Automotive Mechanics to Australian PR: Skills Assessment & Visa Guide 2026

This guide explains the two assessment options, compares their requirements, and maps out your visa pathways with a focus on regional opportunities where demand is strongest.

Why Mechanics Are in High Demand

The Numbers

The Motor Traders' Association of NSW (MTA NSW) has identified a structural deficit of 28,000 skilled technicians and 14,000 unfilled apprenticeships as of 2025. The national vacancy fill rate for technicians is stagnating at approximately 55%, with regional workshops reporting wait times of up to six months for basic repairs.

Factor	Impact
Technician shortage	28,000+ unfilled positions nationally
Regional fill rate	Only 55% of vacancies filled
Ageing workforce	Many regional mechanics retiring with no replacements
Fleet maintenance	Mining, agriculture, and logistics require constant servicing
EV skills gap	Only 41% of EV technician vacancies filled in 2023

What This Means for Migrants

✅ Regional visa pathways - Subclass 491/494 available for mechanics
✅ DAMA concessions - Age extensions (to 55) and lower English (IELTS 5.0)
✅ Employer sponsorship - Regional workshops actively recruiting overseas
✅ Faster PR pathway - 491 leads to 191 permanent residency after 3 years
✅ Leverage in your favor - Severe shortage means more sponsorship opportunities

TRA vs VETASSESS: Which Assessment Body?

Critical clarification: TRA (Trades Recognition Australia) is the primary assessing authority for motor mechanics. VETASSESS acts as a TRA-approved Registered Training Organisation (RTO) that administers technical interviews/practicals on behalf of TRA.

In other words: VETASSESS does not set the standards for mechanic assessments-TRA does. When you receive an outcome letter from VETASSESS for a trade assessment, it is recognized as a TRA assessment outcome.

Assessment Body Comparison

Factor	TRA	VETASSESS (as RTO for TRA)
Primary use	Subclass 189, 190, 491, 485	Subclass 482, 494, DAMA
Process type	Documentary (MSA) or OSAP	Administers OSAP/TSS interviews for TRA
Processing time	60-120 days	10-12 weeks (Stage 1) + interview
Base fee	MSA: ~$1,120 / OSAP: ~$2,000-3,200 total	~$1,280 (Stage 1) + interview fee
Practical test	OSAP mandatory countries only	Video evidence + interview

Which One Do You Need?

Your Goal	Required Assessment
Apply for Subclass 189 (Independent)	TRA
Apply for Subclass 190 (State Nominated)	TRA
Apply for Subclass 491 (Regional)	TRA
Apply for Subclass 482 (Employer Sponsored)	TRA via VETASSESS (as RTO)
Apply for Subclass 494 (Regional Employer Sponsored)	TRA via VETASSESS (as RTO)
Apply via DAMA	TRA via VETASSESS (as RTO)

Key insight: TRA is always the assessing authority for motor mechanics. VETASSESS simply administers technical assessments as a TRA-approved RTO for employer-sponsored routes.

TRA Skills Assessment: Detailed Requirements

Qualification Requirements

TRA requires a qualification equivalent to AQF Certificate III in Light Vehicle Mechanical Technology - or demonstrable competency through extensive experience.

Qualification Pathway	Experience Required
International qualification (comparable to AQF III)	3 years full-time post-qualification
Australian qualification via Recognition of Prior Learning	3 years post-qual OR 6 years total (pre/post)
No formal qualification	Must complete Australian trade certificate

TRA Programs for Motor Mechanics

Program	Who It's For	What's Involved
MSA (Migration Skills Assessment)	Low-risk countries	Documentary evidence only (~$1,120)
OSAP (Offshore Skills Assessment)	Mandatory OSAP countries	Documents + technical interview (~$2,000-3,200 total)
JRP (Job Ready Program)	International students in Australia	12+ months workplace assessment

April 2023 Reform: TRA removed mandatory OSAP for Motor Mechanic (General) applicants from China, Ireland, Sri Lanka, and the United Kingdom. These applicants can now use the simpler, cheaper MSA pathway.

OSAP Mandatory Countries (2025)

Occupation	Mandatory OSAP Countries
Motor Mechanic (General) 321211	Brazil, Fiji, Hong Kong, India, Macau, PNG, Philippines, South Africa, Thailand, Vietnam, Zimbabwe
Diesel Motor Mechanic 321212	Brazil, China, Fiji, Hong Kong, India, Iran, Ireland, Macau, PNG, Philippines, South Korea, South Africa, Sri Lanka, Thailand, UAE, UK, Vietnam, Zimbabwe

Note: Diesel Mechanics from UK/Ireland/China still require OSAP, while General Mechanics from these countries can use MSA.

