Skilled Migration Pathway
Bricklayer Skills Assessment Australia | ANZSCO 331111
Bricklayers are essential to Australia's residential construction industry, where brick veneer and double-brick construction remain dominant building methods. With a chronic nationwide shortage of qualified bricklayers, Australia offers strong visa pathways and excellent earning potential for skilled tradespeople from overseas.
This guide covers the TRA skills assessment, visa subclasses, licensing, salary, and how to obtain permanent residency as a Bricklayer in Australia.
Occupation Snapshot – Quick Reference Table
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Occupation | Bricklayer |
| ANZSCO Code | 331111 |
| Skills Assessing Body | TRA (Trades Recognition Australia) |
| Eligible Visa Subclasses | 190, 491, 482, 186 |
| Occupation Lists | STSOL / Regional Occupation List |
| Minimum Points Required | 65 points |
| English Requirement | Competent English (IELTS 6.0 each band) |
| Trade Licence Required | Varies by state (some states require builder's licence for contracting) |
Bricklayer (ANZSCO 331111) is NOT on the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL). The Subclass 189 (Skilled Independent) visa is NOT AVAILABLE for this occupation.
Eligible pathways are restricted to the Subclasses 190, 491, 482, and 186 visas. Always check current list status before submitting your Expression of Interest (EOI).
ANZSCO 331111
Who is a Bricklayer? (ANZSCO 331111)
A Bricklayer constructs and repairs structures made from bricks, blocks, and similar materials, using mortar to bind units into walls, foundations, and other structures. Under ANZSCO 331111, core duties include:
- Laying bricks, blocks, and pavers to form walls, partitions, arches, and other structures
- Reading and interpreting building plans and specifications
- Setting out brickwork including damp-proof courses, cavity walls, and weep holes
- Mixing and applying mortar and grout to specified ratios
- Installing lintels, articulation joints, and movement joints
- Constructing chimneys, fireplaces, and decorative brick features
- Repairing and restoring existing brickwork, including heritage restoration work
- Working with various materials: clay bricks, concrete blocks, AAC blocks, natural stone
- Ensuring compliance with the National Construction Code and Australian Standards (AS 3700 – Masonry Structures)
- Working on new residential builds, renovations, and commercial projects
Bricklayers in Australia work primarily on residential construction (brick veneer homes), but also on commercial, heritage, and landscaping projects.
Skills Assessment
Skills Assessment: TRA (Trades Recognition Australia)
The designated skills assessing authority for Bricklayers (ANZSCO 331111) is Trades Recognition Australia (TRA). TRA assesses whether your overseas qualifications and experience are comparable to the Australian Certificate III in Bricklaying/Blocklaying standard.
TRA Assessment Pathways
Pathway 1 – Overseas Qualification Assessment (OQA)
For tradespeople with formal apprenticeship or trade qualifications in bricklaying/blocklaying or masonry from overseas.
Pathway 2 – Employer Sponsorship Assessment (482 Visa)
For bricklayers being sponsored by an Australian employer.
TRA Assessment Process
After document review, TRA may require a practical trade assessment at a Trade Assessment Centre (TAC). The assessment typically covers:
- Written component: Australian masonry standards (AS 3700), Plans/specifications interpretation, WHS.
- Practical component: Setting out and laying brickwork (including cavity walls, openings, and finishing) to Australian quality standards.
Key Documents Required
- Qualifications: Trade certificate / apprenticeship completion papers (certified copies).
- Transcripts: Academic transcripts and training records.
- Employment references: Employment reference letters from all employers (specific duties, project types, materials used, dates, hours per week).
- Trade licence: Trade licence/registration from country of origin (if applicable).
- Identity documentation: Passport copy and English translations for non-English documents.
- Application forms: Completed TRA application form.
- Fees: Application fee (approx. AUD $750–$1,100).
Processing Time: 3–6 months.
Reference letters should specify the construction methods used (cavity wall, brick veneer, double brick, reinforced masonry), the types of structures built (residential, commercial, heritage restoration), and materials worked with.
Eligible Visas
Visa Subclasses for Bricklayers
Bricklayers are eligible for both points-tested state nominations and employer-sponsored visas under the Short-Term Skilled Occupation List (STSOL) / Regional Occupation List.
| Visa Subclass | Visa Name | Key Feature |
|---|---|---|
| 190 | Skilled Nominated | PR; state nominates; +5 points bonus |
| 491 | Skilled Work Regional (Prov.) | Provisional; regional; pathway to PR via 191 |
| 482 | Temporary Skill Shortage | Employer sponsored temporary visa |
| 186 | Employer Nomination Scheme | Employer sponsored permanent residency |
Visa 190 – Skilled Nominated Visa
The Subclass 190 is the primary points-based PR pathway for Bricklayers. State nomination adds 5 bonus points. Given the severe nationwide shortage of bricklayers — particularly impacting new home construction timelines — this occupation is frequently listed on state occupation lists.
Visa 491 – Skilled Work Regional Visa
The 491 visa is ideal for Bricklayers willing to settle in regional Australia, where new housing developments require skilled trades. The 491 provides 15 bonus points and leads to permanent residency via Subclass 191 after 3 years in regional areas.
