Fitter and Turner Visa Pathway to Australia: Complete 2026 Guide
Updated: 29 October 2026
Australia classifies Fitter and Turner under ANZSCO 323212. Trades Recognition Australia (TRA) handles the skills assessment. Overseas-qualified applicants seeking a permanent skilled visa use its Migration Skills Assessment, unless TRA requires its Offshore Skills Assessment Program for their passport. International graduates of an Australian VET course use the Job Ready Program. The occupation sits on both the MLTSSL and the Core Skills Occupation List, and Home Affairs lists it for subclasses 189, 190, 491, 494, 482 and 186. Typical 2026 salaries range AUD $75,000-$132,000, with Sydney and Canberra at the top end and resources-sector turners reaching well beyond.
Quick Facts: Fitter and Turner Migration Pathway
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| ANZSCO Code | 323212 (Fitter and Turner) |
| Skill Level | 3 (AQF Certificate III or IV) |
| Skills Assessment | TRA (Trades Recognition Australia): Migration Skills Assessment, or the Job Ready Program for Australian VET graduates |
| Occupation List | MLTSSL and CSOL |
| Visas Home Affairs lists | 186, 189, 190, 407, 482, 485, 489, 491 and 494 |
| Demand Level | High — listed on the 2025 Occupation Shortage List; metal trades fill rates below 55% |
| Salary Range | AUD $75,000-$132,000 (SEEK Salary Hub, 2026) |
| Typical 189 Score | 65-75 points |
| Key Challenge | Demonstrating genuine turning experience separate from general fitting |
| Official figures checked | 28 October 2026 (Home Affairs occupation list, visa fees and processing times) |
What a Fitter and Turner Does in Australia
Fitter and turners produce precision-machined metal components, fit and assemble them into mechanical systems, and maintain the equipment that keeps Australian manufacturing, mining, and infrastructure running. The hallmark of the trade is the centre lathe — turners produce shafts, bushings, pulleys, threaded components, and bespoke parts to engineering tolerances that off-the-shelf suppliers cannot meet.
Work concentrates in toolrooms, machine shops, mine maintenance workshops, defence sustainment sites, and the engineering departments of large manufacturers. Real employers include the Adelaide-based ASC submarine sustainment program, BAE Systems in Williamtown and Osborne, Visy in Tumut and Coolaroo, BlueScope in Port Kembla, and hundreds of mid-sized engineering shops servicing mining contractors in Mackay, Karratha, and Kalgoorlie.
Jobs and Skills Australia flagged metal trades on the Priority List in 2025, citing 54.3% fill rates for Skill Level 3 trades nationally. The shortage is structural — Australian apprenticeship intakes have not kept pace with retirement attrition since the early 2010s. Regional employers carry the worst undersupply and are most likely to sponsor offshore.
ANZSCO Code 323212 — Fitter and Turner
The 323212 code applies to fitters whose work routinely combines mechanical fitting and assembly with centre-lathe turning and related machining operations. TRA expects employment references to describe both activities — fitters who only assemble and do not turn should look at 323211 Fitter (General), and those whose work is dominated by precision machining without fitting should consider 323214 Metal Machinist (First Class).
Core duties for 323212 include:
- Studying engineering drawings and specifications
- Operating centre lathes to produce machined components
- Marking off and cutting metal stock
- Fitting and assembling parts into mechanical equipment
- Setting up production machines and tooling
- Dismantling, repairing, and reassembling faulty plant
If your work also involves significant welding, the better code is 323213 Fitter-Welder. Code mismatches are the leading cause of TRA rejection — pick the one your employment references can substantiate.
Skills Assessment — Trades Recognition Australia
TRA assesses 323212 through three possible programs.
Job Ready Program (JRP) — for Australian VET graduates
The JRP is not an offshore route. TRA says it is "for international student graduates of an Australian Vocational Education and Training (VET) course, who are working in Australia". The list below shows the compulsory Provisional Skills Assessment, then the three JRP steps:
- Provisional Skills Assessment (PSA): checks your Australian qualification from a CRICOS-registered RTO. It costs AUD130 in total.
- Job Ready Employment (JRE): registration to commence at least 12 months of full-time (or equivalent part-time) paid Australian employment with a TRA-approved employer
- Job Ready Workplace Assessment (JRWA): an assessment at your workplace by an assessor from a TRA-approved RTO
- Job Ready Final Assessment (JRFA): the outcome letter you use for your visa application
Cost of the three JRP steps: 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 Total duration: at least 12 months, because it needs 12 months of full-time (or equivalent) work with a TRA-approved employer, unless you have eligible prior employment. TRA counts an average of 38 hours a week as full-time. Required qualification: a relevant Australian qualification. TRA's Australian Qualifications by Occupation document lists the one for 323212.
