Applying for HVAC Jobs in Australia (Important Information for Overseas Technicians)
We frequently receive questions from international technicians looking to migrate to Australia and work in the HVAC industry. Below is some guidance to help clarify the process.
Licensing & Regulations
Working in the Australian HVAC sector requires strict compliance with ARCtick regulations:
Australia treats refrigeration and air conditioning as a licensed trade. This means:
You must hold the correct ARCtick licence to legally handle refrigerants.
Overseas qualifications are not automatically recognised.
A skills assessment is required for most visa pathways.
Employers generally need technicians who are already licensed before they can work independently.
Job Application Pathways
For international candidates, the most practical starting point is to apply through major job platforms:
Company career pages (mechanical contractors, HVAC service companies, BMS integrators, etc.)
If an employer is interested, they may choose to offer sponsorship, which is normally required to support visa applications for skilled workers.
Visa & Sponsorship
To work legally in Australia, overseas HVAC technicians usually need:
A visa that allows skilled employment
A successful trade skills assessment
To complete Australian licensing requirements after arrival
Sponsorship from an employer (for most pathways)
Summary
Breaking into the HVAC industry in Australia from overseas can be challenging due to licensing, regulation, and visa requirements. However, many technicians have successfully made the transition by securing sponsorship and completing the required assessments.
If you are applying from overseas, use reputable job sites, be prepared for the licensing process, and ensure you understand ARCtick compliance.
