Skilled Migration Pathway
Panelbeater Australia Skilled Migration Guide | ANZSCO 324111
Are you a qualified Panelbeater (also known as a Collision Repairer) looking to migrate to Australia in 2026? With Australia's vehicle fleet continuing to grow and insurance-related collision repair work remaining a steady source of demand, skilled Panelbeaters under ANZSCO 324111 have strong and well-supported pathways to permanent residency.
This fully updated June 2026 guide covers everything from the TRA skills assessment process to visa subclass options, occupation lists, points test strategy, and state nomination pathways for Panelbeaters.
Occupation Snapshot – Quick Reference Table
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Occupation Title | Panelbeater |
| Alternative Title | Collision Repairer |
| ANZSCO Code | 324111 |
| ANZSCO Unit Group | 3241 – Panelbeaters |
| Skill Level | 3 (AQF Certificate III or equivalent) |
| Assessment Authority | Trades Recognition Australia (TRA) |
| Occupation Lists (2026) | MLTSSL, CSOL |
| Points Test Applicable | Yes |
| Licensing Required | May be required (State/Territory based) |
| Industry Sector | Automotive Trades / Collision Repair |
| Related Occupations | Vehicle Body Builder (324211), Vehicle Trimmer (324212), Vehicle Painter (324311) |
| Updated | June 2026 |
Note on Classification Systems: The Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) has introduced a new classification system, OSCA (Occupational Skills Classification of Australia), which may eventually replace ANZSCO. As of June 2026, skilled migration applications continue to reference ANZSCO codes including 324111. Always confirm the current classification system in use at the time of your application.
ANZSCO 324111
What Does a Panelbeater Do?
A Panelbeater (ANZSCO 324111) repairs damage to metal, fibreglass, and plastic bodywork on vehicles, and forms replacement vehicle panels. Key duties include:
- Removing damaged panels, upholstery, and accessories to gain access for repairs
- Removing dents by hammering and shaping damaged panels
- Straightening damaged vehicle frames and parts using mechanical and hydraulic equipment
- Replacing severely damaged sections with new or second-hand panels
- Filling depressions with plastic filler, then filing, grinding, and sanding repaired surfaces
- Cutting and joining replacement sections using welding equipment
- Fitting repaired or replacement panels and refitting body hardware (door locks, trims)
- Assisting Vehicle Body Builders in constructing or restoring custom, vintage, and specialty vehicles
- May spray-paint vehicles as part of the repair process
- Using computerised measuring systems to assess and correct vehicle frame alignment
- Liaising with insurance assessors regarding repair scope and costs
- Maintaining OH&S-compliant workshop practices
Skills Assessment
Skills Assessment: Trades Recognition Australia (TRA)
The skills assessing authority for Panelbeaters (ANZSCO 324111) is Trades Recognition Australia (TRA). TRA offers multiple assessment pathways depending on your qualifications, work experience, and country of origin. In some cases, VETASSESS may conduct the trade skills assessment on TRA's behalf.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Assessment Body | Trades Recognition Australia (TRA) |
| Programs Available | Offshore Skills Assessment Program (OSAP), Migration Skills Assessment (MSA), Temporary Skills Shortage (TSS) Assessment, Job Ready Program (JRP) – for grads |
| Assessment May Be Delegated | Sometimes via VETASSESS for trade assessments on TRA's behalf |
| Pathways | Pathway 1 – No Australian qualification Pathway 2 – With overseas qualification |
| Minimum Work Experience | 3 years full-time, directly relevant work experience |
| Qualification Required | AQF Certificate III (including 2 years on-the-job training) or AQF Certificate IV (NZ equivalent: NZ Register Level 4) |
| Technical Assessment | Yes – document review + technical interview in English |
| Interpreter Policy | NOT permitted in any assessment |
TRA PATHWAY 1 – No Australian Qualification (via OSAP)
RTO Finder: Locate a TRA-approved RTO using TRA's RTO Finder tool (or check VETASSESS where trade assessments are conducted on TRA's behalf).
Submit Documentary Evidence: certified passport copies, overseas trade certificate in Panelbeating or Collision Repair, detailed employment reference letters (detailing role, dates, duties, and hours), and supporting employment evidence (payslips, tax records).
Technical Assessment: Attend a technical interview with a qualified Australian assessor (Trade knowledge interview; possible practical component; conducted in English only).
Outcome: TRA issues your Migration Skills Assessment outcome letter.
