Auto Mechanic Jobs In Australia With Visa Sponsorship

Australia’s automotive industry is experiencing a rising demand for skilled workers, particularly in the area of vehicle repair and maintenance. With more vehicles on the road than ever before, there is a consistent need for qualified auto mechanics across cities and regional areas.

For international candidates, this demand creates valuable opportunities to secure auto mechanic jobs in Australia with visa sponsorship.

This guide explains the job market, visa options, eligibility requirements, salary expectations, and the application process for overseas mechanics seeking employment in Australia.

Why Auto Mechanic Jobs Are in Demand in Australia

Australia’s demand for auto mechanics is rising because vehicles are essential across a vast, decentralised country. High car ownership, long driving distances and harsh conditions (heat, dust, corrugations) accelerate wear, boosting ongoing service needs.

At the same time, fleets in logistics, mining, agriculture and public transport keep expanding, requiring 24/7 maintenance for uptime and safety compliance.

Technology is another driver. Modern vehicles rely on complex electronics, CAN bus networks, ADAS and hybrid/EV systems. Workshops need technicians who can diagnose with scan tools, calibrate sensors, handle high-voltage safety, and update software—skills in short supply.

Many franchised dealers require factory-trained technicians to meet warranty obligations, while independent shops need diagnostics specialists to stay competitive.

Demographics amplify shortages: experienced tradespeople are retiring faster than new apprentices qualify, and regional towns struggle to attract talent.

Australia’s steady population growth and a large used-car fleet extend demand for scheduled servicing, brakes, suspension, air-conditioning and roadworthy checks. Seasonal industries—from harvest logistics to tourism—add peak workloads that stretch local capacity.

Finally, employers value mechanics who can cross over into automotive electrics, diesel, and heavy vehicle work. This blend of geography, technology, demographics and industry structure makes qualified auto mechanics consistently sought after nationwide. Career prospects improve steadily.

Visa Sponsorship Options for Auto Mechanics in Australia

1. Temporary Skill Shortage Visa (Subclass 482)

Allows employers to sponsor skilled mechanics for up to four years.
Applicants must have relevant qualifications, experience, and English proficiency.
Offers a pathway to permanent residency if you meet eligibility requirements.

2. Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional Visa (Subclass 494)

Designed for regional employers who cannot find local mechanics.
Valid for five years with a direct pathway to permanent residency after three years.
Attractive for applicants willing to live and work in regional Australia.

3. Employer Nomination Scheme (Subclass 186)

A permanent residency visa for skilled workers nominated by an Australian employer.
Typically requires several years of proven experience and often follows employment under the Subclass 482 visa.
Provides long-term job stability and settlement opportunities in Australia.

Eligibility and Registration Requirements for Auto Mechanic Jobs in Australia with Visa Sponsorship

Use this section to help employers and applicants confirm what must be in place before sponsorship proceeds.

1. Core sponsorship prerequisites

The business must be an approved sponsor and lodge a genuine nomination for a full time role.
The position must map to an eligible occupation, typically ANZSCO 321211 Motor Mechanic General, ANZSCO 321212 Diesel Motor Mechanic, ANZSCO 321111 Automotive Electrician, or ANZSCO 321213 Motorcycle Mechanic.
Pay must satisfy both the indexed skilled visa thresholds and the market rate for the same work and location.
Where required, the employer must complete Labour Market Testing with compliant advertising and evidence.
The role description and roster must reflect equivalent terms and conditions to those of Australian workers.
If the job is in a regional location, confirm it is within a designated regional area for the relevant pathway.

2. Qualifications and skills assessment

Hold a trade qualification that is equivalent to AQF Certificate III in Automotive or Automotive Electrical or Diesel Technology or demonstrate recognised prior learning RPL that maps to the same outcome.
A skills assessment may be required depending on the occupation, the visa subclass, and the passport country. Use the relevant Trades Recognition Australia TRA pathway where applicable, including Offshore Skills Assessment, Provisional skills assessment for temporary sponsorship, or an onshore program if already in Australia.
Provide post qualification experience that matches the nominated occupation. Supervisory or diagnostic experience strengthens the case.
Keep evidence of brand accreditation and platform training, for example hybrid and EV systems or common rail diesel diagnostics.

