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Metal Machinist (First Class) (ANZSCO 323214)

Opportunities, Skills Assessment & Visa Pathways for Experienced Machinists

Australia’s manufacturing and engineering sectors rely heavily on skilled Metal Machinists (First Class) to support precision production and maintenance. Nearly all engineering occupations, including Metal Machinist (First Class), are on the medium and long-term strategic skills list. With ongoing shortages across several industries, experienced machinists with a mechanical trade qualification have strong migration opportunities through skilled and employer-sponsored visa pathways, particularly in regional and industrial areas.

If you are considering migrating to Australia as a Machinist you need to be aware the process involves satisfying a combination of migration law requirements, skills assessment criteria, and visa eligibility thresholds.

Australian Migration Lawyers’ legal professionals deliver extensive expertise and proven experience, guiding you confidently through complex legal and bureaucratic processes to achieve a successful outcome.

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What is a Metal Machinist (First Class)?

Key Responsibilities

A Metal Machinist (First Class) manufactures, modifies, and repairs precision metal parts using specialised machinery. Typical duties include:

  • Setting up and operating machine tools to shape and form metal stock and castings using detailed drawings and specifications
  • Assembling and welding fabricated metal parts and metal parts and subassemblies to fabricate production machines and equipment
  • Interpreting and working from detailed drawings and specifications to achieve fine tolerances
  • Conducting quality control using precision measurement tools like micrometers and vernier gauges to ensure tolerances using detailed drawings are met
  • Maintaining and repairing machinery and tooling

These roles are essential across manufacturing, mining, defence, and engineering industries. Metal Machinists (First Class) use machine tools to shape and form metal, including shaping metal stock and castings to fine tolerances using detailed drawings. Their work often involves fabricating and assembling production machines and equipment.

ANZSCO Classification & Skill Level

Metal Machinist (First Class) is classified under ANZSCO code 323214. It is considered a Skill Level 3 occupation, generally requiring a Certificate III or IV qualification, along with relevant on-the-job training or experience.

Job Demand & Industry Outlook in Australia

Demand in Manufacturing & Precision Engineering

Australia continues to invest in advanced manufacturing, defence projects, and infrastructure development. Skilled machinists are required to support precision engineering, fabrication, and maintenance across these sectors.

Industries such as aerospace, mining equipment manufacturing, automotive component production, and textile machines rely on highly skilled machinists to maintain productivity and quality standards.

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Job Demand & Industry Outlook in Australia

Demand in Manufacturing & Precision Engineering

Australia continues to invest in advanced manufacturing, defence projects, and infrastructure development. Skilled machinists are required to support precision engineering, fabrication, and maintenance across these sectors.

Industries such as aerospace, mining equipment manufacturing, automotive component production, and textile machines rely on highly skilled machinists to maintain productivity and quality standards.

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Skills Shortages & Regional Opportunities

There is an ongoing shortage of qualified machinists across Australia, particularly in regional areas. Many employers seek overseas talent to fill these gaps, which creates strong opportunities for migration through both skilled and employer-sponsored pathways.

Regional migration programs often prioritise trades occupations, increasing the likelihood of nomination for eligible applicants.

Salary & Career Prospects in Australia

Typical Salary Ranges

Metal Machinists (First Class) in Australia typically earn:

  • AUD 65,000 to AUD 85,000 per year for experienced workers
  • Higher salaries for specialised roles or supervisory positions

Wages may vary depending on location, industry, and level of expertise, with regional roles sometimes offering additional incentives.

Career Progression & Specialist Opportunities

With experience, machinists may progress into roles such as:

  • Workshop supervisor or production manager
  • Quality control inspector
  • Maintenance planner

Further training can also open opportunities in advanced manufacturing and automation.

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Skills Assessment for ANZSCO 323214

The assessing authority for Metal Machinist (First Class) is Trades Recognition Australia (TRA). A positive skills assessment is required for most skilled migration visas.

Applicants generally need:

  • A relevant trade qualification equivalent to an Australian Certificate III in Engineering or a related field
  • At least three years of relevant work experience, including recent employment
  • Demonstrated competency in machining and fabrication tasks

In some cases, applicants without formal qualifications may qualify based on extensive work experience, subject to TRA assessment pathways.

