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Electrician (Special Class) (ANZSCO 341112) – Skilled Migration to Australia

Pathways, Skills Assessment & Visa Options for Specialist Electricians

Electricians with specialist experience in complex and intricate electrical and electronic circuitry have strong skilled migration prospects in Australia. Before applying, specialist electricians need to understand the VETASSESS skills assessment process, the visa subclasses available, and the licensing requirements that apply in every state and territory. Our migration lawyers can guide you through each stage of this process.

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What Is an Electrician (Special Class)?

Key Responsibilities

An Electrician (Special Class) works on advanced electrical and electronic systems that go beyond routine installation and maintenance, diagnosing and repairing faults in circuitry that requires a higher level of technical skill. Typical duties include reading blueprints and specifications to determine wiring load requirements, cutting, terminating and connecting cable and wiring, tracing and diagnosing faults using electrical and electronic test equipment, and installing switchboards. Many Special Class electricians also work on the electrical and mechanical components of lifts and escalators, and on installing and commissioning solar photovoltaic power systems.

Cheerful electrician holding a cable in a factory

ANZSCO Classification & Skill Level

Electrician (Special Class) is classified under ANZSCO code 341112, at Skill Level 3. This occupation is distinct from Electrician (General) (ANZSCO 341111), which covers broader installation, testing, connection and maintenance of electrical equipment, wiring and control systems. Special Class work is generally more specialised, covering intricate circuitry, specific equipment types such as lifts, and higher complexity electrical and electronic work. Applicants with a mixed background should confirm the correct classification before applying, as it affects both the skills assessment and visa eligibility.

Demand for Electricians (Special Class) in Australia

Industry Growth & Demand

Electricians are identified by Jobs and Skills Australia as an occupation experiencing shortage nationally, reflecting sustained demand from the construction and energy sectors, including growth in renewable energy installation and infrastructure work. Employment in the electricians occupation group has grown steadily and is projected to keep growing over the coming years.

Regional & Metropolitan Opportunities

Demand for electricians spans both metropolitan and regional Australia, with opportunities tied to housing construction, commercial development, and infrastructure and energy projects. Some states and territories prioritise electricians on their nomination occupation lists for the Subclass 190 and 491 visas, though nomination priorities are reviewed periodically and vary by jurisdiction.

Salary & Career Outlook in Australia

Typical Salary Ranges

According to Jobs and Skills Australia, the median annual earnings for electricians in Australia is approximately $113,900, based on Australian Bureau of Statistics data. Earnings vary depending on experience, specialisation, location and whether an electrician works as an employee or an independent contractor, with specialist and supervisory roles generally attracting higher pay.

Benefits & Progression

Electricians in Australia can progress from tradesperson roles into supervisory, specialist or contracting positions over time. Holding a full, unrestricted electrical licence, together with specialised experience such as Special Class work, generally supports stronger career progression and access to higher paid roles.

Skills Assessment for ANZSCO 341112

Assessing Authority

VETASSESS is the designated skills assessing authority for Electrician (Special Class) (ANZSCO 341112). VETASSESS assesses whether an applicant’s qualifications and work experience meet the standard of the Australian UEE30820 Certificate III in Electrotechnology Electrician.
Qualification & Experience Requirements

Depending on the assessment pathway, applicants generally need to demonstrate either several years of relevant employment experience without formal training, or a shorter period of employment experience where relevant formal training has been completed, alongside recent, current employment in the nominated occupation. Formal qualifications and detailed employment evidence both play a role in a positive outcome.
Assessment Process Overview

The VETASSESS assessment for this occupation generally involves a documentary evidence assessment, followed by a technical interview and, where required, a practical assessment demonstrating trade skills against Australian standards. Applicants who receive a positive outcome may be issued an Offshore Technical Skills Record, which Australian licensing regulators can use as the basis for a provisional licence, allowing supervised work in Australia while any remaining requirements for a full licence are completed.

Visa Pathways for Electricians (Special Class)

Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189)

Electrician (Special Class) is included on the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List, meaning the Subclass 189 visa, a permanent, points-tested visa requiring no state nomination or employer sponsorship, is a potential pathway for eligible applicants who meet the points test and other criteria.

Skilled Nominated Visa (Subclass 190)

The Subclass 190 visa is a permanent, points-tested visa requiring nomination by a state or territory government. Nomination adds bonus points and depends on that state’s current occupation demand priorities, which can change independently of the national occupation lists.

Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Visa (Subclass 491)

The Subclass 491 visa is a provisional visa for points-tested applicants nominated by a state or territory, or sponsored by an eligible family member, to live and work in a designated regional area of Australia, providing a pathway to permanent residence through the Subclass 191 visa after a qualifying period.

Skills in Demand 482 Visa

Specialist electricians with an offer of employment from an approved Australian business may be eligible for the Skills in Demand (Subclass 482) visa, a temporary employer-sponsored visa allowing work in Australia for an approved employer.

Employer Nomination Scheme (Subclass 186)

The Employer Nomination Scheme (Subclass 186) visa provides a direct pathway to permanent residence for electricians nominated by an eligible Australian employer, either through the Temporary Residence Transition stream or the Direct Entry stream.

How Australian Migration Lawyers Can Help

Individualised Skills Assessment Guidance

Our migration lawyers can help you understand which VETASSESS pathway suits your qualifications and experience, and what evidence will best support your application.

Visa Eligibility & Strategic Planning

We assess your circumstances against the available visa pathways to help you build a considered, strategic approach to your migration.

