Metal Fitters and Machinists nec Visa Pathway Australia

Metal Fitters and Machinists nec Visa Pathway to Australia: Complete 2026 Guide

Updated: 13 May 2026

Australia classifies Metal Fitters and Machinists not elsewhere classified under ANZSCO 323299. Trades Recognition Australia (TRA) conducts the skills assessment. The occupation sits on both the Core Skills Occupation List (CSOL) and the Short-term Skilled Occupation List (STSOL), unlocking subclasses 190, 491, 482, and 186. Typical 2026 salaries range AUD $75,000-$115,000 base, with FIFO mining and energy roles paying significantly more. The "nec" code is a residual catch-all — before nominating it, confirm your work doesn't fit a more specific 3232 code.

Quick Facts: Metal Fitters and Machinists nec Migration Pathway

What the nec Code Actually Covers

ANZSCO 323299 is a residual classification within Unit Group 3232 (Metal Fitters and Machinists) for fitting and machining work that doesn't sit cleanly inside one of the four specific codes. In practice, applicants positively assessed under 323299 usually work in one of these niches:

• Production fitter / assembler roles building specialised equipment that mixes fitting, light fabrication, and assembly
• Plant maintenance fitters in mining, oil and gas, and energy where the role spans mechanical fitting plus light pneumatic, hydraulic, and instrumentation work without fitting cleanly into a specific code
• Refrigeration and air conditioning mechanical fitters working outside the licensed RAC trade (323299 captures the fitting-only scope)
• Industrial machinery installers and commissioners — millwrights, in older trade vocabulary
• Mechanical fitters in defence and shipbuilding where the scope blends fitting, machining, and assembly across the work package

Demand sits in three clusters. Resources (WA, QLD, NT mining and LNG) recruits aggressively for fixed-plant and mobile-plant fitters. Defence and shipbuilding (Osborne, Henderson, Williamtown, Newcastle) is ramping under AUKUS, Hunter-class frigates, and the Land 400 programme. General manufacturing (Victoria, NSW, SA) needs replacement intake as the existing workforce ages.

Jobs and Skills Australia has consistently flagged the broader metal fitting and machining trades as in national shortage. While the "nec" sub-code itself is not separately listed on the 2025 Occupation Shortage List, the parent unit group 3232 is in undersupply across most states.

ANZSCO Code Mapping

Unit Group 3232 contains:

• 323211 Fitter (General)
• 323212 Fitter and Turner
• 323213 Fitter-Welder
• 323214 Metal Machinist (First Class)
• 323215 Textile, Clothing and Footwear Mechanic
• 323299 Metal Fitters and Machinists nec

The "nec" code is appropriate only when your duties genuinely do not match any of 323211-323215. The cleanest test: if you primarily run lathes, mills, and CNC machining centres, you're 323214 (Metal Machinist First Class). If you fit and assemble fabricated parts, set up production machines, and your output is mechanical assemblies rather than chips on the floor, you're closer to 323299.

Tasks captured by 323299:

• Fitting and assembling fabricated metal parts into products
• Setting up machining tools, production machines, and specialist industrial machinery
• Operating machining tools to shape stock and castings as part of broader fitting work
• Installing, aligning, and commissioning mechanical plant
• Maintaining and repairing plant machinery as part of a fitter role

Skills Assessment with TRA

TRA assesses 323299 via two pathways.

Offshore Skills Assessment Program (OSAP)

For applicants with overseas qualifications and experience whose nationality appears on TRA's OSAP-eligible country list.

Requirements:

• Qualification comparable to AQF Certificate III in Engineering — Mechanical Trade, or comparable formal training
• Minimum 3 years' full-time post-qualification employment if your qualification is overseas-issued
• Currency: 12 months' full-time work in the previous 3 years

Cost: Approximately AUD $1,140 for the OSAP application (TRA 2026 schedule). Practical assessment is conducted offshore at an approved RTO.

Processing time: 8-12 weeks from complete submission.

Job Ready Program (JRP)

For onshore applicants holding an Australian Certificate III in Engineering (Mechanical). Four stages: Provisional Skills Assessment, Job Ready Employment (12 months supervised), Job Ready Workplace Assessment (AUD ~$2,845), Job Ready Final Assessment (AUD ~$65). Total program cost approximately AUD $3,250.

Common rejection reasons: Choosing 323299 when 323211 (Fitter General) or 323214 (Metal Machinist) would clearly fit — TRA pushes back if the more specific code is the better match. Insufficient post-qualification experience, especially when reference letters can't separate apprentice-era work from qualified work. Evidence that describes operating CNC machines without setup or programming skill, which fails the Skill Level 3 bar.

See our skills assessment bodies complete list for context on TRA versus other authorities.

Visa Pathways

323299 is on both the CSOL and the STSOL. That dual listing matters because it opens points-based state nomination subclasses (190 and 491) in addition to employer-sponsored options.

