Life Scientist (General) — Australian Capital Territory Nomination
Canberra Matrix · Canberra
At a glance
- Program
- Canberra Matrix
- Currently open
- Yes (per latest data — verify with state program)
- Capital
- Canberra
- Program notes
- Distinctive Canberra Matrix points-based selection system that scores candidates on residency, employment, English, and qualifications.
Official program page: https://www.act.gov.au/migration
Skills assessment
For Life Scientist (General), the assessing authority for migration purposes is VETASSESS.
Life Scientist (General) in Australian Capital Territory — nomination overview
Life Scientist (General) (ANZSCO 234511) appears on the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL) and is eligible for state nomination in Australian Capital Territory under the ACT Critical Skills program. Skilled migrants with a valid SkillSelect Expression of Interest may be invited to apply once Australian Capital Territory opens invitations for this occupation. The ACT targets critical skills shortages in the public sector, construction, and professional services. Skills assessment from VETASSESS is required, covering qualifications and work experience against Australian occupational standards. Applicants must demonstrate English language proficiency through an approved test and satisfy health and character requirements. Two pathways are available: the Subclass 190 Skilled Nominated visa, granting permanent residence directly, and the Subclass 491 Skilled Work Regional visa, which is provisional and requires three years of regional residence before transitioning to the Subclass 191 permanent visa. State nomination adds five points for Subclass 190 or fifteen points for Subclass 491. Processing in Australian Capital Territory typically takes several weeks to a few months, and visa fees are payable to the Department of Home Affairs. For advice tailored to your individual circumstances, always consult a registered MARA migration agent.
Content last generated: 2026-06-26
Visa pathways for Life Scientist (General)
All visa subclasses this occupation qualifies for, including the Subclass 190 and 491 pathways that Australian Capital Territory nominates.
- 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.
- 482Details →Skills in Demand visa
Employer-sponsored temporary visa (formerly TSS) for occupations on the relevant list.
- 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.