Earth Science Technician — 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 Earth Science Technician 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.
Earth Science Technician × Subclass 482 — pathway overview
Earth Science Technician (ANZSCO 311412) qualifies for the Subclass 482 Skills in Demand visa, enabling mining, resources, and environmental companies to sponsor skilled earth science technicians on a temporary basis when Australian candidates are unavailable. An approved employer sponsor must provide a genuine position and hold Standard Business Sponsorship. A skills assessment from the appropriate geoscience or earth sciences body is required to verify qualifications and practical field experience. English language proficiency must be confirmed through an accepted test. The Subclass 482 visa is typically granted for two to four years. Eligible holders may transition to permanent residency through the Subclass 186 after completing three years of qualifying employment. Health and character requirements apply, and employers must pay salary at Australian market rates. 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 Earth Science Technician
- 186Details →Employer Nomination Scheme visa
Permanent employer-sponsored visa for workers nominated by an approved sponsor.
- 190Details →Skilled Nominated visa
Permanent visa for workers nominated by a state or territory government.
- 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 Earth Science Technician
States currently nominating this occupation — see the dedicated pages for state-specific criteria.