Skilled Migration Pathway
Vehicle Body Builder Australia Skilled Migration Guide | ANZSCO 324211
If you are a skilled Vehicle Body Builder (also known as a Vehicle Body Maker or Coach Builder) considering migration to Australia in 2026, there is a clear and accessible pathway available to you through Australia's skilled migration program. Vehicle Body Builders play a critical role manufacturing and repairing purpose-built vehicle bodies, including buses, trucks, fire engines, and caravans, for Australia's transport, logistics, emergency services, and recreational vehicle industries.
This fully updated June 2026 guide explains everything you need to know about migrating to Australia as a Vehicle Body Builder under ANZSCO 324211, including the important occupation list status, TRA skills assessment, available visa subclasses, points test, and state nomination options.
Occupation Snapshot – Quick Reference Table
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Occupation Title | Vehicle Body Builder |
| Alternative Title | Vehicle Body Maker |
| ANZSCO Code | 324211 |
| ANZSCO Unit Group | 3242 – Vehicle Body Builders and Trimmers |
| Skill Level | 3 (AQF Certificate III or equivalent) |
| Assessment Authority | Trades Recognition Australia (TRA) |
| Specialisation | Coach Builder |
| MLTSSL Status | NOT LISTED |
| STSOL/CSOL Status | YES – Listed |
| Points Test Applicable | Yes |
| Licensing Required | May be required (State/Territory based) |
| Industry Sector | Automotive Manufacturing & Repair |
| Occupation Shortage | Shortage identified nationally (2025) |
| Updated | June 2026 |
ANZSCO 324211
What Does a Vehicle Body Builder Do?
A Vehicle Body Builder under ANZSCO 324211 manufactures and repairs prototype production units and purpose-built vehicle bodies, such as buses, trucks, fire engines, and caravans. Key duties include:
- Reading and interpreting engineering drawings and specifications
- Fabricating and welding metal components to construct vehicle bodies
- Constructing, assembling, and installing vehicle body components, doors, windows, panels
- Operating machinery and equipment such as cutting and bending machines
- Modifying assembly line vehicles to special customer requirements
- Preparing new vehicle trim work according to design drawings
- Repairing and replacing damaged vehicle body parts and structural sections
- Building custom-designed, vintage, and specialty vehicle bodies (Coach Builder specialisation)
- Conducting quality checks and inspections on finished vehicle bodies
- Ensuring compliance with relevant Australian vehicle safety and design standards
- Liaising with engineers and fleet operators on custom-build specifications
Skills Assessment
Skills Assessment: Trades Recognition Australia (TRA)
The skills assessing authority for Vehicle Body Builders (ANZSCO 324211) is Trades Recognition Australia (TRA). TRA offers multiple assessment pathways depending on your qualifications, work experience, and country of origin.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Assessment Body | Trades Recognition Australia (TRA) |
| Programs Available | Offshore Skills Assessment Program (OSAP), Migration Skills Assessment (MSA), Temporary Skills Shortage (TSS) Assessment |
| 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
RTO Finder: Locate a TRA-approved RTO using TRA's RTO Finder tool.
Submit Documentary Evidence: Certified passport copies, overseas trade certificate in Vehicle Body Building or Coach Building, detailed employment reference letters (detailing role, dates, duties, and hours), and supporting employment evidence (payslips, tax records).
Technical Assessment: Attend a technical assessment with a qualified Australian assessor (Trade knowledge interview; conducted in English only; no interpreters).
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 Vehicle Body Building, Coach Building, or Automotive Fabrication (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 Vehicle Body Builder
- Supporting work evidence: payslips, tax records, work permits
- Any trade licensing or registration certificates held
- Completed TRA application form + fee payment
Eligible Visas
Visa Subclasses for Vehicle Body Builders
Several temporary and permanent visa classes apply to Vehicle Body Builders seeking skilled pathways to Australia. Because ANZSCO 324211 is not listed on the MLTSSL, your primary pathways represent state nomination and employer-sponsored options.
| Visa Subclass | Visa Name | Type | Occupation List |
|---|---|---|---|
| 189 | Skilled Independent | NOT AVAILABLE | Not on MLTSSL |
| 190 | Skilled Nominated | Permanent | STSOL / SOL |
| 491 | Skilled Work Regional (Prov.) | Provisional | STSOL / ROL |
| 186 DE | Employer Nomination Scheme | Permanent | Any |
| 482 SID | Temporary Skill Shortage | Temporary | CSOL |
| 494 | Skilled Employer Sponsored | Provisional | ROL |
| 191 | Permanent Residence Regional | Permanent | (from 491/494) |
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 from the day of approval.
