.).

2. Submit Application & Technical Interview: After a document review, you will be required to undertake a technical interview. This is a detailed, practical discussion with an assessor to prove your knowledge and experience.

3. Outcome: A successful skills assessment is your golden ticket. It is mandatory for your visa application.

Pro Tip: Do not underestimate the evidence required for the TRA. Be meticulous. Many applications fail due to insufficient proof of post-qualification experience.

 

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Step 3: Choose Your Visa Pathway

Once you have a positive skills assessment, you can pursue a visa. The main pathways are:

 

1. Skilled Nominated Visa (Subclass 190)

• What it is: A permanent visa that requires nomination by a specific Australian state or territory.

• Why it’s good: It gives you 5 extra points on your points test.

• How it works:

  1. Submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) in Skill Select.

  2. A state (like NSW, VIC, QLD) sees your EOI and nominates you based on their skills needs.

  3. You receive an invitation to apply for the visa.

• Best for: Applicants with high points and whose skills are in demand in a particular state.

 

2. Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Visa (Subclass 491)

• What it is: A provisional 5-year visa that allows you to live and work in a designated regional area of Australia.

• Why it’s good: It gives you 15 extra points on your points test. It is a very common pathway for bricklayers.

• How it works: Similar to the 190, but you are nominated by a state or territory to live in a regional area. After 3 years, meeting certain criteria (like income), you can apply for a Permanent Resident (Subclass 191) visa.

• Best for: Applicants who need extra points and are willing to live and work in regional Australia for a pathway to permanency.

 

3. Employer Sponsored Visas (Subclass 482 TSS & Subclass 186 ENS)

• What it is: A visa that requires a sponsoring employer in Australia.

  • Subclass 482 (Temporary Skill Shortage): Temporary visa, pathway to permanent residency after 2-3 years.

  • Subclass 186 (Employer Nomination Scheme): Permanent visa.

• Why it’s good: You don’t need to score points. The employer handles the nomination.

• How it works: You find an Australian employer willing to sponsor you. They must prove they cannot find an Australian to do the job.

• Best for: Bricklayers who have a job offer or are confident in finding an employer from overseas.

 

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Step 4: The Points Test – Maximize Your Score

You need at least 65 points to submit an EOI, but competition is fierce. Here’s how to score points:

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Step 5: The Step-by-Step Migration Process

1. Self-Assessment: Use the points table above. Be brutally honest. If you’re below 65, identify how to improve (e.g., English test).

2. Skills Assessment with TRA: This is your first official step. Gather your evidence and apply.

3. English Language Test: Book and sit your test. Do this early as results can take time.

4. Submit Expression of Interest (EOI): Once you have your positive skills assessment and English test results, submit an EOI via the Department of Home Affairs’ SkillSelect system.

5. Receive an Invitation: Wait for an invitation from a state (for 190/491) or the federal government (for 189). This can take months or even over a year, depending on your points score.

6. Lodge Visa Application: Once invited, you have a limited time (usually 60 days) to lodge a formal visa application with a vast amount of supporting documentation.

7. Health & Police Checks: Complete medical examinations and provide police clearance certificates from every country you’ve lived in for 12+ months in the last 10 years.

8. Visa Grant: Upon approval, you will receive your visa grant notice. Now you can make the move!

 

Final Checklist & Key Considerations

 

• Start Early: The entire process can take 1.5 to 3 years from start to finish.

• Budget: The process is expensive. Factor in TRA assessment fees (~AUD $1,500 – $2,000), visa application fees (AUD $4,000+ for a family), English tests, medicals, police checks, and migration agent fees.

• Use a Registered Migration Agent (RMA): The system is complex. A good RMA specializing in trades can be worth their weight in gold, helping you avoid costly mistakes and ensuring your application is robust.

• Stay Updated: Immigration policy changes frequently. Always refer to the official Department of Home Affairs website for the most current information.

Migrating as a bricklayer is a challenging but highly achievable goal. With high demand and a clear, structured process, it represents a fantastic opportunity for a new life in Australia for qualified and experienced tradespeople.