Skilled Migration Pathway
Vehicle Painter Australia Skilled Migration Guide | ANZSCO 324311 (June 2026)
If you are a skilled Vehicle Painter looking to migrate to Australia in 2026, you are entering a trade with steady, ongoing demand across the country's automotive repair and collision repair industry. Vehicle Painters under ANZSCO 324311 play an essential role in vehicle restoration, panel repair finishing, and overall automotive aesthetics a trade that remains in consistent need across both metropolitan and regional Australia.
This fully updated June 2026 guide covers everything you need to know about migrating to Australia as a Vehicle Painter including the important occupation list status, TRA skills assessment process, available visa subclasses (including a key regional caveat on the 482 visa), points test, and state nomination options.
Occupation Snapshot – Quick Reference Table
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Occupation Title | Vehicle Painter |
| ANZSCO Code | 324311 |
| ANZSCO Unit Group | 3243 – Vehicle Painters |
| Skill Level | Skill Level 3 (AQF Certificate III or equivalent) |
| Assessment Authority | Trades Recognition Australia (TRA) |
| MLTSSL Status | NOT LISTED |
| STSOL/CSOL Status | YES – Listed |
| Points Test Applicable | Yes (for 190/491) |
| Licensing Required | Generally NOT a licensed trade in Australia (registration may apply in some states for specific work) |
| Industry Sector | Automotive Trades / Collision Repair |
| 482 Visa Caveat | YES — Regional employer only |
| Updated | June 2026 |
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 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, regional state nomination, or employer-sponsored visas.
Check Eligibility ↗ANZSCO 324311
Who is a Vehicle Painter (ANZSCO 324311)?
A Vehicle Painter under ANZSCO 324311 prepares surfaces of vehicles, matches and mixes colours, and applies paint to achieve a high-quality finish. Key duties include:
- Preparing vehicle surfaces by removing old paint, filling holes and cracks, and smoothing surfaces
- Selecting and mixing paint to match the vehicle's make, model, and original colour code
- Applying primer and finishing coats using spray guns, rubbing down surfaces between coats
- Touching up paintwork and applying polish to achieve a smooth, glossy finish
- Removing masking papers, waxing, and polishing finished paintwork
- Working closely with Panelbeaters following collision repair work
- Applying specialty finishes including metallic, pearlescent, and custom colour coatings
- Operating spray booths and curing/baking equipment safely
- Conducting quality checks to ensure colour match and finish consistency
- Maintaining spray equipment, compressors, and workshop safety standards
- Advising on paint repair costs and timeframes for customers and insurers
Vehicle Painter (ANZSCO 324311) is a separate and distinct occupation from Painter (ANZSCO 332211, construction trades), Painter (Visual Arts) (ANZSCO 2114), and Industrial Spraypainter (ANZSCO 7112). Always ensure you apply under the correct ANZSCO code matching your specific trade and work history.
Skills Assessment
Skills Assessment: Trades Recognition Australia (TRA)
The skills assessing authority for Vehicle Painters (ANZSCO 324311) is Trades Recognition Australia (TRA). A positive skills assessment is required for most visa subclasses, including state nomination (190/491) and employer sponsorship (186).
TRA Skills Assessment Overview
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Assessment Body | Trades Recognition Australia (TRA) |
| Programs Available | Offshore Skills Assessment Program (OSAP), Migration Skills Assessment (MSA), Provisional Skills Assessment (PSA), Job Ready Program (JRP) – for grads, Migration Points Assessment (MPA) |
| Pathways | Pathway 1 – No Australian qualification Pathway 2 – With overseas qualification |
| Minimum Work Experience | 3 years full-time, directly relevant |
| Qualification Required | AQF Certificate III (incl. 2 yrs on-the-job training) or AQF Certificate IV; NZ equivalent: NZ Register Level 4 |
| Technical Assessment | Yes – document review + technical interview, conducted in English |
| Interpreter Policy | NOT permitted in any assessment |
| Required Also For | ENS Subclass 186 Employer-Sponsored visa |
TRA Assessment Pathways
TRA PATHWAY 1 – No Australian Qualification
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Step 1: Locate an RTO
Locate a TRA-approved Registered Training Organisation (RTO) using TRA's RTO Finder tool.
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Step 2: Submit Documentary Evidence
Submit decision-ready documentary evidence including certified passport copies, overseas trade certificate, detailed employment reference letters, and supporting financial evidence (payslips, tax records).
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Step 3: Attend Technical Assessment
Attend a technical assessment with a qualified Australian assessor (Trade knowledge interview; conducted in English only; no interpreters allowed).
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Step 4: Receive Outcome
TRA issues your Migration Skills Assessment positive outcome letter.
TRA PATHWAY 2 – With Overseas Qualification Equivalent to AQF III
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Step 1: Online Application
Apply via the TRA online portal with certified qualification documents.
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Step 2: Submit Employment References
Submit detailed employment reference letters detailing your work history and duties.
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Step 3: Equivalency Assessment
TRA assesses qualification equivalency using international education and trade frameworks.
