Top trades by assessment volume in 2026
| ANZSCO code | Trade | Pathway | 2026 first-attempt pass rate |
|---|
| 341111 | Electrician (general) | Paper | 82% |
| 334112 | Plumber (general) | Paper | 80% |
| 331212 | Carpenter | OSAP | 85% |
| 321211 | Motor mechanic (general) | OSAP | 84% |
| 332211 | Bricklayer | OSAP | 78% |
| 391111 | Hairdresser | OSAP | 87% |
| 351311 | Cook | OSAP | 83% |
| 334114 | Wall and floor tiler | OSAP | 81% |
Pass rates have improved 5-8 percentage points since 2022 as TRA standardised its assessment criteria and online document submission. The most common reason for failure is insufficient evidence of recent work experience (typically requires 3+ years of post-qualification employment, evidenced by payslips, employment letters, and project photos) (TRA, September 2026).
Documents required for a TRA assessment
Standard document set for both pathways: (1) passport bio page and any prior Australian visa history, (2) original trade qualification (Certificate III/IV or equivalent) with English translation if applicable, (3) transcript of units completed, (4) employment reference letters (minimum 3 years post-qualification, on company letterhead, signed by supervisor), (5) recent payslips (last 3-6 months) and tax records, (6) project portfolio (photographs, technical drawings, work logs), (7) English language test (IELTS 5.0 in each band, or PTE/TOEFL equivalent) if qualification is from a non-English-speaking country, and (8) RPL forms if you have partial Australian qualifications. Incomplete applications are returned without assessment. Take 4-6 weeks to compile documents before submitting (TRA, September 2026).
Worked example: Filipino electrician, 6 years' experience
Marco is 32, trained as an electrician in the Philippines (TESDA Certificate III + 6 years' experience at Meralco). He wants to migrate to Australia on a subclass 189 visa. His pathway: (1) document gathering (4 weeks): TESDA Certificate III, Meralco employment letters, 36 months of payslips, project portfolio of 15 commercial installations, IELTS Academic (5.5 each band); (2) paper-based Skills Assessment via TRA ($2,200, processing 10 weeks); (3) EOI submission via SkillSelect (Expression of Interest, 65+ points achievable); (4) invitation to apply and subclass 189 visa lodgement ($4,640 primary applicant); (5) skills assessment valid 3 years, must lodge visa before expiry. Total cost: ~AUD $7,000-$8,000 including visa fees. Total time: ~6-9 months (TRA, Department of Home Affairs, September 2026).
Next steps
For a similar migration pathway in engineering, see our Engineers Australia CDR guide. For Canadian equivalents, see our CA RHIP/CHRP guide for health-information professionals.
Common TRA application mistakes and how to avoid them
The most common reason for TRA application rejection or delay in 2026: incomplete employment evidence. Specifically, applicants frequently fail to provide supervisor-signed letters on company letterhead with full project descriptions, dates, and hours. The second most common issue: English-language test scores below the threshold (IELTS 5.0 in each band — many IENs underestimate the requirement). The third: project portfolio photos without context (just photos of completed work without captions explaining the candidate's personal role). To avoid these pitfalls, give yourself 4-6 weeks to compile documents before submission, use the official TRA document checklist, and have a registered migration agent (MARA-registered) review your application before lodgement (MARA-registered agents charge AUD $1,000-$2,500 for the review and submission service) (TRA, September 2026).
Fazlur Rahman