Evidence Requirements (TRA)

TRA enforces a strict "Decision Ready" standard. Incomplete applications are refused.

Evidence Type	Requirements
Pay slips	Minimum 3 per year (start, middle, end)
Tax documents	Official records for each year claimed
Bank statements	Showing salary deposits from employer
Employer references	Letterhead, supervisor signature, exact dates, hours, ANZSCO-mapped tasks
Qualification certificates	Certified copies with transcripts

⚠️ Critical: Cash payments without tax records = automatic rejection.

VETASSESS Skills Assessment: Detailed Requirements

VETASSESS conducts a two-stage assessment for Motor Mechanic (General).

Stage 1: Documentary Assessment

Requirement	With Formal Training	Without Formal Training
Employment	3 years relevant experience	5 years relevant experience
Recency	12 months within last 3 years	12 months within last 3 years
Qualification	Relevant to AQF Certificate III	-

Stage 2: Technical Assessment

If successful in Stage 1, you proceed to:

Video Evidence - Record yourself performing trade tasks per VETASSESS guidelines
Online Standards Course - Short course on Australian industry standards
Technical Interview - 2-hour interview (online or in-person) conducted in English without interpreters

VETASSESS Fees and Timeline

Component	Cost (AUD)	Timeline
Documentary Assessment	~$1,280	10-12 weeks
Technical Interview	Additional fee	After Stage 1 approval
Priority processing	Extra cost	Available

Motor Mechanic Scope: What's Covered?

The ANZSCO 321211 Motor Mechanic (General) covers light vehicle mechanics only.

✅ Covered Tasks

Detecting and diagnosing mechanical and electrical faults
Dismantling and reassembling engines, transmissions, steering, suspension, brakes
Repairing and replacing worn or defective parts
Performing scheduled maintenance (oil changes, tune-ups)
Computer-assisted diagnostics
Roadworthiness inspections

❌ NOT Covered (Different ANZSCO Codes)

Specialty	ANZSCO Code	Assessing Body
Diesel Motor Mechanic	321212	TRA/VETASSESS
Motorcycle Mechanic	321213	TRA/VETASSESS
Small Engine Mechanic	321214	TRA/VETASSESS
Automotive Electrician	321111	TRA
Panel Beater	324111	TRA/VETASSESS

Important: If you work on heavy commercial vehicles, agricultural equipment, or mobile plant, you need a different ANZSCO code.

Visa Pathways for Motor Mechanics

Subclass 189: The Reality Check

While Motor Mechanic remains on the MLTSSL, the Subclass 189 visa has become statistically improbable for most mechanics. Recent invitation rounds (2024/2025) show points thresholds of 85-90+ points, with priority given to healthcare and teaching occupations.

Strategy: Lodge an Expression of Interest (EOI) for 189 as a "lottery ticket," but do not rely on it as your primary strategy.

Subclass 491: The Realistic Fast Track

The Subclass 491 (Skilled Work Regional) is the most accessible pathway for mechanics in 2026.

Requirement	Details
Skills assessment	TRA positive outcome
Points	Minimum 65 (including 15 points from state nomination)
Age	Under 45
English	Competent (IELTS 6.0)
State nomination	From a participating state
PR pathway	3 years regional residence → Subclass 191

Visa fee: $4,910 AUD for main applicant (current as of July 2025).

Processing advantage: Priority processing is directed toward regional visas, often significantly shorter than 189/190 streams.

Subclass 494: Employer Sponsored Regional

If you have a regional employer willing to sponsor:

Requirement	Details
Skills assessment	TRA via VETASSESS (RTO)
Sponsorship	Approved regional employer
Salary	Meet TSMIT threshold ($73,150 in 2025)
English	Competent (IELTS 6.0)
PR pathway	3 years → Subclass 191

Subclass 482 → 186: The Employer Route

Mechanics earning above the TSMIT ($73,150) fall into the Core Skills stream of the Skills in Demand visa, offering a guaranteed PR pathway.