3. English, health, and character

Meet the English language level set for the chosen stream or show eligibility for an exemption.
Satisfy health requirements including medical examinations if requested.
Satisfy character requirements by supplying police certificates for countries of long term residence and disclosing any prior issues.
Provide a complete traffic history where requested, especially for roles that include road testing.

4. State and territory registration and licensing

Regulation of vehicle repair occurs at state level. Requirements vary by location and by work type. Prepare for the following where relevant.

Individual repairer licence or tradesperson certificate for certain categories of repair in some jurisdictions.
Business level workshop licence or registration where mandated for the employing entity.
ARCtick Refrigerant Handling Licence if servicing or charging automotive air conditioning systems.
High voltage EV safety training and isolation competency for hybrid and electric vehicle work.
Dangerous goods or fuel system competencies if your workshop handles those tasks.
A valid Australian driver licence suitable for road testing vehicles, including manual transmission competence.
High Risk Work licences where the job includes tasks such as operating a forklift.
Site specific tickets such as white card for construction sites, mine inductions, confined spaces, or elevated work platform where applicable.
Evidence that you are a fit and proper person where a licence scheme requires this assessment.

5. Occupational scope and duty alignment

Make sure duties and tools match the nominated occupation.

Motor Mechanic General includes logbook servicing, brakes, suspension, steering and alignment, cooling systems, clutch and transmission, engine diagnosis and rebuilds, and use of OBD and scan tools.
Diesel Motor Mechanic includes heavy diesel diagnosis and rebuilds, common rail fuel systems, drivelines, differentials, clutches, and work on trucks, buses, agricultural plant, and earthmoving equipment.
Automotive Electrician includes electrical and electronic diagnostics, CAN bus, charging and starting systems, ADAS calibration where trained, retrofits and accessory installations, and high voltage safety procedures for EV.
Motorcycle Mechanic includes two wheel diagnostics, fuel injection, carburetion, suspension, brakes, and performance tuning.

6. Safety and compliance readiness

Demonstrate knowledge of Work Health and Safety WHS duties, hazard identification, risk controls, and incident reporting.
Use and maintain personal protective equipment PPE as required by the site.
Participate in fatigue management and manual handling training where relevant.
Comply with employer drug and alcohol policies and any random testing regimes.
Maintain a strong quality assurance approach including job cards, torque specs, test drive sign offs, and tool control.

7. Evidence pack for the application

Valid passport and consistent civil documents.
Detailed resume that lists brands, platforms, and diagnostic tools used.
Employment references on letterhead stating job titles, dates, duties, and hours.
Copies of trade certificates, apprenticeship papers, RPL reports, and brand training records.
Skills assessment outcome if required for the pathway.
Police certificates, traffic history, and medical evidence where applicable.
Licences and registrations including any ARCtick, repairer licence, and driver licence.
A signed employment contract showing duties, location, hours, and base pay that meets sponsorship rules.
Evidence of any site tickets such as white card, mine induction, confined spaces, and forklift.

8. Employer obligations you should expect

Maintain approved sponsor status or hold an endorsed labour agreement for the occupation and location.
Provide equivalent terms and conditions to Australians in the same role.
Keep records and meet reporting requirements including any change in role, hours, or location.
Pay at or above the indexed threshold and the market rate, with clear payslips and superannuation contributions.
Provide onboarding, WHS training, and access to required tools and equipment.

9. Regional and DAMA settings

If the role is in a designated region, ensure the address meets regional eligibility for the pathway.
Under a DAMA labour agreement, confirm whether concessions apply for English, salary, or age, and whether a skills assessment is compulsory.
Check if the DAMA provides a path to permanent residence after a defined period.

10. Who is unlikely to qualify

Applicants who cannot demonstrate equivalent AQF Certificate III or verifiable trade competence.
Applicants without a path to required state licences or mandatory ARCtick where air conditioning work is part of the job.
Applicants who cannot meet English, health, or character standards.
Roles that do not satisfy market rate and indexed salary threshold requirements or that are not genuine full time.
Employers unable to produce compliant Labour Market Testing or a consistent position description aligned to ANZSCO.

Application Process: Step-by-Step Guide

Step 1: Prepare Your Documents: Updated resume/CV highlighting mechanical skills, Qualifications and trade certificates, Work references and proof of experience. English test results, police clearance, and medical certificates.

