Complete Guide to Migrating as an Electrical Engineer to Australia

✅ 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

✅ Need Expert Help?

Starting the right way can make or break your visa application. Save time, avoid stress, and maximise your chances by talking to a registered migration expert.

Sam Lotfollahi

Senior Registered Migration Consultant | MARN 0901704

📍 15+ Years of Proud Service

👉 Book your free expert consultation here

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a degree to migrate as an engineer?

Not necessarily. TRA offers pathways for experienced tradespeople without degrees.

Can I apply to multiple assessing bodies?

No. Only one authority is allowed per occupation.

Do I need to take an English test?

Yes—for the visa. But only Engineers Australia requires it for the assessment stage.

I work in a tech lead or engineering manager role—am I eligible?

Yes! VETASSESS may be a better fit than Engineers Australia for your role.