Complete Guide to Migrating as an Electrical Engineer to Australia
Thinking of migrating to Australia as an Electrical Engineer? This complete 2025 guide covers everything you need—from skills assessment options like Engineers Australia, VETASSESS, and TRA, to costs, visa pathways, and expert tips to get started with confidence.
SKILL VISA
5/31/20252 min read


✅ Complete Guide to Migrating as an Electrical Engineer to Australia (2025)
Are you an electrical engineer planning to migrate to Australia? With high demand across infrastructure, renewable energy, and industrial sectors, now is a great time to consider skilled migration.
But where do you start?
The first step is getting your qualifications assessed.
Without this, you can’t apply for any skilled visa. In this guide, we break down the three key assessing bodies and help you choose the best pathway based on your degree, experience, and goals.
1.Engineers Australia (EA)
– For Professional Engineers
Who it’s for:
Applicants with a formal university degree in engineering, applying for visas like Subclass 189, 190, 491, 482, or 186.
Assessment options:
Accredited Qualifications Pathway
– For graduates of Washington Accord institutions
– No CDR required
– Fast and streamlined
CDR Pathway
– For all other degrees
– Requires 3 Career Episodes, a Summary Statement, and CPD
English test requirements:
IELTS Academic: minimum 6 in each band
TOEFL iBT
PTE Academic
Processing Time:
8–12 weeks standard, or ~20 business days with fast track.
Cost:
AUD 1,030 (main assessment)
AUD 335 (fast track option)
2.VETASSESS
– For Technologists & Project Roles
Who it’s for:
Engineers working in project-based, managerial, or analytical roles (e.g., Engineering Technologist, Project Manager).
Key features:
No CDR required
No English test required for the skills assessment
Ideal for Subclass 482, DAMA, or regional employer-sponsored visas
Cost:
AUD 968–1,400 depending on services requested
3.TRA – Trades Recognition Australia
Who it’s for:
Electricians and technicians with hands-on experience, including those without a formal degree.
Pathways include:
Provisional Skills Assessment (PSA)
Job Ready Program (JRP)
Offshore Skills Assessment Program (OSAP)
Migration Skills Assessment (MSA)
English requirement:
Not required for the assessment stage but needed for the visa (typically IELTS General 5.0–6.0).
Cost range: AUD 1,000 to 4,500 depending on the program
4. Choosing the Right Path
Have an engineering degree from a recognized university? → Apply via Engineers Australia
Working in tech, management, or non-traditional engineering? → Go through VETASSESS
Have years of practical trade experience but no degree? → Use TRA
Haven’t taken your English test yet? → Start with VETASSESS or TRA