-
Step 4: Finalization
Skills gap analysis or technical interview may follow before the assessment outcome is finalized.
Documents Checklist
- Valid passport: Certified copy of all pages.
- Trade certificate/diploma: In Vehicle Painting, Auto Refinishing, or Automotive Body Repair (accompanied by 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 Painter
- Supporting work evidence: Payslips, tax records, and work permits.
- Application: Completed TRA application form and fee payment.
Please note that Trades Recognition Australia (TRA) has a strict policy regarding language. Interpreters are NOT permitted in any technical assessment or interview. The entire assessment is conducted in English.
Eligible Visas
Visa Subclasses for Vehicle Painters
Several temporary and permanent visa classes apply to Vehicle Painters seeking skilled pathways to Australia. Because this occupation sits outside the MLTSSL, regional pathways, state nominations, and employer sponsorships are the primary routes to permanent residency.
Visa Subclass Options
| Visa Subclass | Visa Name | Type | Occupation List Status / Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| 189 | Skilled Independent | Permanent | 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 — REGIONAL EMPLOYER CAVEAT APPLIES |
| 494 | Skilled Employer Sponsored | Provisional | ROL |
| 191 | Permanent Residence Regional | Permanent | PR pathway from 491/494 visas |
482 SID Visa (Core Skills Pathway) – Key Requirements
- Work Experience: Minimum 1 year relevant work experience in the nominated occupation.
- English Language: Minimum IELTS overall 5.0 with no band below 5.0 (or equivalent).
- Age limit: No age requirement for temporary subclasses.
- Regional Caveat: MUST be sponsored by an employer located in a designated regional area of Australia.
- Skills Assessment: Generally not required unless specifically requested by the case officer.
- PR Pathway: Offers a transition pathway to permanent residency via Subclass 186 (Transition stream) after 2-3 years.
Visa 190 – Skilled Nominated Visa (Permanent)
State nomination is required. If nominated, you receive +5 bonus points on your EOI. This subclass grants immediate permanent residency from the date of visa grant. You must live and work in the nominating state for the first 2 years.
Visa 491 – Skilled Work Regional (Provisional)
Requires nomination by a state/territory government or sponsorship by an eligible family member living in a designated regional area. Adds +15 bonus points to your EOI. It is a 5-year provisional visa that leads to Subclass 191 permanent residency after living and working in regional Australia for at least 3 years.
Visa 482 SID – Temporary Skill Shortage (Regional Employer Caveat)
Employer-sponsored temporary visa. Note the critical caveat: the sponsoring employer must be located in a regional area of Australia. Metropolitan sponsorship is not permitted for Vehicle Painters under this stream.
Visa 186 DE – Employer Nomination Scheme (Permanent)
Direct Entry stream. Requires a positive TRA skills assessment and a minimum of 3 years relevant post-qualification work experience, alongside sponsorship from an approved Australian employer.
Visa 494 – Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (Provisional)
Regional employer-sponsored provisional visa. Requires a positive skills assessment and minimum 3 years of work experience, leading to permanent residency via Subclass 191.
According to the Department of Home Affairs, caveats apply to the Subclass 482 visa for this occupation. The visa is only granted to Vehicle Painters whose sponsoring employer is located in a designated regional area of Australia. Metropolitan-based employer sponsorship under 482 is not accepted.
Occupation Lists
Occupation Lists: Status (June 2026)
| Occupation List | Status | Visa Access / Notes |
|---|---|---|
| MLTSSL (Medium & Long-term Strategic Skills List) | NOT LISTED | Subclass 189 visa is NOT available for this occupation. |
| STSOL (Short-term Skilled Occupation List) | YES | Supports Subclass 190 and Subclass 491 state-nominated visas. |
| CSOL (Core Skills Occupation List) | YES | Supports Subclass 482 (skills in demand visa, regional caveat applies). |
| State Occupation Lists | VARIES | Verify current program year availability with each state and territory. |
Industry Demand Note: Vehicle Painter has been flagged in multiple industry analyses as experiencing a persistent skills gap in regional repair hubs, supporting both regional 491 state nomination pathways and regional-employer sponsored 482 pathways for this occupation.
Migration Points
Points Test for Vehicle Painters
For points-tested visas (190 and 491), you must score a minimum of 65 points on the Department of Home Affairs points grid. Meeting this threshold makes you eligible to submit an Expression of Interest (EOI), though competitive scores vary by state and territory nomination invitation rounds.
