Subclass 189 – Skilled Independent visa (Points-tested stream)
Submitted EOIsAt least 221
Most common submitted EOI points †85 points
Recent invited-status presence<20*
Visa applications lodgedAt least 20
Life Scientists (General) - ANZSCO 234511
Skilled occupation profile
Life Scientists (General)
ANZSCO 234511Life Scientists (General) studies the origin, anatomy, physiology, reproduction and behaviour of living organisms and the ways in which they interact with the environment in which they live.
MLTSSLCSOLSkilled Employer Sponsored Regional Occupations
Recent SkillSelect information
Recent SkillSelect information for Life Scientists (General)
SkillSelect information published for May 2026 provides a historical snapshot of available EOI activity for Life Scientists (General), ANZSCO 234511. Selected published indicators relevant to this occupation are shown below.
Subclass 190 – Skilled Nominated visa
Submitted EOIsAt least 454
Most common submitted EOI points †80 points
Recent invited-status presence<20*
Visa applications lodged<20*
Subclass 491 – Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa – State or Territory nominated
Submitted EOIsAt least 278
Most common submitted EOI points †75 points
Recent invited-status presence<20*
Visa applications lodged<20*
Subclass 491 – Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa – Family Sponsored
Submitted EOIs<20*
Recent invited-status presenceNo published EOIs with invited status appear
* <20: the official source published a small-number value below 20. The exact number is not shown by the official source.
† PointsView-calculated indicator: calculated from the published SkillSelect points distribution where sufficient data is available.
This information gives historical SkillSelect EOI information. It does not predict invitation chances, guarantee visa outcomes, or state a minimum invitation score.
Occupation guide
Occupation details and migration pathways
This guide brings together the key occupation tasks, possible visa pathways and skills assessment information for Life Scientists (General) ANZSCO 234511.
Typical tasks and duties
Life Scientists (General) may perform the following tasks:
- designing and conducting experiments, making observations and measurements, researching information, analysing data, preparing or supervising the preparation of laboratory reports and scientific papers, presenting findings at scientific meetings and conferences, and supervising the work of staff
- studying the forms and structures of bodily organs and tissues by systematic observation, dissection and microscopic examination
- investigating the chemical structure and function of living cells and their isolated components, organs and tissues in humans, animals, plants, and micro-organisms
- examining micro-organisms, such as bacteria, fungi, yeast and their enzymes, and using the knowledge gained to create and develop new, and improve existing, products, materials and processes
- investigating the effects of environmental factors, such as rainfall, temperature, sunlight, soil, topography and disease, on plant growth
- planning and undertaking experiments to study, measure and understand marine animals and plants
- studying the growth and characteristics of micro-organisms, such as bacteria, algae and fungi, and the effects they have on plants, animals and humans to develop medical, veterinary, industrial, environmental and other practical applications
- investigating the interrelationships between animals in their natural surroundings, in captivity and in laboratories
Possible visa pathways
This occupation appears on MLTSSL and CSOL and Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional Occupations. The right visa pathway depends on factors such as your age, English level, qualifications, work experience, skills assessment, points score, nomination options and employer sponsorship.
Skilled Independent visa subclass 189A permanent skilled visa for invited applicants who may be able to apply without state, territory or employer sponsorship.Skilled Nominated visa subclass 190A permanent skilled visa for applicants nominated by an Australian state or territory government.Skilled Work Regional visa subclass 491A provisional regional skilled visa for applicants nominated by a state or territory or sponsored by an eligible family member.Skills in Demand visa subclass 482A temporary employer-sponsored visa for skilled workers where an Australian employer cannot find a suitably skilled Australian worker.Employer Nomination Scheme visa subclass 186A permanent employer-sponsored visa for skilled workers nominated by an Australian employer.Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional visa subclass 494A provisional regional employer-sponsored visa for skilled workers sponsored by an employer in regional Australia.
Skills assessment
For skilled migration purposes, Life Scientists (General) usually requires a suitable skills assessment. Relevant assessing authorities may include:
Additional occupation-specific assessment information
Life Scientists is classified as Group A occupations by Vetassess. The criteria for skills assessment of Group A occupations is to hold qualification(s) assessed at Australian Bachelor degree or higher degree with a highly relevant field of study and at least one year of post-qualification highly relevant employment in the last five years.
Legacy subclass 187 pathway
Do you currently hold, or have you previously held, a subclass 457 or 482 visa?
If you have worked for a sponsoring employer in regional Australia, please note that Life Scientists (General) — ANZSCO 234511 was included in the legacy Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme (subclass 187) occupation list. The subclass 187 Direct Entry stream is closed to new applications, but the Temporary Residence Transition stream may remain available to certain transitional subclass 457 and subclass 482 workers. Eligibility is limited and depends on your visa history, relevant dates, sponsored regional employment, employer nomination, age, English and other requirements. Being included on this occupation list does not establish eligibility.
If this may describe your circumstances, we can assess whether the subclass 187 transitional arrangements may still apply to you.
Check your options
Check your skilled migration options
If Life Scientists (General) is your nominated occupation, complete our skilled visa assessment form so we can review your possible migration pathways.
PointsView report available
Life Scientists (General) historical SkillSelect report
The current PointsView report includes historical SkillSelect data through June 2026 for ANZSCO 234511.
View report detailsPurchase full report
Historical information does not predict invitations, visa outcomes or migration eligibility.
Reviewed by Principal Migration Consultant
Reviewed by Mohammad Reza Azimi
This occupation page has been reviewed for migration context by Shada Migration Services. Mohammad has assisted clients with Australian migration matters since 2009 and holds a Graduate Certificate in Migration Law from the Australian National University.
Last reviewed: July 2026