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 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) subject to occupation eligibility at the time of application.
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 494 – Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional Visa
Regional employer-sponsored provisional visa. Enables living and working in regional areas and leads directly to Subclass 191 permanent residency.
State nomination (190/491) and employer sponsorship (482/186/494) currently represent the primary pathways for Vehicle Body Builders, given the absence of MLTSSL listing.
Occupation Lists
Occupation Lists – Status (June 2026)
| Occupation List | Status | Visa Access |
|---|---|---|
| MLTSSL | NOT LISTED | 189 not available |
| STSOL | YES | Supports 190, 491 |
| CSOL | YES | Supports 482 Skills in Demand visa |
| State Occ. Lists | VARIES | Around 10 state nomination options reported available historically, verify current year availability |
Jobs and Skills Australia (JSA) Note
Vehicle Body Builder has been identified as an occupation in shortage nationally (2025 data), which supports the case for ongoing state nomination and employer sponsorship interest in this trade.
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 for points-tested visas: 65 points. Note: Points test applies to 190 and 491 visas. The 482, 186, and 494 employer/state sponsored pathways do not require a separate points test in the same way.
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 | CHECK | CHECK | Skilled Employment Pathway may apply, confirm current eligibility |
| ACT | CHECK | CHECK | Canberra Matrix; 6 months ACT residency |
| Northern Territory | CHECK | CHECK | Verify current NT occupation list |
Historical data has indicated approximately 10 state nomination pathways available for this occupation across Australia, though specific state list inclusion changes between program years. Always verify current availability directly with each state nomination portal before lodging an EOI.
Language Proficiency
English Language Requirements
| Visa Subclass | Level Required | IELTS Score |
|---|---|---|
| 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
Vehicle Body Builders may require trade registration depending on the state and the type of vehicle manufacturing or modification work undertaken (particularly heavy vehicle and commercial body work subject to vehicle standards compliance):
- NSW: NSW Fair Trading / Transport for NSW (Vehicle Standards)
- VIC: VicRoads (Vehicle Standards and Modifications)
- 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 Vehicle Body Builder
AUD $60,000 – $80,000 per year
Experienced Body Builder
AUD $80,000 – $105,000 per year
Senior / Coach Builder Specialist
AUD $105,000 – $130,000 per year
Self-employed / Workshop Owner
AUD $100,000 – $160,000+ per year
Specialists in heavy commercial vehicle bodies (trucks, buses, fire engines) and custom Coach Building tend to command premium rates, particularly in states with major transport and emergency vehicle manufacturing operations.
Career Benefits
Why Migrate as a Vehicle Body Builder?
- Jobs and Skills Australia (JSA) has identified this occupation as in shortage nationally
- Steady demand from transport, logistics, emergency services, and caravan/RV industries
- Multiple state nomination and employer-sponsored visa pathways available
- Regional opportunities may offer reduced competition for nomination
- 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 Vehicle Body Builder requires a clear understanding of which visa pathways are actually available to you. Since this occupation is not on the MLTSSL, choosing the right state nomination or employer sponsorship strategy is critical. Migration Republic's registered migration agents specialise in automotive trade migration and will help you identify the most realistic and efficient pathway for your situation.
We help you with:
- Free eligibility check for ANZSCO 324211, including current occupation list verification
- TRA skills assessment pathway advice and full application support
- Employment reference letter preparation and review
- State nomination strategy, identifying which states currently list this occupation
- Employer sponsorship pathway guidance (482, 186, 494)
- EOI lodgement and SkillSelect management
- End-to-end visa application support
- Family visa inclusion planning
Build your future in Australia, let's map out your pathway today.
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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