At the JRWA, the assessor looks at the work you have been doing and checks it matches 323212. If your employer has placed you in a role dominated by welding or assembly only, the assessment can fail. Pick an Australian role that includes routine lathe work before you sign the employment contract.
Migration Skills Assessment (MSA) — for MLTSSL and STSOL occupations
The MSA is a documentary assessment of how your qualifications and employment compare with Australian standards. TRA says your occupation must be "Listed on the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL) or Short-term Skilled Occupations List (STSOL)", and Home Affairs lists 323212 on the MLTSSL. You can't use the MSA for a 482 or 485 application, or if your passport and occupation require the OSAP. The MSA costs AUD795 in total, and TRA processes applications typically within 120 days of submission. You need a formal qualification: TRA does not accept work experience as a substitute for one.
Offshore Skills Assessment Program (OSAP) — limited
The OSAP is run by TRA-approved RTOs. It has a documentary stage and a technical interview, plus a practical assessment on Pathway 1 if required. It is compulsory for passports and occupations on TRA's OSAP lists, and other applicants in an OSAP-listed occupation may choose it. It costs up to AUD5,320 for Pathway 1 and AUD2,020 for Pathway 2, and the RTO emails your outcome approximately 15 weeks after you submit complete documentary evidence. Use the TRA Pathfinder to confirm which program applies to you.
Visa Pathways for Fitter and Turners
Subclass 482 — Skills in Demand
For many offshore turners, the 482 is the practical first move. A sponsoring employer nominates you, and you build Australian experience towards a permanent visa. Home Affairs says "Some primary SID visa applicants must undergo a mandatory skills assessment", done by TRA or VETASSESS depending on the occupation. TRA handles these under its separate Temporary Skills Shortage Skills Assessment Program, not the MSA. Check whether it applies to you before you lodge.
- Visa fee: AUD4,015 for the main applicant
- Core Skills Income Threshold (CSIT): AUD79,423 (from 1 July 2026)
- Duration: Up to 4 years
- Stream: Core Skills (323212 is on the Core Skills Occupation List)
Subclass 186 — Employer Nomination Scheme
The PR destination for sponsored turners. The Direct Entry stream is available with a positive TRA outcome; the Temporary Residence Transition (TRT) stream usually requires at least two years of eligible sponsored employment.
- Visa fee: AUD6,140 for the main applicant
- Streams: Direct Entry or TRT
- Reality: TRT is the path most 482-holders use to reach PR
Home Affairs also lists Fitter and Turner for the Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (subclass 494) visa, an employer-sponsored regional visa (AUD6,140 for the main applicant).
Subclass 491 — Skilled Work Regional
A 5-year provisional regional visa carrying a 15-point boost. The most realistic points-based pathway for trades in 2026 given that 189 invitation rounds remain ICT- and healthcare-heavy.
- Visa fee: AUD6,140 for the main applicant
- Living obligation: 3 years in a regional area before applying for 191 PR
- Quirk: Many turning roles in Queensland, WA, and South Australia are already regional, making the obligation a non-issue
Subclass 190 — Skilled Nominated
State-sponsored permanent residency. NSW, Victoria, Queensland, and South Australia all nominate 323212 in their 2025-26 programs.
- Visa fee: AUD6,140 for the main applicant
- Points boost: +5 from state nomination
- Live-in obligation: 2 years in the nominating state
Subclass 189 — Skilled Independent
Trade occupations face fewer competitors than ICT in 189 ballots, but invitation rounds since late 2024 have been heavily skewed toward healthcare. Lodge an EOI for 189 in parallel with 491/190, but plan on the sponsored or regional pathway as the realistic route.
