19 Feb Step-by-Step Guide to the 190 Visa for UK Electricians
Navigating the Subclass 190 Visa for UK Electricians
Australia’s thriving infrastructure and construction sectors have created a high demand for skilled electricians. For UK electricians aiming to make the move, the Subclass 190 Skilled Nominated Visa offers a pathway to permanent residency, provided they secure nomination from an Australian state or territory.
This guide covers the essentials UK electricians need to know about the Subclass 190 Visa specifically for electricians, from eligibility criteria to the application process.
The Australian 190 Visa, officially termed the Skilled Nominated Visa, is designed for skilled workers who receive nomination from an Australian state or territory. This nomination adds crucial points to your application, facilitating permanent residency. This visa is particularly appealing for UK electricians, given Australia’s ongoing demand for skilled trades in construction and infrastructure projects.
Your Commitments Under the Australian Subclass 190 Visa
Unlike the independent 189 Visa, the 190 Visa ties you to a specific region, requiring you to live there for two years in order to maintain residency benefits. After two years you are free to live and work anywhere in Australia. However, this is a commitment and not a legal obligation and there may be instances (such as change of job) that require you to move interstate. In these situations you are generally permitted to move, providing you notify Immigration.
The 190 Visa allows you to:
- Be a Permanent Resident
- Enter & Leave Australia as you Choose
- Access Medicare
- Education for Your Children
- Own a Home
- Access Financial Services
- Start a Business
- Sponsor Other Family Members
- Get Citizenship After 4 Years
- Get 5 Extra Immigration Points
190 Visa Eligibility Criteria for UK Electricians
To qualify for the Subclass 190 Visa, UK electricians must meet the following requirements:
- Age: Be under 45 years old at the time of receiving an invitation to apply.
- Points Test: Achieve a minimum of 65 points. State nomination adds 5 points to your score.
- English Proficiency: UK citizens are considered to meet this requirement without additional testing.
- Skills Assessment: Obtain a positive skills assessment from Trades Recognition Australia (TRA), confirming that your qualifications and experience align with Australian standards.
- Occupation Nomination: Nominate an occupation listed on the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL) or the Short-term Skilled Occupation List (STSOL). For electricians, the relevant ANZSCO codes include: 341111 – Electrician (General) and 341112 – Electrician (Special Class).
The Skills Assessment Journey
The skills assessment, conducted by TRA, is a cornerstone of the visa process. For UK electricians, it verifies that your qualifications and experience align with Australian expectations. The process includes:
- Documentary Evidence: Submit proof of your UK qualifications, such as NVQ Level 3 in Electrotechnology, and work experience, typically requiring at least three years, or five if without formal qualifications.
- Technical Interview: Engage in an interview assessing your technical knowledge, ensuring you can apply skills in an Australian context.
- Practical Assessment: Depending on your case, demonstrate practical skills, often conducted in the UK, to confirm hands-on capability.
Upon success, you receive an Offshore Technical Skills Record (OTSR), equivalent to a Certificate III in Electrotechnology, allowing provisional licensing upon arrival and facilitating your integration into the Australian workforce.
Step-by-Step Guide to Securing the 190 Visa
Navigating the 190 Visa process requires a structured approach, outlined below to guide UK electricians through each phase:
Skills Assessment: Begin by applying to TRA for your skills assessment. Ensure all documentation, including qualifications and work history, is comprehensive to avoid delays.
Expression of Interest (EOI): Submit an EOI via the Australian Government’s SkillSelect system. This online profile claims points based on your age, qualifications, experience, and community language skills, if applicable. Aim for a high score to enhance invitation chances.
State Nomination Application: Research states currently accepting nominations for electricians. Apply to states like New South Wales, Victoria, or South Australia, ensuring you meet their specific criteria, such as residency or employment commitments.
Receive State Nomination: If successful, receive nomination, adding five points to your EOI score, significantly boosting your application.
Invitation to Apply (ITA): Await an invitation from the Australian Government, based on your EOI score and nomination. This typically arrives within months, depending on demand.
Visa Application Submission: Within 60 days of the ITA, submit your visa application, including passports, TRA assessment results, police clearances, and health checks. The fee, around AUD 4,640, covers processing costs.
Visa Processing and Approval: Processing times vary, often 6-12 months. Upon approval, you’re ready to relocate, with permanent residency granting immediate work and settlement rights.
Current State Sponsorship Landscape
Many Australian states and territories offer nomination for electricians under the 190 Visa, with lists updated regularly. The following States in Australia are Nominating UK Electricians for the 190 Visa:
New South Wales: Includes electricians on its NSW Skills List, with competitive nomination processes.
Victoria: Offers nominations, often prioritizing construction-related trades.
Queensland: Features electricians on its skilled occupation list, with regional commitments.
South Australia: Lists electricians, focusing on regional development.
Western Australia: Includes electricians on the WA Skilled Migration Occupation List (WASMOL), with specific work experience requirements.
Northern Territory: Occasionally lists electricians, with a focus on regional areas.
Australian Capital Territory (ACT): Has electricians on critical skills lists, with residency requirements.
One of the standout benefits of registering with Electrician Australia is our free assistance with visa applications, including the subclass 190 (Skilled Independent) visa—when you use our services to complete your skills assessment.
For UK electricians seeking a stable and prosperous future in Australia, the Subclass 190 Visa offers a direct pathway to permanent residency. With the country’s ongoing demand for skilled tradespeople, this visa provides a structured route to securing work, settling in a thriving economy, and accessing benefits like Medicare and public education. By aligning your skills with the right ANZSCO classification, obtaining state nomination, and successfully completing the application process, you can position yourself for long-term success in Australia’s electrical industry.
Migrating to Australia as an electrician is more than just a career move—it’s a life-changing opportunity. The Subclass 190 Visa not only grants permanent residency but also opens doors to professional growth, financial security, and an enhanced quality of life.
While the process requires careful planning, from securing a positive skills assessment to meeting state nomination requirements, those who navigate it successfully will find themselves in one of the most in-demand professions in Australia. If you’re ready to make the leap, now is the time to take the first step towards a rewarding future Down Under.
Scott Evans – Expert Electrician & Industry Specialist
With a foot in both the UK and Australian electrical industries, Scott has a unique understanding of the challenges faced by electricians working internationally. He actively helps UK-based electricians transition to working in Australia, offering guidance on career progression, trade recognition pathways, and how to adapt to the working conditions and industry expectations in both countries.