Skilled Migration Pathway
Stonemason Skills Assessment Australia | ANZSCO 331112
Stonemasons hold a unique and respected position within Australia's construction and heritage conservation industries. From cutting and shaping natural stone for modern construction to restoring heritage-listed buildings, skilled Stonemasons are in steady demand across Australia.
This guide covers the TRA skills assessment process, eligible visa subclasses, salary expectations, and the pathway to permanent residency for Stonemasons.
Occupation Snapshot – Quick Reference Table
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Occupation | Stonemason |
| ANZSCO Code | 331112 |
| 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 | Generally not required for employees; contractor registration if self-employed |
Stonemason (ANZSCO 331112) 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 331112
Who is a Stonemason? (ANZSCO 331112)
A Stonemason cuts, shapes, finishes, and installs natural and reconstituted stone for construction, restoration, and decorative purposes. Under ANZSCO 331112, core duties include:
- Cutting, carving, and finishing stone blocks, slabs, and tiles using hand and power tools
- Setting stone for walls, facades, paving, and decorative features
- Restoring and conserving heritage stonework, including historic buildings and monuments
- Fabricating and installing stone benchtops, cladding, and architectural elements
- Reading and interpreting drawings and specifications for stonework
- Selecting appropriate stone types based on structural and aesthetic requirements
- Repairing damaged or weathered stonework using traditional and modern techniques
- Working with materials including granite, marble, sandstone, limestone, and bluestone
- Applying mortar, adhesives, and mechanical fixings for stone installation
- Ensuring compliance with the National Construction Code and relevant Australian Standards (AS 3700 – Masonry Structures, AS/NZS 4455 – Masonry Units)
Stonemasons in Australia work on new residential and commercial construction, monumental and memorial work, and heritage conservation projects for state heritage authorities and the National Trust.
Skills Assessment
Skills Assessment: TRA (Trades Recognition Australia)
The designated skills assessing authority for Stonemasons (ANZSCO 331112) is Trades Recognition Australia (TRA). TRA assesses whether your overseas qualifications and experience are comparable to the Australian Certificate III in Stonemasonry standard.
TRA Assessment Pathways
Pathway 1 – Overseas Qualification Assessment (OQA)
For tradespeople with formal apprenticeship or trade qualifications in stonemasonry from overseas.
Pathway 2 – Employer Sponsorship Assessment (482 Visa)
For stonemasons 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, stone identification, restoration principles, WHS.
- Practical component: Cutting, shaping, and setting stone using both hand tools and power tools 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, stone types worked with, project types — construction, heritage restoration, monumental, 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.
Stonemasonry encompasses several specialisations — construction masonry, monumental masonry (headstones and memorials), and heritage/conservation masonry. Clearly identify your specialisation(s) in your reference letters, as Australian employers often seek specific expertise.
Eligible Visas
Visa Subclasses for Stonemasons
Stonemasons 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 Stonemasons. State nomination adds 5 bonus points. Stonemasonry skills are valued for both modern construction and the significant heritage conservation needs of Australia's older cities (Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide, Hobart). Monitor state occupation lists for inclusion of ANZSCO 331112.
Visa 491 – Skilled Work Regional Visa
The 491 visa suits Stonemasons willing to work in regional areas, where monumental masonry (memorials, headstones) and rural heritage conservation projects provide consistent demand. The 491 adds 15 bonus points and leads to permanent residency via Subclass 191 after 3 years in regional areas.
Visa 482 – Temporary Skill Shortage Visa
Stone supply companies, heritage restoration contractors, and monumental masonry businesses can sponsor Stonemasons under the TSS 482 visa for up to 4 years.
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 Stonemasons (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)
Specialisations
Stonemasonry Specialisations in Australia
Understanding the different specialisations can help you target the right employers:
- Construction Masonry: Cladding, paving, walling for new residential and commercial buildings.
- Monumental Masonry: Headstones, memorials, and cemetery work.
- Heritage/Conservation Masonry: Restoration of heritage-listed buildings, often working with state heritage offices, the National Trust, and specialist conservation firms.
- Benchtop and Fabrication: CNC stone cutting and benchtop fabrication for kitchens and bathrooms (often involves engineered stone, granite, and marble).
Heritage conservation masonry is particularly valued in cities like Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide, and Hobart, which have extensive heritage-listed building stock.
Salary Rates
Salary for Stonemasons in Australia
Qualified Stonemason (0–3 years)
AUD $65,000 – $85,000 per year
Experienced Stonemason (3–8 years)
AUD $85,000 – $110,000 per year
Heritage/Conservation Specialist
AUD $100,000 – $135,000 per year
Senior Stonemason / Workshop Supervisor
AUD $115,000 – $145,000 per year
Stonemasonry Business Owner
AUD $130,000 – $220,000+ per year
Heritage conservation specialists often command premium rates due to the scarcity of these specialised skills in Australia.
State Nominated
State Nomination Opportunities for Stonemasons
- New South Wales: Heritage conservation needs in Sydney; growing construction sector.
- Victoria: Significant heritage building stock in Melbourne and regional Victoria.
- South Australia: Adelaide's heritage precincts and bluestone construction tradition.
- Tasmania: Extensive sandstone heritage buildings requiring conservation specialists.
- Western Australia: Growing demand linked to residential stone cladding and paving.
- Queensland: Monumental masonry and new construction demand.
Migration Services
Why Migrate & How Migration Republic Can Help Stonemasons
Stonemasonry is a specialised trade, and presenting your specific area of expertise clearly is key to a successful TRA assessment and visa application. Migration Republic's experienced team will help you build a strong, targeted application.
Our services for Stonemasons 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
- ✔ Points score calculation and optimisation
- ✔ Full visa lodgement and ongoing case management
👉 Carve out your future in Australia. Let's plan it right.
Interactive Tools
Calculate Points & Check Your Visa Eligibility
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PR Points Calculator
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Calculate Points ↗Visa Selection Quiz
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Start Visa Quiz ↗Eligibility Checker
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Frequently Asked Questions
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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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