Step 2: Check Visa Eligibility: Match your profile to the correct visa pathway (Subclass 482, 494, or 186) based on your experience and job offer.

Step 3: Apply for Auto Mechanic Jobs: Target workshops, dealerships, regional employers, and service centers that offer visa sponsorship.

Step 4: Employer Nomination: Your employer submits a nomination to the Department of Home Affairs to confirm the job role and your skills.

Step 5: Submit Your Visa Application: Provide all supporting documents, pay the visa fee, and undergo background checks.

Step 6: Health and Character Assessments: Complete medical examinations and supply police clearance certificates.

Step 7: Relocation and Employment: After visa approval, relocate to Australia, begin employment, and integrate into your workplace.

Salary Expectations for Auto Mechanic Jobs in Australia with Visa Sponsorship

Australia pays automotive trades on a mix of base salary, penalties, overtime, allowances, and superannuation. If your role is sponsored, the offer must pass two tests at the same time
the indexed skilled visa thresholds and the local market rate for the same work. Below is a sponsor aware view of what to expect in 2025.

How pay is set for sponsored mechanics

Base pay: Your contracted annual or hourly rate for ordinary hours.
Penalties and overtime: Extra pay for evenings, weekends, and hours outside the ordinary spread. These often lift total earnings well above base.
Allowances: Common examples include tool allowance, meal and travel allowances, laundry, first aid, site or mine allowances, and living away from home where applicable.
Superannuation: Employers add the Super Guarantee on top of ordinary time earnings.
Enterprise agreements : Many workshops and dealers apply a formal classification and grade that sets the legal minimum. Sponsored offers usually sit above these floors.
Sponsor rules: The package must meet the indexed salary thresholds on the guaranteed earnings alone and also satisfy the market rate for the location and duties.

Typical market ranges by role and setting

Use these bands to position an offer. Ranges reflect base plus common penalties, before superannuation. Actual rates vary by state, brand, roster, and experience.

Motor Mechanic General in metro dealerships and independent workshops
65,000 to 85,000 AUD base for solid technicians, with total packages commonly 75,000 to 100,000 AUD when penalties and overtime are regular.
Senior diagnostic technicians in prestige brands can exceed this band.
Diesel Motor Mechanic in on highway truck and bus fleets or heavy workshops
80,000 to 110,000 AUD base is common, with total packages often 95,000 to 130,000 AUD depending on shift and call outs.
Automotive Electrician including EV and high voltage skill sets
85,000 to 120,000 AUD base is typical where advanced diagnostics and HV safety are required. EV specialists and master tech roles may price higher.
Mining, oil and gas, and remote regional heavy diesel including FIFO and drive in drive out
Total packages frequently 110,000 to 160,000 AUD, sometimes higher on compressed rosters or where accommodation is supplied. Expect site and remote area allowances.
Agricultural and earthmoving regional workshops
Total packages generally 85,000 to 120,000 AUD, with extras such as relocation assistance, vehicle, or housing support in tight labour markets.

What adds the most to your total package

Regular overtime: Planned overtime is a major uplift for busy workshops.
Shift structure: Evenings, weekends, and rotating shifts attract penalty rates.
Skills mix: Strong diagnostics, CAN bus and HV systems, common rail diesel, and brand specific accreditation command a premium.
Location loading: Regional and remote centres often add allowances or higher base rates to attract talent.
Industry: Mining, resources, defence, and fleet maintenance tend to pay more than general retail service.

Tips to Improve Chances of Sponsorship

Highlight diagnostic and repair skills for modern vehicles.
Gain certifications in electric and hybrid vehicle maintenance.
Show willingness to work in regional areas, where demand is highest.
Maintain a strong work record and secure positive references from past employers.

Conclusion

Auto mechanic jobs in Australia with visa sponsorship provide international candidates a pathway to secure employment, earn competitive salaries, and potentially achieve permanent residency.

With the ongoing shortage of skilled mechanics, overseas workers with the right qualifications and experience are in high demand. By preparing thoroughly, targeting regional employers, and choosing the right visa pathway, auto mechanics can build a stable and rewarding career in Australia’s growing automotive sector.