State/Territory Nomination Advice

Our team can advise on current state and territory nomination priorities relevant to specialist electricians and how these may affect your Subclass 190 or 491 strategy.

Documentation & Submission Support

We assist with preparing and reviewing the documentation required for your skills assessment and visa application, aiming for a decision-ready submission.

Practical Assessments & Reference Prep

Our migration lawyers can help you prepare strong, detailed employment references and understand what to expect from the VETASSESS technical interview and practical assessment stages.

Appeals & Review Assistance

Where a skills assessment or visa application does not proceed as expected, our migration lawyers can advise on your review and appeal options.

Typical Skilled Migration Timeline

The pathway to a skilled visa for a specialist electrician generally follows several stages: completing a VETASSESS skills assessment, lodging an expression of interest through SkillSelect, receiving an invitation to apply, and then lodging and awaiting a decision on the visa application.

Processing times vary considerably depending on the assessment pathway, visa subclass, individual circumstances and Department of Home Affairs workloads, so we recommend discussing indicative timeframes for your situation directly with our migration lawyers rather than relying on a general estimate.

Start Your Skilled Migration Journey Today

If you are a specialist electrician considering a move to Australia, Australian Migration Lawyers can help you understand your options and build a considered migration strategy. Our migration lawyers deal directly with you throughout your matter and are available seven days a week to discuss your circumstances.

Electrician holding a roll of wiring in front of a brick wall

Saemeh Ghasemi Australian Migration Lawyer

Crystal Johnston posing with a professional backdrop.

Can I include my family in my migration application?

Eligible family members can generally be included in most skilled and employer-sponsored visa applications, subject to meeting health, character and other relevant criteria. Our migration lawyers can confirm which family members can be included in your specific application.

Do I need a skills assessment to migrate as an Electrician Special Class?

Yes. A positive skills assessment from VETASSESS is a mandatory requirement for skilled and employer-sponsored visa pathways for Electrician (Special Class) (ANZSCO 341112).

How long does the process take?

Timeframes vary depending on the skills assessment pathway, visa subclass and individual circumstances. Our migration lawyers can advise on realistic timeframes once we understand your situation.

Is there a practical test for this trade?

A practical assessment may be required as part of the VETASSESS process, in addition to a documentary evidence review and a technical interview, depending on your assessment outcome at each stage.

What qualifications do I need?

VETASSESS assesses whether your qualifications and work experience are comparable to the Australian UEE30820 Certificate III in Electrotechnology Electrician. Requirements vary depending on the assessment pathway you apply under.

What salary can I expect in Australia?

Jobs and Skills Australia data places median electrician earnings at approximately $113,900 per year, though individual salaries vary with experience, specialisation, location and employment type.

Which visa should I apply for as a specialised electrician?

This depends on your individual circumstances, including whether you have an employer willing to sponsor you, your points test position, and your state or regional preferences. Our migration lawyers can help you identify the most suitable pathway.

Perry Q Wood

Partner

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.

Important Information Regarding the Use of the Term 'Partner'

We are an incorporated legal practice which is a corporation for the purposes of the Corporations Act 2001. The use of the title ‘Partner’ by a lawyer in this practice is used to denote seniority and does not and is not intended to signify that the practice is contracting otherwise than as a corporation. For the avoidance of doubt, any such title does not and is not intended to signify that a partnership within the definition of the Partnership Act exists at law.

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Electrician (Special Class) (ANZSCO 341112) – Skilled Migration to Australia

Pathways, Skills Assessment & Visa Options for Specialist Electricians

Claim your consultation

Claim your consultation

The Australian Migration Lawyers difference

Fixed price

Deal direct with a lawyer

Clear communication

Satisfaction guarantee

Installments available

What Is an Electrician (Special Class)?

Key Responsibilities

ANZSCO Classification & Skill Level

Demand for Electricians (Special Class) in Australia

Industry Growth & Demand

Regional & Metropolitan Opportunities

Salary & Career Outlook in Australia

Typical Salary Ranges

Benefits & Progression

Skills Assessment for ANZSCO 341112

Assessing Authority

Qualification & Experience Requirements

Assessment Process Overview

Visa Pathways for Electricians (Special Class)

Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189)

Skilled Nominated Visa (Subclass 190)

Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Visa (Subclass 491)

Skills in Demand 482 Visa

Employer Nomination Scheme (Subclass 186)

How Australian Migration Lawyers Can Help

Individualised Skills Assessment Guidance

Visa Eligibility & Strategic Planning

State/Territory Nomination Advice

Documentation & Submission Support

Practical Assessments & Reference Prep

Appeals & Review Assistance

Typical Skilled Migration Timeline

Start Your Skilled Migration Journey Today

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Personal documents

Character documents

Evidence of relationship

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Meet your expert team

Perry Q Wood

Cindy Zhao 趙青

Madeleine Scanlon

Benjamin Magill

Don (Susantha) Katugampala

Saemeh Ghasemi

Arthur Seremetis

Cherlyn Teo (CPA)

Neil Williams

Shereen El Ali

Kate Colston

Andrew Euan

Walt Calis

Nicholas Merlin Esq.

Joshua Coulson

Oliver Thomas Christensen

Ella Pullin

Larisa Stoian

Olivia Parrott

Micah Schembri

Taahira Rajudin

Joshua Elsbury

Carolyn Salman

Yasmin Hicks

Mariam Hassan

Terrance Chu

Annalise Pope

Moniroth Ieng

Myra Sehgal

Sam Prasad

Jessica Myers-Denton

Tabarak Nader

Maryam Sadah