Forester / Forest Scientist — Subclass 190 Pathway
Skilled Nominated visa · Permanent
At a glance
- Visa
- Subclass 190 — Skilled Nominated visa
- Points test
- Yes — points-tested via SkillSelect
- Sponsor
- State / territory nomination required
- Eligibility list
- MLTSSLSTSOLCSOL
- Base fee
- from $4,640 (check immi.gov.au for current fee)
- Processing time
- ~8-14 months (median)
Skills assessment for this occupation
Assessing Forester / Forest Scientist for migration purposes is handled by: VETASSESS.
Each occupation has a single designated assessing authority for migration purposes — refer to the occupation page for the body that assesses it.
Forester / Forest Scientist × Subclass 190 — pathway overview
Foresters and Forest Scientists (ANZSCO 234113) are eligible for the Subclass 190 Skilled Nominated visa, a permanent residence visa requiring state or territory government nomination. This occupation is listed on the MLTSSL, enabling access to state-sponsored permanent skilled migration. Applicants must lodge an EOI through SkillSelect and await a state nomination invitation. States with significant forestry industries such as Tasmania, Victoria, Western Australia, and Queensland may include Forester and Forest Scientist occupations in their nomination programs. State nomination adds five bonus points to the total. Skill assessment through AIAST or the relevant assessing body is mandatory. Applicants must hold relevant qualifications and demonstrate professional experience in forest management, silviculture, timber harvesting, conservation management, or fire ecology. Competent English is required at minimum. Government fees are approximately AUD 4,640 for primary applicants, with state nomination fees in addition. Processing runs six to twelve months from invitation. For advice tailored to your individual circumstances, always consult a registered MARA migration agent.
Content last generated: 2026-06-26
Key requirements
High-level criteria for Subclass 190. Verify every requirement on immi.gov.au before applying.
- Under 45 years of age at invitation
- Competent English (IELTS 6 or equivalent)
- Positive skills assessment in a nominated occupation on a state list
- State or territory nomination (each state runs its own program)
- Commitment to live and work in the nominating state
- Health and character requirements
Other visa pathways for Forester / Forest Scientist
- 189Details →Skilled Independent visa
Permanent points-tested visa for workers not sponsored by an employer, family member, or state.
- 485Details →Temporary Graduate visa
Post-study work visa for recent graduates of Australian qualifications.
- 491Details →Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa
Five-year provisional visa for workers willing to live and work in regional Australia.
State nominations for Forester / Forest Scientist
States currently nominating this occupation — see the dedicated pages for state-specific criteria.