Subclass 482 — Skills in Demand Visa (Core Skills Stream)

The dominant pathway for trades, including 323299.

• Visa fee (primary applicant): AUD $3,210
• Salary threshold: Core Skills Income Threshold AUD $76,515 (rising to AUD $79,499 from 1 July 2026)
• Duration: Up to 4 years
• Pathway to PR: Yes — convert to 186 (TRT stream) after 2 years

Mining, oil and gas, defence, and large manufacturing employers are experienced 482 sponsors. The Skills in Demand stream (post-December 2024 changes) gives a faster pathway than the older subclass 457/482 (TSS).

Subclass 491 — Skilled Work Regional (Provisional)

Five-year provisional with PR pathway through subclass 191.

• Visa fee (primary applicant): AUD $4,765
• Points boost: +15 from regional state/territory nomination or eligible regional family sponsor
• Reality: WA (outside Perth), Queensland (outside Brisbane), NT, Tasmania, and SA actively nominate trades for regional roles

Subclass 190 — Skilled Nominated Visa

Permanent residency via state nomination.

• Visa fee (primary applicant): AUD $4,765
• Points boost: +5 from state nomination
• Obligation: Commit to live and work in the nominating state for 2 years
• Reality: South Australia, Tasmania, and ACT have included 323299 on recent 190 lists. NSW and Victoria invite selectively, often only to onshore applicants with local work experience

Subclass 186 — Employer Nomination Scheme

Direct PR through employer sponsorship.

• Visa fee (primary applicant): AUD $4,910
• Streams: Direct Entry (3 years' post-skills-assessment experience) or Temporary Residence Transition (after 2 years on 482)
• Reality: TRT is the dominant route for trades

Subclass 494 — Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (Provisional)

For regional employer sponsorship.

• Visa fee: AUD $4,910
• Requirement: Regional employer, 3 years' relevant experience, age under 45
• Pathway to PR: Via subclass 191 after 3 years' regional residence

189 is not available because 323299 is not on the MLTSSL.

Points Test Strategy

For 190 and 491 routes:

Realistic Scenarios

Scenario 1: Offshore fitter, 8 years' experience, 30 years old Age (30) + Cert III (10) + Proficient English (10) + 8 years overseas (15) + 491 regional nomination (15) = 80 points. Competitive in current 491 invitation rounds for trades.

Scenario 2: Onshore applicant, 36, holding 482 for 18 months Age (25) + Cert III (10) + Proficient English (10) + 1 year Australian experience (5) + state 190 nomination (5) = 55 points. Tight — partner skills and Superior English can lift to 70-75.

State Nomination

Verify each state's current list directly — 323299 is on the CSOL/STSOL, but state inclusion on 190/491 streams varies and changes per program year.

South Australia

SA has consistently included 323299 on its 190 and 491 lists during the 2025-26 program year, particularly for the defence shipbuilding precinct at Osborne and regional manufacturing in Whyalla and the Riverland. South Australia also operates the Designated Area Migration Agreement (DAMA) which can broaden access for specific roles and employers.

Tasmania

Tasmania nominates trades broadly under 491 when supported by a Tasmanian job offer or six months' recent Tasmanian residence. Manufacturing in Launceston and Hobart, plus mining-services work in the west and northwest, support steady demand.

Northern Territory

NT's Migration NT Skilled program includes trades for mining, defence (Larrakeyah Barracks, RAAF Tindal), and oil-and-gas roles. A confirmed Darwin or regional NT job offer is usually the strongest pathway.

Australian Capital Territory

ACT operates the Canberra Matrix — points-based ranking for nomination places — and includes metal trades for defence-related contractors and government depot maintenance work. Limited volume.

Western Australia

WA's regional 491 stream covers Pilbara, Kimberley, Goldfields, and the South West. Mining maintenance fitter roles are routinely employer-sponsored on 482 but regional 491 nomination is available.

Queensland

Queensland's Skilled Visa program covers trades for the Bowen Basin, Galilee Basin, and central Queensland mining regions. Brisbane metro nominations are rarer for trades.

For full federal-list context see the Core Skills Occupation List and the Skilled Occupation List 2026.

Salary and Employment Outlook

Source: SEEK Mechanical Fitter salary insights (May 2026); FIFO ranges from Hays Salary Guide 2026 and SEEK regional data.

SEEK records average mechanical fitter salaries of AUD $95,000-$115,000 nationally, with Broome and Kimberley reaching AUD $196,000, Coober Pedy and Outback SA AUD $167,500, and Alice Springs AUD $151,250 for senior FIFO roles. Total packages typically include 12% superannuation (effective 1 July 2025), site allowances, accommodation, and even-time rosters for remote work.