The skills assessment process may include:

  • Document-based assessment of qualifications and employment
  • Employment verification
  • Practical assessment or technical interview in some cases
  • Completion of a Migration Skills Assessment through an approved TRA pathway

The exact process depends on the applicant’s country of origin and chosen assessment stream.

Visa Pathways for Metal Machinists

Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189)

A points-tested visa allowing machinists to live and work anywhere in Australia without employer sponsorship. This pathway requires a positive skills assessment and sufficient points (qualifications).

Skilled Nominated Visa (Subclass 190)

Requires nomination by an Australian state or territory. Provides additional points and improved chances of invitation. Many states prioritise trade occupations.

Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Visa (Subclass 491)

Designed for applicants willing to live and work in regional Australia. Offers a pathway to permanent residency after meeting residency and income requirements.

Temporary Skill Shortage Visa (Subclass 482)

Allows Australian employers to sponsor skilled machinists to fill labour shortages. This visa can lead to permanent residency through employer nomination.

Employer Nomination Scheme (Subclass 186)

Provides permanent residency for machinists sponsored by an Australian employer. The Subclass 186 visa is a permanent visa that allows you to live, work and study in Australia indefinitely if you have an employer willing to sponsor you. The employer nomination scheme visa is a pathway to permanent residency through employer sponsorship. Applicants must meet skills, experience, and English language requirements.

How Australian Migration Lawyers & Agents Can Help

Tailored Skills Assessment Planning

We identify the most suitable TRA assessment pathway based on your qualifications and employment history.

Visa Eligibility & Strategy Sessions

Our team assesses your eligibility across multiple visa options and develops a strategy to maximise your chances of success.

State/Territory Nomination Support

We assist with applications for state nomination, ensuring you meet occupation lists and regional requirements.

Documentation Preparation & Review

We ensure all documentation meets Australian standards, reducing the risk of delays or refusals.

Appeal & Review Assistance

If your application is refused, we provide guidance on review options and assist with preparing appeals where applicable.

Typical Skilled Migration Timeline

  • Skills assessment: 8 to 16 weeks (may vary by pathway)
  • Expression of Interest and invitation: variable depending on points and occupation demand
  • Visa processing:
    • Skilled visas: 6 to 12 months
    • Employer-sponsored visas: 4 to 9 months

Processing times depend on application completeness and government priorities.

Ready to Start Your Migration Journey?

Metal Machinists (First Class) are highly valued across Australia’s industrial sectors. With the right qualifications and migration strategy, you can access strong employment opportunities and a pathway to permanent residency. Early planning and professional guidance are key to a successful outcome.

Visa application process

Applying for a visa to Australia can be complex. With help from an Australian Migration Lawyer, we can untangle this complexity, and help you apply for the right visa.

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Frequently asked questions

Do I need a skills assessment to migrate as a machinist?

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Yes. A positive skills assessment from Trades Recognition Australia is required for most skilled and employer-sponsored visas.

What qualifications do I need?

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You typically need a trade qualification equivalent to an Australian Certificate III, along with relevant work experience.

Is there a practical test for machinists?

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In some TRA pathways, a practical assessment or technical interview may be required to demonstrate competency.

Can I include family members in my visa?

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Yes. Most skilled and employer-sponsored visas allow you to include your partner and dependent children.

What salary can I expect as a machinist in Australia?

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Salaries generally range from AUD 65,000 to AUD 85,000 per year, with higher earnings possible for specialised or senior roles.

Which visa is best for a machinist?

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The most suitable visa depends on your circumstances. Skilled visas (189, 190, 491) and employer-sponsored visas (482, 186) are the main options.

How long does the process take?

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The full migration process typically takes between 8 months and 18 months, depending on skills assessment, visa type, and individual factors.

Partner with Australian Migration Lawyers’ trusted legal professionals and take the stress out of complex processes so you can move forward on your Australian work migration journey with the clarity you deserve.

About the content author

Perry Q Wood
Perry Q Wood
Partner - Principal Migration Lawyer

Perry Q Wood is Immediate Past President of the Australian Institute of Administrative Law and one of Australia’s leading administrative, immigration and human rights lawyers.

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