- Visa fee: AUD6,135 for the main applicant
- Minimum points: 65 (realistic invitations 75+)
Points Test Strategy
| Points Factor | Points | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Age (25-32) | 30 | Maximum |
| Age (33-39) | 25 | Strong |
| English (Proficient — IELTS 7) | 10 | Standard target |
| English (Superior — IELTS 8) | 20 | High-impact boost |
| Skilled Employment (5-7 yrs overseas) | 10 | Typical for experienced turners |
| Skilled Employment (8+ yrs overseas) | 15 | Common in this trade |
| Australian Skilled Employment (1-2 yrs) | 5 | Relevant once on 482 |
| Qualification (AQF Cert III/IV equivalent) | 10 | Standard for TRA-eligible applicants |
| State Nomination (190) | 5 | All four major states nominate 323212 |
| Regional Nomination (491) | 15 | Dominant trade booster |
| Partner Skills | 5-10 | 10 if your partner has a suitable skills assessment in an occupation on the same list as yours; 5 if they have competent English only |
Realistic Scenarios
Scenario 1 — Offshore turner, 28 years old, IELTS 6, 9 years experience
Age 30 + English 0 + Experience 15 + Qualification 10 = 55 points. Either improve English to Proficient (+10) for 65 total, or pursue 491 regional nomination (+15) for 70.
Scenario 2 — Onshore turner on 482 in regional Queensland, 31 years old, Proficient English, 7 years overseas plus 2 years Australian
Age 30 + English 10 + Overseas 10 + Australian 5 + Qualification 10 + 491 Regional 15 = 80 points. Strongly competitive.
State Nomination
New South Wales
NSW nominates 323212 for both 190 and 491. Demand concentrates in Western Sydney precision-engineering firms and the Hunter Valley mining-services sector. NSW typically requires three years of skilled employment in the nominated occupation and prefers candidates with a current NSW job offer or strong genuine intent to settle.
Victoria
Victoria's 2025-26 program nominates fitters, turners, and fitter-welders. The state has 2,700 places allocated to 190 and 700 to 491. Manufacturing demand sits across Melbourne's western and northern industrial corridors and around Geelong's defence-adjacent sector. Victoria prefers three years of recent post-qualification experience and either current Victorian employment or evidence of genuine intent.
Queensland
Migration Queensland flags trades as a priority for 2025-26. Demand for turners is heaviest in resources-sector workshops in Mackay, Gladstone, and Townsville, and in Brisbane's southern industrial belt. Queensland generally requires a current Queensland job offer for 190 nomination; the 491 pathway is more accessible from offshore.
South Australia
South Australia allocates 3,000 places to 190 and 800 to 491 in 2025-26, with trades flagged as priority and reduced English thresholds for occupations in shortage. ASC and BAE submarine and frigate programs drive significant demand for precision turners in Adelaide. SA requires three years of skilled employment in the previous five years.
Salary and Employment Outlook
What Fitter and Turners Earn
| Role / Location | Typical Salary Range (AUD) |
|---|---|
| Entry-level Turner (Cert III, 0-2 yrs) | $65,000-$80,000 |
| Experienced Fitter and Turner (5+ yrs) | $85,000-$105,000 |
| Toolroom Turner (precision) | $90,000-$120,000 |
| Mining-sector Turner (FIFO) | $120,000-$170,000 |
| Defence/Shipbuilding Turner (Adelaide) | $95,000-$130,000 |
| Senior Maintenance Turner | $110,000-$140,000 |
Source: SEEK Salary Hub 2026, Hays Salary Guide 2026. Sydney averages AUD $132,500, with Canberra and Hobart following at AUD $125,143 and AUD $125,000 respectively. National average sits around AUD $82,303 per year (Jooble 2026 aggregate). PayScale data shows an average hourly rate of AUD $39.93 in 2026.
Total packages typically include superannuation at 12%, overtime (penalty rates of 1.5x-2.5x), site allowances for remote work, and FIFO travel benefits where applicable.
Highest-Paying Sectors
- Defence and shipbuilding — submarines, frigates, naval sustainment in Adelaide and Henderson WA
- Mining and resources — fixed-plant maintenance in the Pilbara, Bowen Basin, Hunter Valley
- Aerospace — defence aviation maintenance, civil airline engineering
- Heavy manufacturing — steel processing, automotive components, agricultural equipment
- Toolmaking and precision engineering — high-tolerance contract machining
Tips for a Successful Application
1. Make sure your employment references describe turning work explicitly
The single biggest difference between 323212 and 323211 is the lathe. References that only mention "fitting and mechanical assembly" steer TRA toward the general code. References that describe "operated centre lathes, produced machined shafts and bushings to engineering tolerances, set up tooling for turning operations" support 323212 cleanly.
2. Negotiate JRP-suitable duties at your Australian workplace
If you are an Australian VET graduate on the Job Ready Program, make sure routine lathe work is in your position description in writing. A role that drifts into all-assembly or all-welding can fail the JRWA. Confirm with the employer that you will be on the lathe regularly.
