Trade Course to Permanent Residency Journey

Step-by-Step Pathway

Thinking about studying a trade in Australia and eventually applying for permanent residency?

This guide explains the typical journey from enrolling in a trade course through to potentially applying for a skilled permanent visa.

Important:

Every applicant's circumstances are different. Meeting these steps does not guarantee a visa or invitation. Visa eligibility depends on your age, English, occupation, work experience, points score and current Australian Government requirements.

Not Sure if a Trade Course Is Right for You?

Every person's pathway is different. The best trade course depends on your age, English level, previous qualifications, work experience, and long-term migration goals.

Speak with a Pathway to Aus education consultant for FREE to discuss your study options and receive personalised guidance based on your circumstances.

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Step 1

Study a 2-Year Trade Course in Australia

Not all trade occupations sit on the same skilled occupation list; which visa pathway suits you (employer-sponsored vs points-tested) can depend on your specific trade. Speak with a consultant to confirm which applies to your occupation.

Begin by enrolling in an eligible trade qualification such as:

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Carpentry
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Bricklaying
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Painting
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Wall & Floor Tiling
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Cabinet Making
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Joinery
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Plastering
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Metal Fabrication
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Automotive Trades

Most trade pathways require approximately 2 years of full-time study.

During your course you'll:

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Learn practical trade skills

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Attend workshops

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Complete vocational training

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Prepare for industry employment

Step 2

Undertake Mandatory Workplace Training

Many trade courses include mandatory workplace training.

This allows you to:

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Gain Australian industry experience

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Develop practical skills

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Learn Australian workplace standards

Work placement requirements vary between courses and providers.

Step 3

Graduate From Your Course

Once you successfully complete your qualification, you may become eligible for a post-study visa depending on your individual circumstances and current visa settings.

Many graduates continue building their pathway by gaining skilled employment in Australia.

Step 4

Work in Your Trade

To continue your pathway, you'll generally need skilled employment.

For many trade occupations this commonly involves:

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Working in your nominated trade

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Completing around 12 months of relevant employment

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Meeting the requirements of your assessing authority

This work experience helps prepare you for the next stage.

Step 5

Complete the Job Ready Program

For many trade occupations assessed by Trades Recognition Australia (TRA), you'll need to complete the Job Ready Program (JRP) before receiving a positive skills assessment.

The Job Ready Program usually assesses:

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Employment

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Skills

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Workplace competency

(Requirements vary depending on your occupation and assessing authority.)

Need Help Planning Your Pathway?

Getting from study to permanent residency involves more than choosing the right course. Understanding graduate visas, work experience requirements, skills assessments, and migration options early can help you make informed decisions.

Our education consultants can explain the process and recommend study options that align with your goals.

Talk to an Education Consultant

Step 6

Obtain a Positive Skills Assessment

A positive skills assessment confirms that your qualifications and work experience meet Australian standards for your nominated occupation.

Without a positive skills assessment, you generally cannot apply for most skilled permanent visas.

Step 7

Lodge an Expression of Interest (EOI)

Once eligible, you can submit an Expression of Interest through SkillSelect.

our invitation prospects may depend on factors such as:

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Age

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English level

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Skilled employment

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Qualifications

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Points score

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Occupation demand

Submitting an EOI is not a visa application.

Step 8

Receive an Invitation

If your EOI is selected, you may receive an invitation to apply for a skilled visa.

Common skilled visa options include:

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Skilled Independent (Subclass 189)
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Skilled Nominated (Subclass 190)
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Skilled Work Regional (Subclass 491)

Invitation rounds are competitive and depend on government planning levels.

Step 9

Apply for Permanent Residency

After receiving an invitation, you can lodge your visa application if you meet all eligibility requirements.

If granted, permanent residency allows you to:

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Live in Australia permanently<

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Work for any employer

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Study

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Access Medicare (if eligible)

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Eventually apply for Australian citizenship (subject to eligibility)

Quick Timeline

Stage	Typical Time
Trade Course	2 years
Work Placement	During study
Graduate Visa (if eligible)	After study
Skilled Work Experience	Around 12 months*
Job Ready Program	During employment
Skills Assessment	After requirements met
Invitation	Varies
PR Application	After invitation

*Requirements vary depending on the occupation and assessing authority.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get PR immediately after studying?

Usually no. Most applicants first need skilled work experience, a positive skills assessment, and an invitation before applying for permanent residency.

Is every trade eligible?

No. Only certain occupations appear on the relevant skilled occupation lists, and eligibility can change over time.

Do I need Australian work experience?

For many trade occupations, yes. Australian work experience is often required for the Job Ready Program and skills assessment.

Which visa do graduates usually apply for?

Many eligible graduates first apply for a Temporary Graduate visa to gain skilled work experience before progressing to a skilled permanent visa. Eligibility depends on current visa settings.

Is PR guaranteed after completing a trade course?

No. Completing a course does not guarantee permanent residency. Applicants must satisfy all visa requirements and compete in Australia's skilled migration program.

Ready to Plan Your Trade Pathway?

Not every trade leads to the same migration outcome and the best course depends on your age, English level, work history, and long-term goals.

Speak with a Pathway to Aus education consultant for FREE to explore trade courses that may align with your study and migration goals, and receive personalised advice based on your circumstances.

Book a FREE Education Consultation