Are you a skilled bricklayer dreaming of a new life Down Under? Australia’s robust construction industry and growing demand for tradespeople make it an attractive destination for professionals like you. With state and territory nomination programs offering pathways to permanent residency, now’s the perfect time to explore your options. In this blog, we’ll break down the opportunities for bricklayers (ANZSCO 331111) across Australia’s regions as of March 25, 2025, and show you how to turn your skills into a ticket to a sun-soaked future.

Why Australia Needs Bricklayers

Australia’s construction sector is booming, fueled by infrastructure projects, housing demands, and urban development. Bricklayers are in high demand, featuring on skilled occupation lists across multiple states and territories. Whether you’re laying foundations in Canberra or building homes in regional Victoria, your expertise is a hot commodity. Let’s dive into the specifics of each region’s nomination programs for Subclass 190 (permanent residency) and Subclass 491 (provisional regional visa) to see where you can make your mark.

Australian Capital Territory (ACT): Open for Business

Status: Open
Bricklayer on ACT Critical Skills List: Yes

The ACT, home to Australia’s capital, Canberra, is actively seeking bricklayers. The state’s nomination program is open, and the latest Canberra Matrix invitation rounds show a clear pathway for skilled tradespeople.

• Subclass 190 (Permanent Residency): 
  • Live in Canberra for at least 6 months before applying.
  • Work in Canberra for 26 weeks in a relevant role (hourly/earnings requirements apply).
  • Have “Proficient” or “Superior” English (exemptions for certain skill levels).
• Subclass 491 (Provisional Regional Visa): 
  • Live in Canberra for 3 months and work for 13 weeks.
  • “Competent” English is sufficient.
• Overseas Applicants: 
  • Three years of full-time, post-graduate bricklaying experience in the last five years.
  • Research the ACT job market to ensure employability.
  • Sufficient settlement funds required.

Pro Tip: The Doctorate Streamlined pathway won’t apply to bricklayers, but if you’re already in Canberra, the residency stream is straightforward and welcoming.

New South Wales (NSW): A Mixed Bag

Status: Open (Subclass 491 Pathway 1 Closed as of Jan 24, 2025)
Bricklayer on NSW Skills Lists: Yes

NSW, including bustling Sydney and its regional hubs, offers opportunities, though Pathway 1 for Subclass 491 is currently closed.

• Subclass 190: 
  • Live in NSW (or offshore) for 6 months continuously.
  • Your occupation must align with an ANZSCO Unit Group on the NSW Skills List.
• Subclass 491: 
  • Pathway 1 (Closed): Requires 6 months of work with a regional NSW employer (revisit in 2025-26).
  • Pathway 2: Invitation-based, highly competitive, with 3 months residency in NSW or offshore.
  • Pathway 3: For recent regional NSW graduates (not typically applicable to bricklayers unless you’ve studied there).

Pro Tip: If you’re offshore, Pathway 2 could be your shot—just be ready to stand out in a competitive pool.

Northern Territory (NT): On Pause

Status: Suspended (Reopens 2025-26)
Bricklayer on NTOMOL: Yes

The NT’s program is currently suspended after hitting its 2024-25 allocation, but exceptions exist for onshore applicants with expiring visas or age limits approaching.

• Subclass 190 (NT Residents): 
  • Live in the NT for 2 years with full-time work in bricklaying for the same period.
• Subclass 491 (Offshore): 
  • Two years of post-qualification bricklaying experience in the last five years.
  • Evidence of financial capacity and commitment to the NT.

Pro Tip: If you’re already in the NT, act fast before July 1, 2025, to leverage the exception. Otherwise, plan for the 2025-26 reopening.

Queensland (QLD): Wide Open

Status: Open
Bricklayer on Skilled List: Yes

Queensland’s sunny shores and growing construction sector make it a prime spot for bricklayers.

• Subclass 190: 
  • Live and work in QLD for 6 months (30 hrs/week in bricklaying).
  • 65+ points on the points test and Competent English.
• Subclass 491: 
  • 3 months residency and work in regional QLD.
• Offshore Applicants: 
  • Five years of skilled bricklaying experience.
  • Commit to 2 years (190) or 3 years in regional QLD (491).

Pro Tip: Construction is a priority industry here—your skills align perfectly with QLD’s needs.

South Australia (SA): Welcoming Trades

Status: Open
Bricklayer on Skilled Occupation List: Yes

SA’s program is open, with a focus on skilled employment and regional growth.

• Skilled Employment Stream: 
  • Live and work in SA for 12 months (30 hrs/week in bricklaying).
  • 65 points minimum.
• Outer Regional Stream: 
  • 9 months in outer regional SA with current employment.
• Offshore:
  • Three years of bricklaying experience in the last five years (one year in the last three for trades).

Pro Tip: SA assesses merit based on experience and English—polish your resume and IELTS score!

Tasmania (TAS): Trade-Friendly

Status: Open (Subclass 491 Job Offer Pathway Closed)
Bricklayer on TOSOL/OSOP: Yes

Tasmania’s quaint charm comes with a strong demand for bricklayers.

• Subclass 190 (Tasmanian Skilled Employment): 
  • 6 months employment in a related role (15 months if not on TOSOL).
• Subclass 491 (Overseas OSOP): 
  • Invitation-only pathway (currently closed for job offers).

Pro Tip: If you’re onshore, the Skilled Employment pathway is your best bet.

Victoria (VIC): Construction Boom

Status: Open
Bricklayer Prioritized: Yes (Construction Trades List)

Victoria’s construction trade focus makes bricklayers a priority.

• Subclass 190: 
  • No minimum work requirement, but employment in Victoria boosts your ROI.
• Subclass 491: 
  • Work in regional Victoria (no minimum hours) or be offshore with construction skills.

Pro Tip: Bricklaying is explicitly prioritized—submit a strong ROI to get noticed.

Western Australia (WA): Opportunity Awaits

Status: Open
Bricklayer on WASMOL Schedule 2/GOL: Yes

WA’s vast landscapes need bricklayers, especially in trades.

• General Stream (Schedule 2): 
  • Competent English and a 6-month job contract (for 190).
• Graduate Stream: 
  • Two years of study in WA (Cert III+), if applicable.

Pro Tip: Trades often require Australian qualifications—check licensing needs.

Your Next Steps

Australia’s doors are open for bricklayers, but each region has its quirks. Research your target state, polish your English, and gather proof of your experience. Whether you’re laying bricks in Canberra’s suburbs or Tasmania’s coastal towns, your skills can build more than just walls—they can build your future. Ready to start? Check the latest state nomination portals and get your Registration of Interest in today!

What’s your dream Australian destination? Let me know in the comments—I’d love to help you plan your move!