Painting Trades Worker PR Australia: How To Apply For PR as a Painting Trades Worker in Australia

If you are qualified or working as a painter, Australia offers structured pathways from training and skills assessment through to permanent residency, provided you meet qualification, English and visa requirements.

Painting Trades Worker is assessed as an occupation under the Australian and New Zealand Standard Classification of Occupations (ANZSCO). Migration eligibility is determined by whether an applicant’s skills and experience meet the ANZSCO occupation criteria and relevant visa requirements set by the Department of Home Affairs.

Who This Pathway Applies To

This pathway applies to painting trades workers seeking permanent residency in Australia, including offshore applicants with overseas trade qualifications, international graduates completing painting and decorating training in Australia, and experienced painters sponsored by Australian employers.

Qualifications Required for Painting Trades Workers

To work as a qualified painting trades worker in Australia, you will generally need:

• An AQF Certificate III or

• An AQF Certificate IV in Painting and Decorating (or equivalent overseas qualification)

If you do not hold an Australian qualification, your overseas training and work experience can be assessed to determine equivalency.

Painting Trades Worker Skills Assessment (TRA)

Trade Recognition Australia (TRA) is the authorised assessing authority for Painting Trades Workers. A positive skills assessment confirms that an applicant’s skills meet Australian trade standards and is required for most skilled and employer-sponsored visas.

A positive skills assessment is essential for most skilled and employer-sponsored visas. For painters, this is conducted by Trade Recognition Australia (TRA).

Main TRA pathways include:

• Job Ready Program (JRP) For international student graduates in Australia. After completing the program and gaining at least one year of relevant work experience, applicants may become eligible for skilled migration visas.

• Offshore Skills Assessment Program (OSAP) For applicants applying from outside Australia with relevant qualifications and work experience.

• Migration Skills Assessment (MSA) For experienced trades workers whose skills are gained through formal training and/or employment.

English Language Requirements

Applicants must meet English requirements through tests such as:

• IELTS

• PTE Academic

• Or other accepted equivalents

Most applicants must demonstrate at least Competent English (IELTS 6.0 in each band or equivalent), but the exact English requirement will depend on the visa you apply for, as some skilled or state-nominated visas may require higher scores. Higher English scores may increase your points for skilled migration.

Visa Options for Painting Trades Workers

Painting Trades Worker is listed on the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL), opening both temporary and permanent pathways.

Skilled migration pathways for painting trades workers are governed by Australian migration law and administered by the Department of Home Affairs.

Skilled Migration Visas

• Subclass 189 Skilled Independent visa

• State sponsored 190 visa

• Subclass 491 state sponsored regional visa

Employer-Sponsored Visas

• Subclass 482 Skills in Demand visa (including Labour Agreement stream)

• Subclass 494 Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional visa

• Subclass 407 Training visa

These pathways can lead to permanent residency, depending on your employment, location and visa stream.

Painting trades workers are in demand across residential, commercial and infrastructure projects in multiple states. Recent invitation rounds for skilled migration have seen points starting from around 70 points, making this occupation a strong option for eligible applicants.

FAQ (Frequently Ask Question)

Can a painting trades worker apply for PR in Australia?

Yes. Painting trades workers may be eligible for permanent residency in Australia through skilled or employer-sponsored visa pathways, provided they meet occupation, skills assessment, English language, and visa requirements set by the Department of Home Affairs.

Is a skills assessment mandatory for Painting Trades Workers?

In most cases, yes. A positive skills assessment from Trade Recognition Australia (TRA) is required for skilled and employer-sponsored visas. The assessment confirms that an applicant’s qualifications and work experience meet Australian trade standards.

Do overseas qualifications need to be recognised in Australia?

Yes. Overseas qualifications and work experience must be assessed for equivalency against Australian standards. Trade Recognition Australia evaluates whether overseas training and employment align with the ANZSCO occupation requirements for Painting Trades Workers.

What English level is required for Painting Trades Worker visas?

English language requirements depend on the visa pathway. Many skilled visas require at least Competent English, while higher English levels may be required for certain visa subclasses or may improve points outcomes under the skilled migration points test.

Which visas are available for Painting Trades Workers?

Eligible painting trades workers may access skilled migration visas such as the Skilled Independent, Skilled Nominated, or Skilled Work Regional visas, as well as employer-sponsored options. Availability depends on occupation lists, state or regional requirements, and individual eligibility.

Is permanent residency guaranteed after completing a skills assessment?

No. A positive skills assessment is only one requirement. Visa approval depends on meeting all eligibility criteria, including English language ability, points or nomination thresholds, health and character requirements, and visa-specific conditions.

Painting Trades Worker PR Australia: Book a Consultation

The Painting Trades Worker PR Australia pathway can offer a clear route from qualification and skills assessment through to permanent residency. With the right training, English level and visa strategy, painters may access both skilled and employer-sponsored options.

If you want personalised advice about your occupation, skills assessment, or visa pathway, book a consultation with our registered migration professional to understand the best strategy for your situation.

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Last updated: January 2026