This is a worked case study for an Electrician (General) migrating to Australia under ANZSCO 341111. Multiple pathways: Subclass 189, Subclass 190, Subclass 491 → 191, Subclass 186 Direct Entry, Subclass 494 → 191, and Subclass 482.
For visa-by-visa context, see the 341111 pathway guide and the TRA skills assessment guide.
The case profile
Anonymised composite. 30-year-old Senior Electrician, UK NVQ Level 3 Electrotechnical Services + 18th Edition Wiring Regs + 9 years experience: 3 years apprentice (UK), 4 years senior electrician (UK residential / commercial), 2 years self-employed (UK domestic + small commercial). Proficient English (UK native). Family: spouse, one child.
Strategic note: candidate is targeting Brisbane / SEQ for 482 sponsorship with Laser Electrical / home builder subcontractor — Brisbane residential boom + Olympics 2032 infrastructure pipeline drive intense electrician demand.
Side-by-side
| Path | Applicant cost | Employer cost | Wall-clock to PR | TRA required |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 189 (Independent) | AUD ~11,700 | AUD 0 | 12-24 months | Yes |
| 190 (state-nominated) | AUD ~12,200 | AUD 0 | 12-18 months | Yes |
| 491 (regional) → 191 | AUD ~12,700 | AUD 0 | ~60 months | Yes |
| 186 Direct Entry | AUD ~11,700 | AUD 5,540 | 6-12 months | Yes |
| 494 → 191 | AUD ~13,000 | AUD 6,000-25,540 | ~60 months | Yes |
| 482 → 186 TRT | AUD ~17,500 | AUD 9,000-25,000+ | 30-36 months | Yes |
(Family of 3 versions.)
Things that frequently surprise people
Electrification drives huge demand. Heat pump hot water replacement, induction cooktop installs, EV charger installations, solar PV + battery — all push electrician demand to record levels.
Solar PV is huge. Australia has the world's highest residential rooftop solar penetration. CEC accreditation unlocks the solar install market.
EV charger installation is fast-growing. Type 2 / CCS Combo 2 chargers (Tesla, Wallbox, JET Charge, EVBox) — manufacturer training + electrical licence.
State licensing is mandatory. Energy Safe Victoria, NSW Fair Trading, Electrical Safety Office Qld, EnergySafety WA — sit state-specific licensing exam within 6 months of arrival.
Health examinations expire after 12 months. If your visa takes longer than 12 months to grant, expect to redo them.
Tax residency starts on arrival.
MARA registration is mandatory for paid migration assistance.
Tools
Where to verify the numbers
Next step
Want to model 189 vs 190 vs 491 vs 186 vs 494 vs 482 against your electrician profile? Book a 30-minute free strategy call.