Australian PR Points for Plumber, ANZSCO 334111
If you're working as a Plumber (ANZSCO 334111), you're in a profession that Australia genuinely needs. Because of the ongoing demand in the construction and housing sectors, plumbers frequently appear on skilled occupation lists across the country. That said, having the right score is only part of the puzzle. You'll also need to navigate the TRA skills assessment process and meet the specific criteria of the state or territory you want to live in. Here's a realistic look at how the different visa pathways work for your occupation.
Subclass 189: Skilled Independent
Plumber, MLTSSL status
In June 2024, the minimum cutoff for plumbers was 65 points. While past rounds aren't a guarantee, the 189 visa remains a very solid goal for tradespeople.
→ Subclass 189 guideSubclass 190: State Nominated
With +5 state nomination points
State nomination adds 5 points to your tally. Historically, many states have prioritised construction trades, meaning a base score of 65 is often competitive, provided you meet the state's specific work or residency rules.
→ Subclass 190 guideSubclass 491: Regional
With +15 regional bonus points
A massive help if you're a bit short on points. The +15 regional bonus makes the 491 visa a very pragmatic option for trades professionals willing to live outside the major metropolitan centres.
→ Subclass 491 guideYour Plumber Score Across All Three Visa Pathways
| Subclass 189 | Subclass 190 | Subclass 491 |
|---|
| Nomination bonus | +0 | +5 | +15 |
| June 2024 cutoff (ANZSCO 334111) | 65 pts | N/A* | N/A* |
| Occupation list | MLTSSL | MLTSSL | MLTSSL |
| Primary assessing body | TRA | TRA | TRA |
* Note: The Department of Home Affairs only publishes cutoffs for the federal 189 and family-sponsored 491 rounds. State-nominated 190 and 491 cutoffs vary significantly by state and are generally not published centrally.
→ See our monthly invitation round tracker for the latest resultsSkills Assessment for Plumbers
A positive skills assessment is a strict requirement before you can lodge your Expression of Interest (EOI) in SkillSelect.
Plumber (General) (ANZSCO 334111) is assessed by Trades Recognition Australia (TRA)
| Assessing body | Trades Recognition Australia (TRA) |
| Official portal | tradesrecognitionaustralia.gov.au |
| Processing time | Up to 120 days (for Migration Skills Assessment) |
| Application fee | AUD $795 (MSA) |
| Assessment type | Migration Skills Assessment (MSA) or OSAP |
| Qualification required | Relevant AQF Certificate III or equivalent |
Licensing note: Your TRA skills assessment is only for visa purposes. To actually work as a plumber in Australia, you are legally required to hold the appropriate state or territory plumbing licence or registration (such as through NSW Fair Trading or the Victorian Building Authority).
⚠ Warning: Your skills assessment must remain valid at the time you receive your Invitation to Apply, not just on the day you submit your EOI. A TRA assessment is typically valid for three years from the issue date. Keep an eye on it if you're waiting in the queue.
State Nomination for Plumbers: Which States to Target
Because immigration rules change frequently, getting state nomination isn't as simple as checking a box. Most states demand specific conditions like living in a regional area, meeting salary thresholds, or having a job offer.
| State | 190 Status | 491 Status | Notes |
|---|
| Victoria (VIC) | Confirmed under the cited criteria | Confirmed under the cited criteria | Victoria has explicitly prioritised construction trades for the 24-25 programme year. You will need an ROI. |
| NSW | Check current program | Check current program | Strong historical demand due to housing construction, but strict employment and residency rules apply. |
| Queensland (QLD) | Check current program | Check current program | Often limits their occupation lists based on remaining quota. Must meet local employment criteria. |
| South Australia (SA) | Check current program | Check current program | Typically available for local graduates or those already working in SA. |
| Western Australia (WA) | Check current program | Check current program | Frequently prioritises building and construction occupations. |
| Tasmania (TAS) | Check current program | Check current program | Usually available under standard local employment pathways. |
| ACT | Confirmed under the cited criteria | Confirmed under the cited criteria | Listed on the ACT Critical Skills List. Canberra matrix scoring applies. |
| NT | Check current program | Check current program | Strong preference for current Northern Territory residents. |
Note: State occupation lists and rules are updated continuously. Don't rely on general advice-always verify directly at your chosen state's official migration portal before submitting an application.
→ Which state should I choose for PR?How to Improve Your Score as a Plumber
While the points cutoff for trades can be a bit more forgiving than for other occupations, it still pays to maximise your score.
1. English Language Tests
Moving up from Competent to Proficient or Superior English can add 10 or 20 points respectively. It's often the fastest way to jump the queue if you're waiting on a 189 invite.
→ English points guide2. State Nomination (190)
Securing state nomination is a great way to grab an extra 5 points. Because plumbers are widely sought after, investigating state criteria is a smart move.
→ 190 visa guide3. Regional Sponsorship (491)
If you're willing to head out of the major cities, the 491 visa offers a generous 15-point bump and a clear, albeit slightly longer, path to permanent residency.
→ 491 visa guide| Strategy | Points Gained | Time Required | Reform Risk |
|---|
| Superior English (if at Proficient) | +10 | 2-6 months | Low |
| State nomination (190) | +5 | 2-12 weeks | Low |
| Regional sponsorship (491) | +15 | 2-12 weeks | Low |
| Australian work exp (1 more year) | +5 | 1 year | Low |
| NAATI CCL (if bilingual) | +5 | 3-6 months | Medium |
| Professional Year | +5 | 12 months | HIGH |
How the Proposed 2026 Reform Affects Plumbers
⚠ The 2026 points test reform is currently only a proposal. The existing Schedule 6D points system remains fully in effect until Parliament passes new legislation.
Although we are waiting to see what the new points test looks like in law, the government has repeatedly stressed that construction and infrastructure are critical priority sectors for the 2026-27 programme. Because of this, it is likely that genuine trades professionals with verifiable employment will continue to be highly valued in the migration system. Keep focusing on getting your English test done, obtaining your skills assessment, and gathering solid work experience evidence.
→ Learn more about the 2026 points test reform