Australia has a critical shortage of Cabinetmakers. If you are a qualified Cabinetmaker aged under 45 then you are eligible to Immigrate to Australia provided you can score 65 points.

Who can apply?

Before you pack your bags, you need to meet the following criteria:

Skills Assessment:

Cabinetmakers migrating to Australia are required to complete a Cabinetmaker Skills Assessment through Trades Recognition Australia (TRA).

English Language:

Good English skills are vital for work, so you may need to take a test like IELTS. UK and USA Passport holders are exempt.

Health and Character:

You’ll need to pass health and character checks.

Cabinetmaker Skills Assessment

Migration Consultant is proud to work with the worlds most popular Australian TRA Approved Registered Training Organisation (RTO), VETASSESS, who facilitate the technical interviews.

Migration Consultant has a 100% success rate with Cabinetmaker applicants at Skills Assessment Stage.

The Cabinetmaker Skills Assessment is designed to prove to Australian Immigration that a) you are who you say you are and b) that you have the right skills, experience and qualifications to be allowed to Immigrate to Australia as a Cabinetmaker.

A qualified Cabinetmaker migrating to Australia is expected to have the following skills and be able to:

• examine drawings, work orders and sample parts to determine specifications.

• select and working with materials such as timber, veneers, particle board and synthetic wood.

• mark out, cut and shape wood working from drawings and specifications to make furniture.

• make fittings for boats, caravans and other items where fine detail is required.

• assemble parts to form sections of furniture and completed articles
  fitting hinges, locks, catches, drawers and shelves

• make frames for chairs and couches.

• repair and refurbish furniture and antiques.

After successfully completing the Cabinetmaker skills assessment you will receive your Australian Certificate 111 in Cabinetmaking, which will enable you to continue with your application for a Skilled visa.

Migration Consultant work with you to achieve a positive skills assessment and visa application. A professional case processor will assist you at every stage of the application, ensuring you are fully informed and supported throughout the process.

The process is broken up into two stages.

Stage 1

Documentary Assessment for Cabinetmaker – Fee $1,280 (payable to Vetassess)

Migration Consultant will work with you to prepare the necessary documentation for lodgement with the RTO, who will review your training and employment evidence to ensure that you have either:

• 5 years employment experience as a Cabinetmaker with no formal training OR

• 3 years employment experience as a Cabinetmaker with relevant formal training

You need to provide your qualification certificates as proof of formal training, and your employment evidence must include at least 12 months in the last 3 years.

Evidence may include documents such as wage slips, bank statements, employment references and tax returns.

Your Migration Consultant Case Processor will advise you about what exactly is required and prepare these in readiness for assessment.

Stage 2

Technical Skype Interview for Cabinetmaker – Fee $2,000.00 (payable to Vetassess)

This involves a technical interview with VETASSESS. The technical interview takes approximately 2 hours, with the Assessor asking you a range of questions about the skills and knowledge necessary to work in your trade in Australia.

These questions are based on the units listed on the trade Fact Sheet, which Migration Consultant provides you with.

The technical interview will take place in either Edinburgh, London or Manchester and following a successful assessment the RTO will issue you with:

• Skills Assessment Outcome letter

• AQF Level 111 in Carpentry

Our Cabinetmaker Immigration expert will assess your eligibility for a skilled visa before proceeding.

Once your skills have been identified as satisfactory to receive a positive skills assessment, you will be allocated one of our experienced case processors, who will prepare the necessary documentation and guide you through the various stages of the skills assessment application.

Your Migration Consultant case processor will provide check lists and templates as needed, and review and submit the application on your behalf.

Most of the evidence gathered for your skills assessment is also used for your visa application.

Australia Visa options for Cabinetmakers

The role of Cabinetmaker is on the Medium Long Term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL). The following Australia Immigration Visas are available for Cabinetmakers:

• Skilled Independent Visa (subclass 189): For skilled workers without the need for employer or state sponsorship, allowing you to live and work anywhere in Australia.

• Skilled Nominated Visa (subclass 190): If an Australian state or territory nominates you, you can get permanent residency.

• Temporary Skill Shortage Visa (subclass 482): Employers can sponsor you temporarily, often for up to four years. It can lead to permanent residency.

How to apply for an Australian Visa as a Cabinetmaker

After receiving a positive Skills Assessment you are eligible to lodge an Expression of Interest with Australian Immigration.

Expression of Interest (EOI):

Create account with Skillselect

Visit the SkillSelect website (https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/working-in-australia/skillselect) and create an account.

Log in to your SkillSelect account and provide your personal information, including your name and passport information.

Select ‘Cabinetmaker’ from the skilled occupation list relevant to your visa subclass and provide detailed information about your skills, experience and qualifications. At this stage of the online form you will be asked to provide the details of your positive Cabinetmaker Skills Assessment for Australia.

Submit Your Expression of Interest

Once submitted, you can no longer make changes to the EOI, so double-check everything.

Await an Invitation

If your EOI is successful and you meet the criteria, you may receive an invitation to apply for the visa. Invitations are issued based on points score and the needs of the Australian government or state/territory governments.

Apply for the Visa

When you receive an invitation, you have 60 days to apply for the visa. Ensure all documents and supporting evidence are complete and accurate.

Health and Character Checks

Undergo health examinations, including a medical examination and chest X-ray. You also need to provide police clearance certificates from countries where you’ve lived for 12 months or more in the last ten years.

Await Visa Processing

After submitting your visa application, you’ll need to wait for the Department of Home Affairs to process your application.

Visa Grant

If your application is successful, you will receive a visa grant notice.

Relocation and Settlement

Once you receive your visa, you can make arrangements to relocate to Australia.

Begin Your Career in Australia

After arriving in Australia you can start working as a cabinetmaker in your chosen field. Remeber to follow the Immigration rules and comply with all visa conditions.

Job Opportunities for Migrant Cabinetmakers in Australia

Construction: With numerous infrastructure and building projects in the pipeline, cabinetmakers are in high demand.

Furniture Manufacturing: Australia’s love for quality furniture means there’s a thriving market for highly skilled cabinetmakers to create bespoke pieces.

Interior Design: Collaborating with interior designers to bring their visions to life is a rewarding path for cabinetmakers in Australia.

Renovation and Restoration: The renovation industry provides ample opportunities for qualified cabinetmakers to restore and rejuvenate existing structures.

Custom Cabinetry: Crafting custom cabinets and storage solutions is a niche where your Artisanal skills can shine.

Cabinetmaker salaries for new migrants to Australia

Cabinetmaker salaries for new migrants to Australia vary based on factors such as:

• location
• experience
• qualifications
• specific employer

In 2023, the average annual salary for cabinetmakers in Australia ranged from approximately AUD 40,000 to AUD 80,000.

Entry-level cabinetmakers may start at the lower end of the salary scale.

Salaries are higher in major cities like Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane.

Australia has a system of minimum wage regulations. However, cabinetmakers with experience often earn significantly above this minimum wage.