Aircraft Maintenance Engineer (Mechanical) Visa Pathway Australia

Australia classifies Aircraft Maintenance Engineer (Mechanical) under ANZSCO 323112. Trades Recognition Australia (TRA) conducts the trade skills assessment; CASA Part 66 governs the operational licence. The occupation sits on the CSOL and STSOL, unlocking subclasses 190, 491, 494, 482 and 186. Typical 2026 salaries range AUD $90,000-$130,000, with licensed B1 AMEs and FIFO operators at the top of the band. Airline fleet renewal and defence acquisitions both pull on the same labour pool.

Quick Facts: AME (Mechanical) Migration Pathway

What an AME (Mechanical) Does in Australia

An AME (Mechanical) maintains and repairs aircraft engines, propulsion systems, airframe structures (excluding heavy structural repair, which is the structures specialty), hydraulics, pneumatics, landing gear, fuel systems, environmental control systems, and rotor systems on rotary-wing aircraft. The work runs from line maintenance turnarounds at the gate, through base check inspections in the hangar, to component overhaul on the bench. Day-to-day tasks include trouble-shooting reported defects, removing and installing components, performing scheduled inspections, embodying modifications and service bulletins, and certifying the aircraft for return to service under the CASA Part 66 framework.

The Australian mechanical AME workforce concentrates around the major airline maintenance bases and defence aviation sites. Sydney Mascot for Qantas line and base; Brisbane for Virgin Australia and the regional turboprop sector; Melbourne Tullamarine and Avalon for Jetstar, Boeing and BAE; Perth for the FIFO charter fleet and the rotary-wing sector that supports offshore oil and gas; Williamtown, Amberley, Edinburgh, Townsville and Tindal for RAAF and the defence prime contractors. Helicopter operations across Cairns, Mackay, Broome and Darwin sustain rotary-wing AMEs working on Bell, Airbus Helicopters, Leonardo and Sikorsky platforms.

Demand drivers in 2026 are strong. Boeing 737 MAX deliveries, A320neo / A321XLR introduction, defence fleet expansion under the AUKUS framework, and a wave of licensed-AME retirements all combine to make this one of the deepest skilled-trade shortages in Australia. Regional and remote operations carry the most severe shortfall — many regional charter operators in Cairns, Karratha and Darwin advertise positions for months at premium rates without filling them.

ANZSCO 323112 — The Code and Tasks

ANZSCO 323112 covers tradespeople who inspect, service and repair aircraft engines, mechanical and hydraulic systems, and components and structures. The Australian Bureau of Statistics describes core tasks as: studying technical specifications, drawings and operational manuals; inspecting aircraft and components for defects and wear; testing aircraft engines and systems using diagnostic equipment; servicing engines, hydraulic systems and pneumatic systems; removing and installing aircraft components; modifying aircraft and components in accordance with directives; recording maintenance work; and certifying maintenance in accordance with regulatory standards.

The companion codes are 323111 (AME — Avionics — see the AME Avionics visa pathway) and 323113 (AME — Structures — see the AME Structures visa pathway). The codes are mutually exclusive at the migration assessment level. Choose the one that matches the licence category you hold and the work you spend most hours on.

Skills Assessment: TRA

Trades Recognition Australia (tradesrecognitionaustralia.gov.au) assesses 323112 against the AQF Certificate IV in Aeroskills (Mechanical) — MEA40718 or its updated equivalent.

Migration Skills Assessment (MSA)

The MSA suits offshore-trained mechanical AMEs with a recognised qualification plus three or more years of post-qualification skilled employment. It is open to 323112 because the occupation is on the STSOL. It is not for 482 or 485 applicants, or for passports and occupations that must use OSAP. If your 482 needs a skills assessment, TRA runs a separate Temporary Skills Shortage Skills Assessment Program; check its current fee and time on TRA's website.

• Fee: AUD795 in total
• Processing time: typically within 120 days of submission
• Common rejection reasons: Employment references that conflate mechanical and avionics work; applicants whose recent role has shifted into stores, production planning or supervisory functions away from hands-on maintenance; missing logbook extracts that demonstrate type currency; ex-military applicants who lack civil cross-credit documentation

Job Ready Program (JRP)

The JRP is the pathway for AMEs trained through an Australian Aeroskills program (Aviation Australia, TAFE Queensland, Box Hill Institute, TAFE NSW). It is for international graduates of an Australian VET course who are working in Australia, so it is not an offshore route. It starts with a Provisional Skills Assessment (AUD130 in total), then three steps that TRA prices at AUD3,410 in total (AUD490 for Job Ready Employment, AUD2,845 for the Job Ready Workplace Assessment and AUD75 for the Job Ready Final Assessment), and more if you need more than one Workplace Assessment, with at least 12 months of full-time (or equivalent part-time) paid skilled employment in Australia.