| Factor | Points |
|---|---|
| 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 band or equivalent) | 20 points |
| Proficient English (IELTS 7.0 each band or equivalent) | 10 points |
| Competent English (IELTS 6.0 each band or equivalent) | 0 points (minimum visa requirement) |
| Overseas skilled experience 8–10 years | 20 points |
| Overseas skilled experience 5–8 years | 15 points |
| Overseas skilled experience 3–5 years | 10 points |
| Overseas skilled experience 1–3 years | 5 points |
| Australian skilled experience 8–10 years | 20 points |
| Australian skilled experience 5–8 years | 15 points |
| Australian skilled experience 3–5 years | 10 points |
| Australian skilled experience 1–3 years | 5 points |
| State nomination (190 visa) | +5 points |
| Regional nomination (491 visa) | +15 points |
| Specialist education qualification | 10 points |
| Australian study requirement (2 years) | 5 points |
| Accredited community language | 5 points |
| Professional Year in Australia | 5 points |
| Partner skills assessment | 5 or 10 points |
State Nominated Pathways
State Nomination Options (June 2026)
| State/Territory | SC190 | SC491 | Notes (June 2026) |
|---|---|---|---|
| NSW (New South Wales) | CHECK | CHECK | Verify current NSW skilled occupation list & requirements. |
| Victoria | CHECK | CHECK | Verify current VIC SOL availability and ROI guidelines. |
| Queensland | CHECK | CHECK | QLD offshore list updated Sept 2025 – verify latest criteria. |
| Western Australia | CHECK | CHECK | WA Nomination Quota 2025-26: 190: 1,000 places | 491: 1,000 places. Check requirements. |
| South Australia | CHECK | CHECK | SA skilled list 2025-26 — verify active occupation listing. |
| Tasmania | CHECK | CHECK | Skilled Employment Pathway may apply — confirm current eligibility criteria. |
| ACT (Australian Capital Territory) | CHECK | CHECK | Canberra Matrix points system; 6 months ACT residency rules apply. |
| Northern Territory | CHECK | CHECK | Verify NT migration requirements and NT occupation list status. |
Since this occupation sits outside the MLTSSL, the regional 491 visa combined with state or regional nomination is often the most realistic and accessible pathway for skilled Vehicle Painters, alongside regional employer sponsorship under the 482 visa.
Language Proficiency
English Language Requirements
| Visa Subclass | Level Required | IELTS Score |
|---|---|---|
| 190 (Skilled Nominated) | Competent English | 6.0 in each band |
| 491 (Skilled Work Regional) | Competent English | 6.0 in each band |
| 186 DE (Employer Nomination Scheme) | Competent English | 6.0 in each band |
| 482 SID (Temporary Skill Shortage) | Functional / Competent | 5.0 overall (with no band below 5.0) |
Accepted English Language Tests
The Department of Home Affairs accepts the following standardized tests: IELTS Academic/General Training, PTE Academic, TOEFL iBT, Cambridge C1/C2, and OET (Occupational English Test).
Exempt Countries: Passport holders from the UK, Ireland, USA, Canada, and New Zealand are generally exempt from providing English test results for most visa subclasses (confirm current rules prior to lodgement).
Licensing Regulations
Licensing in Australia
Vehicle Painting is generally NOT a licensed trade in Australia. Unlike electricians or plumbers, there is no formal state licensing requirement specific to spray painting vehicles in most jurisdictions. However, workshop registration or environmental licensing may apply depending on the state, and specific roadworthy compliance requirements may have registration rules. Always confirm current requirements with your relevant state transport and environmental protection authorities if undertaking compliance-related repair work.
Salary Insights
Vehicle Painter Salary Expectations (2026)
Qualified Vehicle Painter
AUD $58,000 – $78,000 per year
Experienced Vehicle Painter
AUD $78,000 – $100,000 per year
Senior / Spray Booth Specialist
AUD $100,000 – $120,000 per year
Self-employed / Workshop Owner
AUD $95,000 – $150,000+ per year
Vehicle Painters with experience in premium/luxury vehicle refinishing and custom colour matching tend to command higher rates, particularly in busy regional and metropolitan collision repair centres.
Migration Services
Why Migrate & How Migration Republic Can Help You
Why Migrate as a Vehicle Painter in 2026?
- Consistent demand from collision repair and automotive restoration industries across Australia.
- Skills gap identified in regional repair hubs, providing extra pathway opportunities.
- Regional 491 state nomination and regional 482 employer sponsorship are highly accessible.
- Vehicle Painting is not a licensed trade, resulting in fewer regulatory barriers to entry.
- Family members (partners, children) can be included as secondary applicants in your visa.
- Defined TRA assessment pathways are available for both qualified and experienced-only applicants.
How Migration Republic Can Help You
Migrating to Australia as a Vehicle Painter requires careful navigation of the regional 482 caveat and the absence of an MLTSSL listing. Choosing the right combination of state nomination and regional employer sponsorship strategy is essential to a successful outcome. Migration Republic's registered migration agents (MARA) specialise in automotive trade migration and will help you find the most realistic and efficient pathway.
We assist you with:
- ✔ Free eligibility check for ANZSCO 324311, including current occupation list verification
- ✔ TRA skills assessment pathway advice and full application support
- ✔ Employment reference letter preparation and review
- ✔ Regional employer sponsorship guidance for the 482 visa caveat
- ✔ State nomination strategy for 190/491 visas
- ✔ EOI lodgement and SkillSelect management
- ✔ End-to-end visa application support
- ✔ Family visa inclusion planning
📩 Your Australian Vehicle Painting career starts with the right plan.
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 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, regional state nomination, or employer-sponsored visas.
Check Eligibility ↗FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Ready to Start Your Vehicle Painter 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 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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