Visa 482 – Temporary Skill Shortage Visa
Residential builders and bricklaying subcontracting businesses across Australia sponsor overseas bricklayers under the TSS 482 visa due to chronic skill shortages. Duration is up to 4 years, with a pathway to permanent residency via the 186 visa.
Visa 186 – Employer Nomination Scheme
The ENS 186 visa provides permanent residency through employer nomination — via the Temporary Residence Transition stream after 3 years on a 482 visa, or the Direct Entry stream for offshore applicants with an eligible Australian employer.
PR Points
Points Test for Bricklayers (190/491 Visas)
Points-tested visas require meeting a minimum score of 65 points. Below is a breakdown of how points are allocated:
| Factor | Details | Points |
|---|---|---|
| Age | 25–32 years | 30 points |
| English – Proficient | IELTS 7.0 each band or equivalent | 10 points |
| English – Superior | IELTS 8.0 each band or equivalent | 20 points |
| Overseas experience | 8–10 years post-qualification | 15 points |
| Australian experience | 8–10 years | 20 points |
| Qualifications | Trade / Certificate III qual. | 10 points |
| Australian Study | Minimum 2 academic years study | 5 points |
| Partner skills / single | Competent partner / Single applicant | Up to 10 points |
| State nomination | Subclass 190 visa nomination | 5 points |
| Regional nomination | Subclass 491 visa nomination | 15 points |
Language Level
English Language Requirements
- IELTS: 6.0 per band (Competent); 8.0 per band (Superior – 20 pts)
- PTE Academic: 50 per skill (Competent); 79 (Superior)
- TOEFL iBT / OET / CAE: Equivalent band scores accepted (TOEFL iBT: 12/13/18/18; OET: Grade B; CAE: 169 per skill)
Trade Licensing
Licensing and Contractor Registration for Bricklayers
In most Australian states, Bricklayers employed by a builder or contractor do not need an individual trade licence to perform work — however, if you intend to operate as a subcontractor or run your own bricklaying business, you will typically need:
| State | Requirement for Independent Contractors |
|---|---|
| NSW | Contractor Licence (NSW Fair Trading) for work over $5,000 |
| VIC | Domestic Builder (Limited) Registration via VBA |
| QLD | QBCC Contractor Licence (Bricklaying/Blocklaying class) |
| WA | Builder's Registration (Building Commission WA) |
| SA | Building Work Contractor Licence (CBS) |
| TAS | CBOS Contractor Registration |
If you plan to work as an employee for an Australian building company, these registrations may not be required initially.
Salary Rates
Salary for Bricklayers in Australia
Qualified Bricklayer (0–3 years)
AUD $65,000 – $85,000 per year
Experienced Bricklayer (3–8 years)
AUD $85,000 – $115,000 per year
Leading Hand / Supervisor Bricklayer
AUD $110,000 – $140,000 per year
Subcontractor (per-thousand-brick rate, own business)
AUD $130,000 – $220,000+ per year
Bricklayers working on a per-thousand-brick contract basis can earn significantly more than salaried positions, especially during periods of high housing construction demand.
Nomination Opportunities
State Nomination Opportunities for Bricklayers
- New South Wales: High demand in Sydney's growth corridors and regional NSW.
- Victoria: Major new housing estates in Melbourne's outer suburbs.
- Queensland: SE Queensland housing boom and 2032 Olympics-related development.
- Western Australia: Strong residential construction recovery in Perth.
- South Australia: Affordable housing programs driving demand.
- Tasmania: Regional housing growth with reduced competition.
Migration Services
Why Migrate & How Migration Republic Can Help Bricklayers
Bricklayer migration to Australia is one of the most achievable trade pathways given the severe national shortage. Migration Republic's registered migration agents have helped numerous bricklaying tradespeople successfully relocate to Australia.
Our services for Bricklayers include:
- ✔ TRA application preparation and document review
- ✔ State nomination strategy for 190 and 491 visas
- ✔ EOI creation and SkillSelect management
- ✔ Employer sponsorship guidance for 482 and 186 visas
- ✔ Contractor licensing pathway advice by state
- ✔ Points score calculation and optimisation
- ✔ Full visa lodgement and ongoing case management
👉 Lay the foundation for your new life in Australia. Let's plan it right.
Interactive Tools
Calculate Points & Check Your Visa Eligibility
Use our interactive self-service migration tools to calculate your points score, test your eligibility, and discover your potential Australian visa options instantly.
PR Points Calculator
Calculate your skilled migration points score instantly to check your eligibility for permanent residency pathways.
Calculate Points ↗Visa Selection Quiz
Take our quick interactive quiz to find the most suitable Australian visa subclass for your personal profile.
Start Visa Quiz ↗Eligibility Checker
Verify if you meet the core requirements for Australian skilled, regional state nomination, or employer-sponsored visas.
Check Eligibility ↗FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Ready to Start Your Bricklayer Visa Pathway?
Let Migration Republic guide you through every step of your visa pathway to Australia. Contact our team today for a consultation.
Book Consultation TodayDisclaimer: Immigration laws, occupation lists, and trade licensing requirements change regularly. This content is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or migration advice. Please consult a registered migration agent or legal practitioner for advice specific to your circumstances.
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