This is a 2026 step-by-step pathway guide for a Mechanical Engineering Technician migrating to Australia under ANZSCO 312512. 312512 is on CSOL with state nomination availability — full skilled visa stack: Subclass 189 Independent (where listed), Subclass 190 State-Nominated, Subclass 491 Regional Provisional → 191 PR, Subclass 186 Direct Entry, Subclass 494 Regional Employer → 191, and Subclass 482 Core Skills → 186 TRT.
For the cost / timeline view see the 312512 cost & timeline case study. For VETASSESS document details see the skills assessment guide.
Step 1 — Confirm 312512 is the right code
ANZSCO 312512 covers mechanical-engineering technician work — condition monitoring (vibration analysis, oil analysis, thermography), reliability engineering support, maintenance planning and scheduling, NDT support (UT, MT, PT, RT, ECT), pressure-equipment inspection, lifting-equipment inspection, technical supervision of trades, equipment commissioning, instrumentation / loop checks, refrigeration / HVAC commissioning, fleet maintenance support (mining fleet), shutdown / turnaround planning, RCM (Reliability Centred Maintenance) / FMEA, CMMS / EAM (SAP PM, Pronto, Maximo, Mainpac).
If you're a chartered mechanical engineer, 233512 gives stronger invitation rates.
If you're a trade fitter / diesel mechanic / refrigeration mechanic, the relevant trade-code via TRA pathway is the right migration route.
Step 2 — VETASSESS skills assessment
VETASSESS (vetassess.com.au) handles 312512. Standard requirements:
- Qualification — at least AQF Diploma / Advanced Diploma / Bachelor in Mechanical Engineering / Maintenance Engineering / Manufacturing / Reliability.
- Skilled employment — at least 1 year highly relevant in the 5 years before applying (post-qualification).
- Reference letters must show majority time on technician work (test / condition monitor / maintenance plan rather than design or trade).
Standard turnaround 12-16 weeks.
Step 3 — English
EOI lodgement requires Competent English. For points-tested visas, target Proficient (10 pts) or Superior (20 pts).
Step 4 — Choose a visa pathway
Subclass 189 / 190 / 491
189 if 312512 is on MLTSSL — confirm at EOI. 190 / 491 are realistic — mining / energy / infrastructure pipelines drive sustained demand.
Subclass 186 / 494 / 482
Main 312512 employers:
- Mining majors and contractors — BHP, Rio Tinto, Fortescue, Newmont, Northern Star, South32, IGO, BMA, Anglo American, Glencore, Whitehaven; plus Monadelphous, UGL, RCR, Macmahon, Thiess, Civmec, Roy Hill, Mineral Resources.
- Oil & gas / processing — Worley, Wood, Saipem, Fluor, Bechtel, KBR, GR Engineering Services; plus operators Woodside, Santos, Chevron, INPEX, Origin, Shell.
- Tier 1 industrial / energy services — UGL, Programmed, Spotless, Compass Group (Eurest), Sodexo, Skout Solutions.
- Power generation — AGL, Origin, EnergyAustralia, Snowy Hydro, Stanwell, CleanCo, Synergy, ENGIE Australia.
- Manufacturing — Bluescope (steel — Port Kembla / Western Port), Orica, Incitec Pivot, Saputo Dairy Australia, JBS Australia, Inghams.
- Defence — BAE Systems Australia (Hunter Class frigates at Osborne), ASC (submarines), Civmec, Austal (Henderson WA shipbuilding), Birdon, Marand.
- Transport / rail — Aurizon, Pacific National, Sydney Trains, Metro Trains Melbourne, V/Line, Queensland Rail, ARTC.
- OEM and dealer service — Caterpillar / Cat Mining, Komatsu, Liebherr, Sandvik, Epiroc, AGCO Australia (agricultural machinery), Bobcat, JCB Australia.
Step 5 — Score / Step 6 — Submit
Use points calculator. Lodge via SkillSelect.
Tools
Authoritative sources
- Home Affairs
- VETASSESS
- Engineers Australia
- AINDT — Australian Institute for Non-Destructive Testing
- Office of MARA
Next step
Want to map your mechanical engineering technician profile against 189 vs 190 vs 491 vs 186 vs 494 vs 482? Book a 30-minute free strategy call.