Skilled Migration Pathway
Vehicle Trimmer Australia Skilled Migration Guide | ANZSCO 324212
If you are a skilled Vehicle Trimmer (also known as a Vehicle Upholsterer) considering migration to Australia in 2026, there is a defined and accessible pathway available through Australia's skilled migration program. Vehicle Trimmers install, repair, and replace the interior trim of vehicles, a specialist trade in steady demand from Australia's automotive manufacturing, restoration, marine, and caravan/RV industries.
This fully updated June 2026 guide explains everything you need to know about migrating to Australia as a Vehicle Trimmer under ANZSCO 324212, including the important occupation list status, TRA skills assessment process, available visa subclasses, points test, and state nomination options.
Occupation Snapshot – Quick Reference Table
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Occupation Title | Vehicle Trimmer |
| ANZSCO Code | 324212 |
| ANZSCO Unit Group | 3242 – Vehicle Body Builders and Trimmers |
| Skill Level | 3 (AQF Certificate III or equivalent) |
| Assessment Authority | Trades Recognition Australia (TRA) |
| Specialisation | Vehicle Upholsterer |
| 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 |
| Updated | June 2026 |
ANZSCO 324212
What Does a Vehicle Trimmer Do?
A Vehicle Trimmer under ANZSCO 324212 installs, repairs, and replaces the interior trim of vehicles such as seats, linings, floor coverings, and door trims. Key duties include:
- Inspecting vehicles for interior trim repairs or replacement needs
- Repairing or replacing damaged or worn interior trim components
- Installing new interior trim, seats, linings, floor coverings, and door trims
- Attaching door trims, rubber seals, locks, and handles
- Cutting, fitting, and sewing upholstery fabric, leather, and vinyl materials
- Installing carpet, headlining, and sound-deadening materials
- Fitting and upholstering custom seating for caravans, boats, and recreational vehicles
- Modifying assembly line vehicle interiors to special customer requirements
- Preparing new vehicle trim work according to design drawings and specifications
- Restoring upholstery in vintage and classic vehicle restoration projects
- Conducting quality checks and inspections on completed trim work
- Ensuring a clean, safe, and OH&S-compliant workshop environment
Skills Assessment
Skills Assessment: Trades Recognition Australia (TRA)
The skills assessing authority for Vehicle Trimmers (ANZSCO 324212) 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 Trimming or Upholstery, 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 Trimming, Automotive Upholstery, or equivalent (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 Trimmer
- 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 Trimmers
Several temporary and permanent visa classes apply to Vehicle Trimmers seeking skilled pathways to Australia. Because ANZSCO 324212 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.
Since this occupation is not on the MLTSSL, state nomination (190/491) and employer sponsorship (482/186/494) represent the primary realistic pathways for Vehicle Trimmers.
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 | Verify current year availability |
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 |
Important: As this occupation sits outside the MLTSSL, state list inclusion can vary significantly between program years and states. Always verify current availability directly with each state's nomination portal before lodging your 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 Trimmers generally have fewer formal licensing requirements compared to other automotive trades, since the work is primarily interior and non-structural. However, trade registration may apply in certain states for commercial vehicle modification work:
- NSW: NSW Fair Trading (where applicable to trade contracting)
- VIC: Relevant industry regulator for vehicle modifications
- QLD: Department of Transport and Main Roads (for relevant modifications)
- 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 Trimmer
AUD $55,000 – $75,000 per year
Experienced Trimmer / Upholsterer
AUD $75,000 – $95,000 per year
Senior / Custom Upholstery Specialist
AUD $95,000 – $120,000 per year
Self-employed / Workshop Owner
AUD $90,000 – $150,000+ per year
Vehicle Trimmers specialising in classic car restoration, marine upholstery, or custom caravan/RV interiors often command premium rates due to the specialised skill required.
Career Benefits
Why Migrate as a Vehicle Trimmer?
- Steady demand from automotive restoration, marine, and caravan/RV manufacturing sectors
- Niche specialist trade with relatively limited domestic supply of skilled workers
- State nomination and employer sponsorship pathways remain accessible
- 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 Trimmer requires a clear understanding of which visa pathways are realistically available, since this occupation sits outside the MLTSSL. Migration Republic's registered migration agents specialise in automotive trade migration and will help you identify the most efficient and achievable pathway for your situation.
We help you with:
- Free eligibility check for ANZSCO 324212, 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
Your specialist trade deserves a clear pathway, let's find yours.
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
Ready to Start Your Vehicle Trimmer Visa Pathway?
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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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