Highest-paying sectors

• FIFO iron ore and gold mining (Pilbara, Goldfields, central Queensland)
• LNG and oil and gas plant maintenance (Karratha, Darwin, Curtis Island)
• Defence shipbuilding (Osborne SA, Henderson WA, Williamstown VIC)
• Power generation and renewables maintenance
• Heavy rail and infrastructure

Tips for a Successful Application

1. Pressure-test the nec choice before committing

Run your duties against 323211 (Fitter General), 323212 (Fitter and Turner), 323213 (Fitter-Welder), and 323214 (Metal Machinist First Class). If any specific code fits at 60% or more of your work, nominate it instead — TRA and Home Affairs assessors prefer specific codes.

2. Reference letters: scope, plant, and judgement

Strong references list the plant types maintained (e.g. "743 trucks, P&H electric shovels, Sandvik DD420 drills"), the specific diagnostic work performed (vibration analysis, oil sampling interpretation, alignment to ISO 10816), and decision-making responsibility (root cause analysis, spare part specification). Skill Level 3 work requires diagnosis, not just task execution.

3. Plan currency carefully

TRA requires 12 months' full-time qualified-trade work in the last 3 years. Don't allow a long gap (study sabbatical, family leave, role change) to lapse your currency immediately before lodging.

4. Target the state with the right shortage signal

South Australia (defence shipbuilding), WA (mining), Queensland (Bowen Basin maintenance), and Tasmania (regional manufacturing) have been the most consistent nominators for 323299. Match your destination to where the demand actually sits.

5. Consider an Australian employer pre-vet

Some Australian employers will fund or expedite a candidate's TRA assessment in exchange for a commitment to a sponsored role. Mining contractors (Monadelphous, UGL, Civmec) and major OEMs (Komatsu, Caterpillar dealers) sometimes pre-screen offshore candidates. Approach with a clean CV and verified references.

Step-by-Step Migration Roadmap

1. Confirm 323299 is the correct code — test against the four specific 3232 codes using the ANZSCO code finder
2. Check OSAP country eligibility on TRA's website
3. Gather evidence — trade certificate, references, payslips, photos of work, tax statements
4. Sit IELTS General or PTE — Proficient (7) target for points and easier nomination
5. Lodge OSAP (AUD ~$1,140) or enrol in JRP if onshore
6. Complete practical assessment offshore or progress JRP stages onshore
7. Receive positive TRA outcome — valid 3 years
8. Submit EOI in SkillSelect for 190 or 491 if going points-based
9. Apply for state nomination to a state with 323299 on its list (SA, TAS, NT, ACT, WA, QLD)
10. Or — secure a sponsoring employer for 482 (faster for many trades)
11. Receive invitation, lodge visa within 60 days (190/491) or employer lodges nomination (482)
12. Health and AFP/Interpol police checks
13. Visa grant — relocate

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I nominate 323299 instead of 323211 (Fitter General)?

Choose 323299 only when your duties genuinely span fitting, light machining, and assembly across diverse production machinery rather than fitting alone. If you're primarily a maintenance fitter on heavy plant, 323211 (Fitter General) is usually the cleaner choice — and it's also on the MLTSSL and CSOL with broader visa access, including 189.

Is 323299 a better migration code than 323211?

Often no. 323211 (Fitter General) is on the MLTSSL, which unlocks subclass 189 (Skilled Independent) — a benefit 323299 doesn't carry. If your work genuinely fits 323211, choose it. The "nec" code is for the residual cases where 323211-323214 don't fit cleanly.

Can my overseas trade certificate be recognised under OSAP?

If you're from an OSAP-participating country with a qualification comparable to AQF Certificate III in Engineering (Mechanical Trade), yes. Recognised qualification sources include German Facharbeiter, UK NVQ Level 3, Indian ITI + apprenticeship + experience, Filipino TESDA NC II/III with strong post-qualification experience, and equivalent trade certifications from many Eastern European, South Asian, and Southeast Asian systems. The TRA practical assessment confirms the standard.

Is mining FIFO work worth it as a new migrant?

Financially, yes — base salaries plus site allowances plus paid travel and accommodation produce total packages well above metro fitting work. Lifestyle costs are real (extended periods away from family on even-time rosters of 8/6 or 14/14 days). For a sponsored 482 route, FIFO employers are among the most experienced sponsors and offer the cleanest pathway from 482 to 186.

What's the demand outlook for metal fitters in Australia in 2026?

Strong and structural. The Jobs and Skills Australia 2025 Occupation Shortage List flags the broader 3232 unit group as in undersupply nationally. AUKUS-related shipbuilding, the Land 400 vehicle programme, ongoing iron ore and LNG operations, and renewable-energy infrastructure (wind and solar plant maintenance) all create sustained demand. The trade has one of the steadiest migration windows of any AQF Certificate III occupation. See the most in-demand occupations 2026 hub for related trades.

Will my points score be enough for 190 or 491 in 2026?

For 491, scores from 65-75 with regional nomination are competitive in the states actively nominating 323299 (SA, TAS, NT). For 190, 75-85 is the realistic range. Boost levers: Proficient or Superior English (10-20 points), partner skills assessment (5-10 points), and Australian work experience after the TRA assessment.