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Tradespeople and FIFO workers from overseas: skills assessment and licences

Overseas tradespeople usually need a skills assessment and, in licensed trades, a state licence before working in the trade. Trades cannot use the Specialist Skills stream, so sponsored jobs depend on Core Skills or an agreement. FIFO roles in Western Australia may also fall under the state or regional DAMAs.

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By CrossNation Editorial Team. Sources checked 4 October 2026.

Official data

Key facts from official sources

Job seeker guide

What you need to know

Get your skills recognised first

The Government of Western Australia says people who intend to work in an eligible trade or licensed trade may have their skills assessed through Trades Recognition Australia, and a successful assessment leads to an Australian qualification for non-licensed trades or an outcome used for a licensed trade. Licences are then issued by state and territory regulators. Gather your trade certificates, work references with dates and employer letters before you start.

What this means for a sponsored job

Specialist Skills is limited to ANZSCO Major Groups 1, 2, 4, 5 and 6, so trades and operators are not eligible for it. Core Skills needs the occupation to be on the Core Skills Occupation List and the nominated salary to meet AUD 79,423 for nominations lodged from 1 July 2026 to 30 June 2027, or the market rate if higher. Ask the employer which stream applies and who will manage it, and check the occupation entry yourself.

FIFO and remote work

FIFO jobs involve rosters, site inductions and medicals as well as the visa. In Western Australia, the state government says its DAMA covers the whole state and complements regional DAMAs in the Goldfields, Kimberley, Pilbara and South West. An agreement like that may allow employers in the area to sponsor occupations outside the standard lists, with its own conditions. Ask the employer whether they use one, and check the regional authority's page.

Already in Australia with work rights

If you are already here and can work, you can register and search roles directly. Some employers prefer to hire locally because there is no overseas step. Check your visa conditions in VEVO and keep your white card, licence and assessment documents in one place. The already-in-Australia guides and the Fair Work Ombudsman pages explain your work rights and pay.

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These counts are live from the CrossNation job board. A listing is not a job offer, and it does not mean the employer sponsors visas. Ask about sponsorship before you rely on a role.

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FAQ

Frequently asked questions

Do I need a licence before I apply for jobs?

For licensed trades, you need the relevant state or territory licence to work in the trade. Employers will tell you what they expect at application and start.

Who assesses my trade skills?

The Government of Western Australia names Trades Recognition Australia as the body for trade skills assessment for migration.

Can my trade use the Specialist Skills stream?

No. It is limited to ANZSCO Major Groups 1, 2, 4, 5 and 6.

Does CrossNation arrange licences or visas?

No. Licences come from state regulators and visas from Home Affairs.

Do you have FIFO jobs?

We recruit for FIFO and mining support roles for employers across Australia. Check the open jobs for what is live now.

Related

Sources (accessed 4 October 2026)