TRA PATHWAY 2 – With Overseas Qualification Equivalent to AQF III
Online Application: Apply via the TRA online portal with certified qualification documents.
References: Submit detailed employment reference letters detailing your skills and duties.
Equivalency Assessment: TRA assesses qualification equivalency using international frameworks.
Further Review: A skills gap analysis or technical interview may follow to complete the outcome.
Documents Checklist:
- Valid passport (certified copy, all pages)
- Trade certificate/diploma in Panelbeating, Collision Repair, or Automotive Body Repair (certified English translation if not originally in English)
- Employment reference letters on employer letterhead, stating:
- Your full name and job title
- Employment start and end dates
- Average hours worked per week
- Specific duties performed as a Panelbeater
- Supporting work evidence: payslips, tax records, work permits
- Any automotive trade licence or registration certificates held
- Completed TRA application form + fee payment
Eligible Visas
Visa Subclasses for Panelbeaters
Several temporary and permanent visa classes apply to Panelbeaters seeking skilled pathways to Australia. Because ANZSCO 324111 sits on the MLTSSL, you have access to a robust range of independent and sponsored pathways.
| Visa Subclass | Visa Name | Type | Occupation List |
|---|---|---|---|
| 189 | Skilled Independent | Permanent | MLTSSL |
| 190 | Skilled Nominated | Permanent | MLTSSL / SOL |
| 491 | Skilled Work Regional (Prov.) | Provisional | MLTSSL / ROL |
| 186 DE | Employer Nomination Scheme | Permanent | Any |
| 186 TRT | ENS Transition Stream | Permanent | MLTSSL |
| 482 SID | Temporary Skill Shortage | Temporary | CSOL |
| 494 | Skilled Employer Sponsored | Provisional | ROL |
| 191 | Permanent Residence Regional | Permanent | (from 491/494) |
Visa 189 – Skilled Independent Visa
Points-based visa. No sponsor or employer is required. Permanent residency is granted from the day of approval. Requires a competitive points score in SkillSelect rounds.
Visa 190 – Skilled Nominated Visa
Requires nomination by an Australian state or territory. Adds a bonus of 5 points to your overall points score and leads directly to permanent residency.
Visa 491 – Skilled Work Regional Visa
A provisional visa requiring you to live, work, and study in a designated regional area of Australia. Grants 15 bonus points and provides a pathway to Subclass 191 permanent residency after 3 years.
Visa 186 DE – Employer Nomination Scheme (Direct Entry)
Employer-sponsored permanent residency. Does not require a points test but requires at least 3 years of post-qualification experience and a successful skills assessment.
Visa 482 SID – Temporary Skill Shortage (Skills in Demand)
Employer-sponsored temporary visa under the Skills in Demand program. Offers a clear pathway to permanent residency via Subclass 186 (Transition stream) after meeting experience requirements.
Occupation Lists
Occupation Lists – Status (June 2026)
| Occupation List | Status | Visa Access |
|---|---|---|
| MLTSSL | YES | 189, 190, 491, 186 TRT, 186 DE, 494 |
| CSOL | YES | 482 Skills in Demand (SID) visa |
| State Occ. Lists | VARIES | Check current state lists each program year |
Note on Priority Tiers
Under the updated SkillSelect framework, occupations are grouped into priority tiers based on workforce demand and economic value, influencing invitation volume per round. Invitations are still ranked by points within each occupation, but overall ceilings are calibrated across all skilled programs. Check the current tier classification for Panelbeater (324111) at the time of your application.
Migration Points
Points Test Breakdown
| Factor | Points Available |
|---|---|
| Age 25–32 | 30 points |
| Age 33–39 | 25 points |
| Age 40–44 | 15 points |
| Age 45–49 | 0 points |
| Superior English (IELTS 8.0 each) | 20 points |
| Proficient English (IELTS 7.0 each) | 10 points |
| Competent English (IELTS 6.0 each) | 0 points (minimum requirement) |
| Overseas skilled experience 8–10 yrs | 20 points |
| Overseas skilled experience 5–8 yrs | 15 points |
| Overseas skilled experience 3–5 yrs | 10 points |
| Overseas skilled experience 1–3 yrs | 5 points |
| Australian skilled experience 8–10 yr | 20 points |
| Australian skilled experience 5–8 yr | 15 points |
| Australian skilled experience 3–5 yr | 10 points |
| Australian skilled experience 1–3 yr | 5 points |
| State nomination (190 visa) | +5 points |
| Regional nomination (491 visa) | +15 points |
| Specialist education qualification | 10 points |
| Australian study requirement (2 yrs) | 5 points |
| Accredited community language | 5 points |
| Professional Year in Australia | 5 points |
| Partner skills assessment | 5 or 10 points |
Minimum required: 65 points. The competitive range for invitations in June 2026 typically sits between 70–85+ points depending on the state, occupation tier, and SkillSelect round.
