Environmental Scientists nec — Subclass 482 Pathway
Skills in Demand visa · 1-4 years (Specialist Skills, Core Skills, or Essential Skills stream)
At a glance
- Visa
- Subclass 482 — Skills in Demand visa
- Points test
- Not points-tested
- Sponsor
- Employer sponsor required
- Eligibility list
- MLTSSLSTSOLROLCSOL
- Base fee
- from $1,455 short-term / from $3,035 medium-term (check immi.gov.au for current fee)
- Processing time
- ~1-4 months (median)
Skills assessment for this occupation
Assessing Environmental Scientists nec for migration purposes is handled by: VETASSESS.
Skills assessment is only required for some occupation/passport combinations — the assessing body is the same one listed for the ANZSCO code.
Environmental Scientists nec × Subclass 482 — pathway overview
Environmental Scientist (nec)s (ANZSCO 234399) qualify for the Subclass 482 Skills in Demand visa, Australia's primary employer-sponsored temporary skilled migration pathway. This occupation is listed on the relevant skilled occupation list, enabling approved sponsors to nominate candidates for positions that cannot be filled locally. The Subclass 482 is not points-tested. An approved employer must nominate the applicant, complete labour market testing, and demonstrate genuine need. The visa can be granted for up to four years depending on stream. A skills assessment from the Australian Institute of Agricultural Science and Technology (AIAST) is required before nomination, verifying that the applicant meets Australian standards for Environmental Scientist (nec)s, who covers environmental scientists not elsewhere classified, including ecologists, hydrologists, and atmospheric scientists; assessed on specialisation and industry relevance. Competent English applies, with a minimum IELTS 5.0 or equivalent for most streams. No upper age limit applies. Government fees are approximately AUD 3,115 for the primary applicant. Processing takes two to six months. Eligible visa holders may pursue permanent residence via the Subclass 186 TRT stream after two years. 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 482. Verify every requirement on immi.gov.au before applying.
- Nominated by an approved Australian sponsor
- Position pays at least the relevant Core Skills Income Threshold
- At least one year of relevant work experience in the nominated occupation
- Positive skills assessment if required for the occupation/passport combination
- Vocational English (IELTS 5.0 in each component or equivalent)
- Health and character requirements
Other visa pathways for Environmental Scientists nec
- 186Details →Employer Nomination Scheme visa
Permanent employer-sponsored visa for workers nominated by an approved sponsor.
- 189Details →Skilled Independent visa
Permanent points-tested visa for workers not sponsored by an employer, family member, or state.
- 190Details →Skilled Nominated visa
Permanent visa for workers nominated by a state or territory government.
- 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.
- 494Details →Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional visa
Five-year employer-sponsored provisional visa in regional Australia, with a path to PR.
State nominations for Environmental Scientists nec
States currently nominating this occupation — see the dedicated pages for state-specific criteria.