adminLast reviewed: 25 October 2026. Fees and income thresholds rose on 1 July 2026. Skills assessment rules for trades are being reviewed, so check TRA.
Construction is an active area for migration, but the process is long and the white card and licences are not optional. This guide uses the carpenter pathway as a worked example.
Quick answer
- Carpenter (331212), Carpenter and Joiner (331211) and Joiner (331213) are listed on the Core Skills list, according to a migration page updated 21 October 2026.
- Skills assessment is through Trades Recognition Australia (TRA). That page lists fees of about A$3,120 to A$3,610 and 12 to 16 weeks of processing for offshore applicants.
- You need a qualification equal to Certificate III in Carpentry plus three years of experience (or five without a formal qualification), and recent full-time work.
- A White Card is required on every construction site and cannot be obtained before you arrive. It costs about A$50 to A$100 and takes around six hours.
Visa options
| Visa | Sponsor? | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| 482 Skills in Demand | Yes | A$4,015 |
| 186 Employer Nomination | Yes | A$6,140 |
| 189 points-tested | No | A$6,135 (per the page above) |
| 190 or 491 | State nomination | A$6,140 |
Licensing
A trade licence may not be needed for the visa, but is often needed to work legally on your own account. Thresholds differ by state. For example, a Queensland builder licence is needed above A$3,300 of work, and New South Wales above A$5,000 in labour and materials, per the page above. Check with the state regulator.
Pay
We could not verify a single reliable figure for carpenter wages. Check the relevant award and the sponsor’s offer, and confirm that it meets the A$79,423 threshold on the 482.
Red flags and scams
- Anyone asking you to pay for a job offer, a sponsorship or a “guaranteed” visa.
- Job adverts with very high pay for beginners, or no interview.
- Contact only through WhatsApp, Telegram or a free email address with no company website or ABN.
- Fake government sites. Official sites end in .gov.au.
If you think you have been targeted, stop paying, keep all messages and receipts, and report it to Scamwatch. You can also email us at info@careerjobss.com.
Sources and references
- Migratio: how to move to Australia as a carpenter (21 October 2026)
- Vialto Partners: income thresholds and fees from 1 July 2026 (2 July 2026)
- Trades Recognition Australia
This guide is general information, not legal or immigration advice. Australian rules, fees and thresholds change often, usually on 1 July. Always confirm the current position on the Department of Home Affairs website or with a registered migration agent before making decisions. Corrections are welcome at info@careerjobss.com.
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