CASA Part 66 — running in parallel

A TRA-positive 323112 satisfies the migration assessment, but CASA Part 66 is the licence that authorises certifying maintenance in Australia. The relevant categories are B1.1 (turbine aeroplanes), B1.2 (piston aeroplanes), B1.3 (turbine helicopters), and B1.4 (piston helicopters). Category A covers line maintenance certifying authority.

CASA has formal recognition arrangements with the UK CAA Part 66, EASA Part 66, FAA A&P, Canadian TC AME M2, and New Zealand CAA Part 66. The application sequence is: TRA outcome → visa lodgement → CASA application → exam credits or gap training → Australian Part 66 issue. Allow 6-12 months for the CASA workstream after arrival. The CASA portal is at casa.gov.au.

Visa Pathways for AMEs (Mechanical)

Subclass 482 — Skills in Demand Visa

The 482 is the dominant pathway. Airlines, defence primes, and FIFO operators routinely hold Standard Business Sponsor approval for AME roles.

• Visa fee: AUD4,015 for the main applicant
• Salary threshold: Core Skills Income Threshold AUD79,423 (from 1 July 2026)
• Processing time: Core Skills stream: 50% of applications processed within 4 months and 90% within 9 months
• Stream choice: Core Skills stream. The Specialist Skills stream is not open to this occupation, because Home Affairs excludes ANZSCO Major Groups 3, 7 and 8.

Subclass 186 — Employer Nomination Scheme

Permanent residence through employer sponsorship.

• Visa fee: AUD6,140 for the main applicant
• Processing time: Direct Entry stream: 50% of applications processed within 21 months and 90% within 25 months; Temporary Residence Transition stream: 50% of applications processed within 21 months and 90% within 25 months
• TRT pathway: Usually available after at least two years of eligible sponsored employment on a 482
• Reality check: Direct Entry requires three years of post-qualification skilled employment plus a positive TRA outcome. Most airlines prefer TRT after a 482 trial

Home Affairs also lists Aircraft Maintenance Engineer (Mechanical) for the Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (subclass 494) visa, an employer-sponsored regional visa (AUD6,140 for the main applicant).

Subclass 190 — Skilled Nominated Visa

The 190 is available where a state lists 323112. Queensland, Western Australia and South Australia have historically been the most active nominators for mechanical AMEs.

• Visa fee: AUD6,140 for the main applicant
• Points boost: +5
• Obligation: Two years of residence in the nominating state post-grant

Subclass 491 — Skilled Work Regional (Provisional)

The 491 fits AMEs willing to commit to regional aviation hubs — Cairns, Townsville, Darwin, Karratha, Broome, Avalon, Tamworth. Five-year provisional with the 191 pathway to PR.

• Visa fee: AUD6,140 for the main applicant
• Points boost: +15
• Pathway to PR: Subclass 191 after three years of regional residence and income thresholds met

State Nomination for AMEs (Mechanical)

State lists move annually. Verify the current 2026 occupation list on the relevant state migration portal before lodging an EOI.

Queensland

Queensland received 2,600 state nomination places for 2025-26. Brisbane is Virgin Australia's heavy maintenance base; Townsville hosts RAAF and rotary-wing operators; Cairns supports regional charter; Mackay supports the offshore mining helicopter sector. AME (Mechanical) has been a steady listing on the QLD occupation list.

Western Australia

Perth heavy maintenance, Jandakot general aviation, and FIFO charter operations all sustain demand. WA prioritises occupations with regional shortage. Karratha and Port Hedland operations regularly attract WA state nomination support for offshore AMEs.

South Australia

The Edinburgh defence aviation complex (E-7A Wedgetail, P-8 Poseidon, F-35 sustainment) generates demand for mechanical AMEs with security clearance potential. Adelaide also hosts a smaller civil aviation sector.

Tasmania

Tasmania confirmed 1,850 places for 2025-26 and runs weekly invitations. The state's aviation sector is smaller but supports general aviation, tourism flights and regional connectivity.

Salary and Employment Outlook

What AMEs (Mechanical) earn in Australia

SEEK reports an Australian AME average of AUD $95,000-$115,000, with licensed AME data closer to AUD $148,000. Glassdoor data shows top-quartile mechanical AME earnings around AUD $135,000. Overtime, shift loadings, on-call allowances and remote-area uplifts regularly add 15-30% to base salary. Helicopter B1.3 work in offshore oil and gas is the highest-paying mechanical AME niche in Australia.

Highest-paying sectors

• Offshore helicopter operations — CHC Helicopters, Bristow, Babcock Mission Critical Services (FIFO support to NW Shelf and Bass Strait)
• Defence prime contractors — BAE Systems, Boeing Defence Australia, Lockheed Martin Australia, Northrop Grumman Australia
• Heavy maintenance — Qantas Engineering, Virgin Australia Engineering, third-party MRO providers (Air Niugini Engineering, Wisp Aircraft Maintenance)
• FIFO fixed-wing charter — Cobham, Alliance, Network, Skippers, Maroomba
• Regional carriers — REX, Skytrans, Nexus Airlines, Hardy Aviation

Geographic variation

Sydney and Melbourne offer mid-band salaries with high cost of living. Brisbane carries a small premium due to Virgin's heavy maintenance base. Perth is consistently higher because of the FIFO sector. Williamtown, Edinburgh, Amberley and Tindal pay defence-grade premiums for licensed AMEs with clearance. Cairns and Darwin pay premiums for tropical aviation work. Offshore helicopter work in Karratha, Port Hedland and Sale (Vic) sits at the very top of the salary band.