State Nomination
State Nomination Options (June 2026)
| State/Territory | SC190 | SC491 | Notes (June 2026) |
|---|---|---|---|
| NSW | CHECK | CHECK | Verify current NSW skilled occupation list |
| Victoria | CHECK | CHECK | Verify current VIC SOL availability |
| Queensland | CHECK | CHECK | QLD offshore list updated Sept 2025 |
| Western Australia | CHECK | CHECK | WA Nomination Quota 2025-26: 190: 1,000 places | 491: 1,000 places. IELTS 6.0 all bands typically required |
| South Australia | CHECK | CHECK | SA skilled list 2025-26, verify listing |
| Tasmania | YES | YES |
Skilled Employment Pathway requirements:
|
| ACT | CHECK | CHECK | Canberra Matrix; 6 months ACT residency |
| Northern Territory | CHECK | CHECK | Verify current NT occupation list |
Language Proficiency
English Language Requirements
| Visa Subclass | Level Required | IELTS Score |
|---|---|---|
| 189 | Competent English | 6.0 in each band |
| 190 | Competent English | 6.0 in each band |
| 491 | Competent English | 6.0 in each band |
| 186 DE | Competent English | 6.0 in each band |
| 482 SID | Functional/Competent | 5.0 overall (no band < 5.0) |
Accepted English Tests & Exemptions
Accepted tests: IELTS Academic/General, PTE Academic, TOEFL iBT, Cambridge C1/C2, OET.
Exempt countries: Passport holders of the UK, Ireland, USA, Canada, and New Zealand are generally exempt from taking an English language exam for most visa subclasses.
Trade Licensing
Licensing in Australia
Panelbeaters may require registration or licensing depending on the state and the nature of repair work (especially where structural/safety repairs and roadworthy certification are involved). Confirm current requirements with:
- NSW: NSW Fair Trading / Transport for NSW
- VIC: VicRoads / relevant industry regulator
- QLD: Department of Transport and Main Roads
- WA: Department of Transport WA
- SA: Consumer and Business Services (CBS)
- TAS: Transport Tasmania
- ACT: Access Canberra
- NT: NT Department of Infrastructure, Planning and Logistics
Salary Insights
Salary Expectations in Australia (2026)
Qualified Panelbeater
AUD $60,000 – $80,000 per year
Experienced Panelbeater
AUD $80,000 – $105,000 per year
Senior / Leading Hand
AUD $100,000 – $125,000 per year
Self-employed / Workshop Owner
AUD $100,000 – $170,000+ per year
Panelbeaters with experience in computerised frame alignment systems, insurance repair estimation, and high-end vehicle restoration typically earn at the higher end of the range, particularly in NSW, VIC, and QLD.
Career Benefits
Why Migrate as a Panelbeater?
- Steady, ongoing demand driven by Australia's large vehicle fleet and insurance repair industry
- Strong career stability, collision repair demand is largely independent of economic cycles
- Multiple permanent and provisional visa pathways available (189, 190, 491, 186)
- Tasmania offers a clear, structured Skilled Employment Pathway for this occupation
- Shortage of experienced collision repair technicians across regional Australia
- Family members can be included in your visa application
- Defined TRA assessment pathway for both qualified and experienced-only applicants
Migration Services
How Migration Republic Can Help You
Migrating to Australia as a Panelbeater requires careful preparation, choosing the right TRA pathway, building a strong employment evidence file, and identifying the best state nomination opportunity for your circumstances. Migration Republic's registered migration agents specialise in automotive and trade occupation migration.
We help you with:
- Free eligibility check for ANZSCO 324111
- TRA skills assessment pathway advice and full application support
- Employment reference letter preparation and review
- Points test strategy to maximise your EOI score
- State nomination advice, including the Tasmania Skilled Employment Pathway
- EOI lodgement and SkillSelect management
- End-to-end visa application support (189, 190, 491, 186, 482)
- Family visa inclusion planning
Your Australian collision repair career starts here.
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 189, 190, or 491 visas.
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, employer-sponsored, or regional visas.
Check Eligibility ↗FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
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Book Consultation TodayDisclaimer: Immigration laws, occupation lists, and assessing body 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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