This is a 2026 step-by-step pathway guide for a Plumber (General) migrating to Australia under ANZSCO 334111. 334111 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 334111 cost & timeline case study. For TRA document details see the skills assessment guide.
Step 1 — Confirm 334111 is the right code
ANZSCO 334111 covers general plumbing — water supply installation (mains, hot water, cold water — copper, PEX cross-linked polyethylene, multilayer), sanitary plumbing (sewer / waste, vent pipework — DWV PVC, copper, cast iron), stormwater plumbing (downpipes, sumps, pits), hot water system installation (gas, electric, solar, heat pump), roof plumbing (where general plumber scope), tap / mixer / fixture installation (toilets, sinks, vanities, baths, showers, kitchen / laundry / bar), backflow prevention devices, TMV (thermostatic mixing valve) installation, NCC Volume Three / AS 3500 / AS 3600 compliance.
Specialty plumbing codes — 334112 Airconditioning & Mechanical Services Plumber, 334113 Drainer, 334114 Gasfitter, 334115 Roof Plumber — split out specific niches.
Step 2 — TRA skills assessment
TRA — tradesrecognitionaustralia.gov.au. Pathways: JRP (onshore) or OSA (offshore).
Standard turnaround: OSA ~12 weeks; JRP 12-18 months.
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 334111 is on MLTSSL — confirm at EOI. 190 / 491 are realistic — Australia has critical plumber shortage.
Subclass 186 / 494 / 482
Main 334111 employers:
- Home builders' plumbing subcontractors — captive subbie networks for Metricon, Henley, Carlisle, Simonds, Burbank.
- Tier 1 / 2 builders — Lendlease, Multiplex, John Holland, CPB, Built, Hutchinson Builders.
- Plumbing service companies — Metropolitan Plumbing, Adelaide-based Service Today, Mr Rooter Australia, Laser Plumbing & Electrical (national franchise network), Reece Plumbing services arm, Plumbers Union.
- Commercial / industrial plumbing specialists — A.G. Coombs, AE Smith, Programmed Facility Management plumbing arm.
- Water utilities — Sydney Water service teams, Yarra Valley Water service teams.
Step 5 — Score / Step 6 — Submit
Use points calculator. Lodge via SkillSelect.
Tools
Authoritative sources
- Home Affairs
- Trades Recognition Australia (TRA)
- Master Plumbers Australia
- Australian Building Codes Board (NCC Volume Three)
- Office of MARA
Next step
Want to map your plumber profile against 189 vs 190 vs 491 vs 186 vs 494 vs 482? Book a 30-minute free strategy call.