Skills demand for Diver
Before anything else, it is worth knowing where this occupation sits in the labour market. Demand drives which visa pathways are realistic and how a state is likely to view a nomination.
Jobs and Skills Australia does not currently assess this occupation as being in shortage. That does not close off a skilled pathway, but it does mean you are competing on the strength of your own claims rather than on the strength of the labour market.
Visa pathways for Diver
Which visas are available to you depends on which of the government's skilled occupation lists your occupation appears on. The lists are not interchangeable, and being on one of them does not put you on the others.
Inclusion on the Core Skills Occupation List makes the Skills in Demand visa's Core Skills stream available, subject to the usual sponsorship and nomination requirements.
Skills assessment for Diver
The skills assessment is the gate. An assessing authority, independent of the Department, must agree that your qualifications and experience match this occupation before anything else counts.
No fee is stated here. We publish a charge only where we can source it from the authority reliably and keep it current; where we cannot, we send you to the authority instead of guessing. A reader one click from the truth is better served than a reader given a number we cannot stand behind.
Your employer must be registered to sponsor workers under either TSS 482 or ENS 186. They must demonstrate a genuine business need for your skills, provide evidence that local advertising did not fill the role, and confirm the salary meets or exceeds Australian market rates (typically AUD 65,000+ for diving roles, often much higher for offshore work). For TSS 482, employers commit to providing work-related training and support; for ENS 186, they must offer a long-term position (permanent or fixed-term lasting 2+ years) with a formal employment contract.
Employer capacity and industry standing are assessed by the Department of Home Affairs. Employers in good standing (no compliance breaches, no non-payment of wages, no safety violations) are more likely to have sponsorship applications approved quickly. This is why securing a genuine job offer before submitting visa applications is critical. Employers familiar with visa sponsorship and willing to manage the compliance and documentation burden will streamline your path considerably.
- Obtain TRA Skills Assessment. Compile your qualifications, work experience documentation, employer references, and dive logbooks. Submit to TRA with a detailed CV and fee.
- Secure Employer Sponsorship. Identify an Australian employer with a genuine need for a diver. They must be willing to nominate you under TSS 482 or ENS 186. This typically involves a job offer letter or employment contract detailing the role, duration, and salary.
- Lodge Employer Nomination. Your employer submits a nomination form to the Department of Home Affairs (Nomination for Approval for TSS 482 or ENS 186 nomination). This step confirms the role, your suitability, and compliance with sponsorship obligations.
- Prepare Visa Documentation. Gather identity documents, police clearance certificates, health examination results (medical and chest x-ray), character references, and all English test evidence. Complete the relevant visa form (Form 858 for TSS 482 or ENS 186).
- Lodge Visa Application. Submit your visa application online via the Department of Home Affairs ImmiAccount portal. Pay the visa fee and provide biometric information (fingerprints and photograph) at an Australian Visa Application Centre if required.
- Receive Visa Grant. This grants you permission to travel to Australia and commence employment with your nominated employer.