Residency boon for the trades, but at a cost.
On 18 August 2025, the median wage under residence policy, and the number of occupations on the green list, are set to increase.
- The median wage will increase from $31.61 per hour to $33.56 per hour. This increase will have a flow on effect on the pay thresholds that apply for certain occupations.
- 10 new occupations will also be added to the Green List, which are set out below, with their corresponding requirements.
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Occupation
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Pay rate
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Paving Plant Operator |
Must be paid an hourly rate of 1.15 x the median wage ($38.59 based on the new median wage) for 24 months prior to submission. |
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Panel Beater |
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Vehicle Painter |
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Occupation
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Pay rate
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Metal Fabricator |
Must be paid an hourly rate of 1.3x the median wage ($44.63 based on the new median wage) for 24 months prior to submission. |
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Pressure Welder |
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Welder |
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Fitter |
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Fitter-Welder |
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Metal Machinist |
To be eligible to recognise experience in one of these roles as counting towards the 24-month “work to residence” timeframe for a Green List Tier 2 occupation, you must have been paid at or above the pay threshold noted against the occupation (1.15 or 1.3 x the applicable median wage) at the time the claimed work experience started being accrued. You do not need to meet any increase in the threshold that occurs after that point, unless you change your employment. You will need to meet any increased threshold that is in place at the time the residence application is filed.
The 24 months of recognised experience must have been completed within the 30 months prior to submitting your application.
If you require assistance in determining your eligibility to pursue residence through work in one of the above occupations, or if you need to ascertain how the above changes may affect you, please contact us.