Tips for a Successful Application

1. Choose 323112 only if mechanical work is your primary role. Many AMEs cross-train across mechanical, avionics and structures over their career. TRA looks at the most recent five years for code alignment. If your recent work has drifted into avionics or structures, use the appropriate sister code.
2. Build a type-rating evidence pack. Australian operators want type currency. A migrant licensed on B737NG, A320 family, B777, A330 and A380 is materially more employable than one with a single type rating. Submit logbook extracts with type-rated hours by aircraft.
3. For helicopter AMEs, target the offshore sector early. Offshore oil and gas helicopter operations (Bell 412, AW139, S-92) carry the highest mechanical AME salary band in Australia and have ongoing shortage. CHC, Bristow and Babcock have established sponsor frameworks.
4. Don't underestimate the CASA Part 66 timeline. TRA processes the MSA typically within 120 days of submission, Home Affairs reports the 482 Core Skills stream as 50% of applications processed within 4 months and 90% within 9 months, and CASA Part 66 conversion comes on top of that after arrival. Plan finances and family timing around the full sequence.
5. For defence sector roles, plan clearance early. Australian defence aviation roles require minimum Baseline clearance, with Negative Vetting 1 or 2 for most positions. Clearance applications can take 6-18 months. If you intend to target the defence sector, raise this with the sponsor at offer stage so the clearance process starts in parallel.

Step-by-Step Migration Roadmap

1. Confirm ANZSCO 323112 matches your primary work — mechanical, not avionics or structures — using the how to find your ANZSCO code guide
2. Verify CSOL eligibility on the Core Skills Occupation List page
3. Gather employment references with logbook extracts, type ratings and TRA-compliant detail on letterhead
4. Sit an English test for the visa (TRA's MSA FAQs say the MSA itself needs no English test)
5. Submit the TRA Migration Skills Assessment
6. Start the CASA Part 66 recognition application in parallel
7. Pursue 482 sponsorship — airlines, MRO providers, defence primes, FIFO operators
8. Once the nomination is lodged, lodge the 482 visa application
9. If targeting 190/491, submit an EOI in SkillSelect after the TRA outcome and apply to a listing state
10. Complete health and character checks
11. On arrival, finalise CASA Part 66 examinations and type-rating gap training
12. Plan the 186 transition: TRT after two years with the sponsor or Direct Entry if eligibility met

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I move between mechanical, avionics and structures codes during migration?

No. Each application uses a single ANZSCO code. Choose the one that matches your primary recent work and your licence category. Switching codes mid-process requires a new TRA assessment and often a new sponsor nomination.

Does Part 145 maintenance organisation experience help my application?

Yes. Australian operators use Part 145 (CASR 145) as the framework for approved maintenance organisations. Experience at a Part 145 (EASA), Part 145 (UK CAA), or FAR Part 145 organisation aligns directly with how Australian work is structured. Reference letters should call out the Part 145 framework explicitly.

What's the realistic salary for a newly arrived offshore-trained mechanical AME?

For an experienced offshore B1 licensed AME, the starting band on arrival is usually AUD $90,000-$115,000 — paid by the sponsoring airline or MRO while CASA Part 66 conversion runs. Once the Australian B1 licence issues and type ratings convert, salary moves into the AUD $115,000-$145,000 senior band within 12-18 months.

Is helicopter mechanical AME work treated differently from fixed-wing under ANZSCO 323112?

No. ANZSCO 323112 covers both fixed-wing and rotary-wing mechanical work. The difference shows up in CASA Part 66 — B1.1/B1.2 for aeroplanes, B1.3/B1.4 for helicopters. The visa pathway is identical; the licensing pathway is distinct.

What's the most common reason an offshore AME application fails?

Two failures recur. First, employment references that lack TRA-required specificity — letterhead, signature, exact dates, position title, detailed duty list aligned to the ANZSCO 323112 task statement. Second, applicants whose recent work has drifted into supervisory or production-planning roles where hands-on maintenance is not the primary task. TRA assesses the trade, not the management above it.

Should I aim for 482, 190 or 491?

For most offshore mechanical AMEs, 482 is the fastest practical entry because the sponsor framework is well-established. Use the Core Skills stream; the Specialist Skills stream is not open to this occupation, because Home Affairs excludes ANZSCO Major Groups 3, 7 and 8. The 190 and 491 need a points test pass plus a state or territory nomination (or, for the 491, sponsorship by an eligible relative). 491 makes sense for AMEs targeting Cairns, Darwin or Karratha where regional residence aligns with the work anyway.