3. Allow at least 12 months for the JRP
TRA says the JRP takes at least 12 months, because it needs 12 months of full-time (or equivalent) work with a TRA-approved employer, unless you have eligible prior employment. Each step also has its own service time on the TRA website, so plan for more than the work period alone.
4. Target South Australian sponsorship if defence work suits your background
The Adelaide defence shipbuilding programs are running for decades and pay competitively. SA's nomination program is also among the more accessible in the country, and the state has reduced English thresholds for some occupations in shortage. ASC, BAE, Naval Group, and their tier-2 suppliers all sponsor offshore turners.
5. Sit IELTS or PTE before the skills assessment
A Proficient English result unlocks state nomination options that are closed at Competent level, and adds 10 points to the points test. Proficient means at least 7 in each IELTS band, or PTE Academic scores of 58 listening, 59 reading, 69 writing and 76 speaking (for PTE tests taken from 7 August 2025). Most state nomination programs also score English in their internal ranking.
Step-by-Step Migration Roadmap
- Confirm 323212 is the right code — review duties against the ANZSCO code finder
- Check the occupation list — confirm 323212 on the CSOL and SOL 2026
- Sit IELTS or PTE — Proficient (7.0) minimum
- Get your TRA skills assessment: the Migration Skills Assessment (AUD795 in total) for a permanent visa, or the OSAP if TRA requires it for your passport. Australian VET graduates use the PSA and Job Ready Program instead.
- Secure a sponsoring Australian employer with genuine turning work — direct outreach to defence, mining-services, and toolroom employers
- Check whether your 482 needs a mandatory TRA skills assessment: TRA runs these under its Temporary Skills Shortage Skills Assessment Program
- Apply for a subclass 482 visa: AUD4,015 for the main applicant
- Build Australian experience with your sponsor: this counts towards the 186 TRT stream
- Apply for 186 (TRT) or 190 / 491: the 186 costs AUD6,140 for the main applicant; see the visa sections above for the 190 and 491
- Receive PR grant — relocate or remain per state obligations
Frequently Asked Questions
What separates Fitter and Turner from Fitter (General) for migration?
323212 requires routine lathe and turning work as part of the daily role. 323211 covers fitting without a turning specialism. TRA assessors check that employment references explicitly describe machining on centre lathes. If your work has included turning for years but the references are written in general terms, get them rewritten before lodging — the difference is the difference between a positive and a negative assessment.
Can I claim work as a Fitter and Turner if my qualification is in mechanical engineering, not trades?
Engineering degrees do not substitute for a trade qualification in the TRA framework. The 323212 pathway needs a relevant trade qualification, such as an Australian Certificate III or a comparable overseas trade qualification. TRA says work experience cannot replace a formal qualification. A bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering is generally assessed differently and points toward the Engineers Australia pathway, not TRA.
How does the 482 visa work for fitter and turners under the 2026 rules?
323212 is on the Core Skills Occupation List, so the standard Core Skills stream applies. The Core Skills Income Threshold is AUD79,423 (from 1 July 2026). Most turner roles in mining, defence, and precision engineering clear that threshold comfortably. Roles in lower-paying sectors may struggle to meet CSIT and need to be lifted to threshold to qualify.
Is South Australia really the easiest state for fitter and turners?
It depends on definition. SA has the largest per-capita 190 and 491 allocation, accessible English settings for shortage occupations, and concentrated defence demand that genuinely needs turners. But SA's nomination programs still require evidence of intent to settle in SA, and competition for the publicised places is real. The honest answer is that SA is among the more accessible states for trades, but not a free pass.
What if I run out of time on my 482 before completing the Job Ready Program?
This only applies if you are an Australian VET graduate, because the JRP is for graduates of an Australian VET course. A 482 can run for up to 4 years, and TRA says the JRP takes a minimum of 12 months. You can change employers during the JRP, but TRA says you cannot have more than five employers, at least 6 months of full-time equivalent work must be with one employer, and a new employer only counts from the date you register it.
Are turning roles really shrinking due to CNC machining?
Manual lathe work has declined, but CNC turning still falls within the 323212 scope. TRA recognises CNC operation and programming as part of modern turning practice. The shortage in Australia is across both manual and CNC turners. The strongest candidates are those who can demonstrate proficiency in both, since many Australian shops still run hybrid manual-and-CNC operations for prototype and low-volume work.
