Physicist — 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 Physicist for migration purposes is handled by: VETASSESS, ACPSEM.
Each occupation has a single designated assessing authority for migration purposes — refer to the occupation page for the body that assesses it.
Physicist × Subclass 190 — pathway overview
Physicist (ANZSCO 234914) is eligible for the Subclass 190 Skilled Nominated visa, a permanent points-tested pathway requiring nomination from an Australian state or territory government. The occupation's inclusion on state-managed skilled occupation lists reflects demand for qualified Physicists across various Australian jurisdictions. Applicants must submit an Expression of Interest via SkillSelect and receive a state or territory nomination, which contributes five additional points to the overall score. A skills assessment from Australian Institute of Physics (AIP) is required to confirm competency in physics and physical sciences. Key requirements include meeting the minimum points threshold (competitive rounds often demand considerably higher scores), being under 45 years of age at invitation, demonstrating competent English language ability (IELTS 6 or equivalent), and satisfying health and character requirements. Nominee obligations typically include residing and working in the nominating state for a specified period. Permanent residency is granted upon visa approval. 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 Physicist
- 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.
- 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.
State nominations for Physicist
States currently nominating this occupation — see the dedicated pages for state-specific criteria.