Step	Timeline
1. TRA/VETASSESS assessment	3-4 months
2. 482 visa grant	4-6 months
3. Work for sponsor	2 years
4. 186 TRT stream	Additional 6-12 months
Total to PR	~3-4 years

482 visa fee: $3,210 AUD for main applicant (current as of July 2025).

Salary reality: Most mechanics naturally meet TSMIT. Gold Coast averages $85,000-$100,000; mining regions (WA/QLD) command $120,000-$160,000 for Diesel Mechanics.

Regional Demand Hotspots

Where Mechanics Are Most Needed

Region	State	Why High Demand
Pilbara	WA	Mining fleet maintenance
Far North Queensland	QLD	Agricultural and tourism vehicles
Outback NSW	NSW	Agricultural machinery, limited workshops
Northern Territory	NT	Vast distances, extreme conditions
South Australia regional	SA	Agricultural belt, population decline
Tasmania	TAS	Tourism growth, limited trade workers
Gippsland	VIC	Forestry, agriculture, coal transition

DAMA Opportunities for Mechanics

If you're over 45 or have limited English, DAMA regions offer concessions:

Region	Age Limit	English	TSMIT	Notes
Orana (NSW)	55	IELTS 5.0	90%	Agricultural hub (Dubbo, Cobar)
Pilbara (WA)	55	IELTS 5.0	90%	Mining iron ore, Diesel Mechanics in extreme demand
Goldfields (WA)	55	IELTS 5.0	90%	Gold mining region
Far North QLD	55	Standard	Standard	Cairns region, tourism and agriculture
Great South Coast (VIC)	55	IELTS 5.0	90%	Warrnambool area, dairy and forestry
East Kimberley (WA)	55	IELTS 5.0	90%	Remote pastoral and tourism
Northern Territory	55	IELTS 5.0	90%	Territory-wide DAMA
South Australia	55	IELTS 5.0	90%	State-wide, includes Adelaide

State Nomination Strategies

Western Australia

✅ All of WA (including Perth) classified as regional
✅ Motor Mechanic on WASMOL Schedule 2
⚠️ 190 visa requires 6-month employment contract for offshore applicants
✅ 491 visa often waives job offer requirement - primary offshore entry point
✅ Building & Construction prioritized - Diesel Mechanics benefit

Queensland: The Entrepreneur Route

✅ Small Business Owner (SBO) Stream: Purchase an existing workshop in regional QLD for minimum $100,000, employ one Australian resident, trade for 6 months → eligible for 491 nomination
✅ Bypasses need for external job offer
⚠️ Offshore: High points (75+) and 3-5 years experience typically required
✅ Onshore: Strong preference for applicants already working in QLD
✅ 2032 Olympics preparation - construction demand rising

South Australia

✅ Entire state (including Adelaide) classified as regional
✅ Actively recruiting trade workers through state nomination
✅ Lower points thresholds for priority occupations
✅ DAMA available statewide

Northern Territory

✅ Darwin and all NT classified as regional
✅ Almost all automotive trades on NT Migration Occupation List
✅ Heavy DAMA users with maximum concessions
✅ 3-year commitment to NT typically required

Timeline Summary

Pathway	Total Time to PR
491 → 191	3-4 years (including 3 years regional)
494 → 191	3-4 years (including 3 years regional)
482 → 186	3-4 years (including 2 years with sponsor)
190 Direct PR	1-2 years (if state nominates)

Common Mistakes to Avoid

❌ Using wrong assessment body - Check if your visa requires TRA or VETASSESS
❌ Insufficient employment evidence - Need payslips, tax docs, and bank statements
❌ Claiming heavy vehicle experience - ANZSCO 321211 is for light vehicles only
❌ Ignoring regional opportunities - Metro areas have less demand and slower processing
❌ Applying over 45 without DAMA - Standard skilled visas have age cut-offs
❌ Generic employer references - Must list specific ANZSCO-mapped tasks

How First Migration Can Help

Navigating the dual assessment bodies (TRA and VETASSESS), state nomination requirements, and regional employer sponsorship can be complex. At First Migration Service Centre, we assist with:

Assessment body selection - Matching your visa goal to the correct assessment
Evidence preparation - Ensuring "Decision Ready" applications
State nomination strategy - Identifying the best regional pathways
DAMA applications - For over-45 mechanics or those with limited English
Employer connections - Linking you with regional workshops seeking overseas mechanics

Ready to drive your career to Australia? We invite you to submit a free visa assessment so we can understand your situation and provide tailored advice.