Sheetmetal Worker — Subclass 189 Pathway
Skilled Independent visa · Permanent
At a glance
- Visa
- Subclass 189 — Skilled Independent visa
- Points test
- Yes — points-tested via SkillSelect
- Sponsor
- No sponsor required
- Eligibility list
- MLTSSL
- Base fee
- from $4,640 (check immi.gov.au for current fee)
- Processing time
- ~8-15 months (median)
Skills assessment for this occupation
Assessing Sheetmetal Worker for migration purposes is handled by: TRA.
Each occupation has a single designated assessing authority — the one listed for the nominated ANZSCO code on this site.
Sheetmetal Worker × Subclass 189 — pathway overview
Sheetmetal Workers (ANZSCO 322211) are eligible for the Subclass 189 Skilled Independent visa, a points-tested permanent residency pathway that does not require employer sponsorship or state government nomination. This independent visa is well-suited to qualified sheetmetal workers who meet the minimum points threshold, granting the right to live and work anywhere in Australia. Applicants must submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) through SkillSelect and receive an invitation to apply from the Department of Home Affairs. Before lodging an EOI, a positive skills assessment from Trades Recognition Australia (TRA) must be completed, confirming that overseas qualifications and work experience align with Australian Certificate III in Engineering — Fabrication Trade standards. A minimum of 65 points is required on the points test, which accounts for age, English language proficiency, qualifications, and work experience. Health and character requirements must also be satisfied. The Subclass 189 visa grants permanent residence immediately upon grant, with no conditions relating to regional employment or employer attachment. 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 189. Verify every requirement on immi.gov.au before applying.
- Under 45 years of age at invitation
- Competent English (IELTS 6 or equivalent)
- Positive skills assessment in a nominated MLTSSL occupation
- Submit Expression of Interest in SkillSelect and meet pass mark (currently 65, effective competitive minimum 90+)
- Health and character requirements
Other visa pathways for Sheetmetal Worker
- 186Details →Employer Nomination Scheme visa
Permanent employer-sponsored visa for workers nominated by an approved sponsor.
- 190Details →Skilled Nominated visa
Permanent visa for workers nominated by a state or territory government.
- 482Details →Skills in Demand visa
Employer-sponsored temporary visa (formerly TSS) for occupations on the relevant list.
- 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 Sheetmetal Worker
States currently nominating this occupation — see the dedicated pages for state-specific criteria.