Mechanical Engineer — Subclass 482 Pathway
Skills in Demand visa · 1-4 years (Specialist Skills, Core Skills, or Essential Skills stream)
At a glance
- Visa
- Subclass 482 — Skills in Demand visa
- Points test
- Not points-tested
- Sponsor
- Employer sponsor required
- Eligibility list
- MLTSSLSTSOLROLCSOL
- Base fee
- from $1,455 short-term / from $3,035 medium-term (check immi.gov.au for current fee)
- Processing time
- ~1-4 months (median)
Skills assessment for this occupation
Assessing Mechanical Engineer for migration purposes is handled by: EA.
Skills assessment is only required for some occupation/passport combinations — the assessing body is the same one listed for the ANZSCO code.
Mechanical Engineer × Subclass 482 — pathway overview
Mechanical Engineers (ANZSCO 233512) qualify for the Subclass 482 Skills in Demand visa, enabling Australian employers to sponsor qualified overseas Mechanical Engineers for temporary skilled work. The occupation is listed on the MLTSSL, which supports the longer four-year visa stream under the 482 program. An approved employer sponsor must nominate the applicant for a specific full-time Mechanical Engineer role. Labour market testing must confirm that suitable local workers could not be found. The offered salary must meet or exceed the TSMIT and align with Australian market rates for comparable roles. Skill assessment through Engineers Australia is a prerequisite. The CDR pathway or qualification recognition routes apply depending on the applicant's background. Competent English is required as a minimum. Government fees for the four-year 482 stream are approximately AUD 3,115 for the primary applicant. Processing times depend on employer readiness and document completeness. The Subclass 482 provides a recognised stepping stone toward permanent residence via Subclass 186 after sufficient work experience with the sponsoring employer. Mechanical Engineering remains one of Australia's strongest demand occupations across mining, manufacturing, oil and gas, and infrastructure sectors. For advice tailored to your individual circumstances, always consult a registered MARA migration agent.
Content last generated: 2026-06-26
Key requirements
High-level criteria for Subclass 482. Verify every requirement on immi.gov.au before applying.
- Nominated by an approved Australian sponsor
- Position pays at least the relevant Core Skills Income Threshold
- At least one year of relevant work experience in the nominated occupation
- Positive skills assessment if required for the occupation/passport combination
- Vocational English (IELTS 5.0 in each component or equivalent)
- Health and character requirements
Other visa pathways for Mechanical Engineer
- 186Details →Employer Nomination Scheme visa
Permanent employer-sponsored visa for workers nominated by an approved sponsor.
- 189Details →Skilled Independent visa
Permanent points-tested visa for workers not sponsored by an employer, family member, or state.
- 190Details →Skilled Nominated visa
Permanent visa for workers nominated by a state or territory government.
- 485Details →Temporary Graduate visa
Post-study work visa for recent graduates of Australian qualifications.
- 491Details →Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa
Five-year provisional visa for workers willing to live and work in regional Australia.
- 494Details →Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional visa
Five-year employer-sponsored provisional visa in regional Australia, with a path to PR.
State nominations for Mechanical Engineer
States currently nominating this occupation — see the dedicated pages for state-specific criteria.