Australian PR for Veterinarians
If you are a Veterinarian looking to migrate to Australia, you are looking at one of the country's most in-demand professions. With severe skill shortages-particularly in regional areas and agricultural sectors: Veterinary surgeons find themselves in a strong position when it comes to skilled migration. While the Department of Home Affairs doesn't publish exact point cutoffs for every round, being in a critical healthcare role often translates to a smoother pathway than many general professional occupations.
Subclass 189
Skilled Independent
Because Veterinarian sits on the MLTSSL, you are eligible for the 189 visa. This highly coveted visa allows you to live and work anywhere in Australia without state restrictions.
→ Subclass 189 guideSubclass 190
State Nominated (+5 pts)
A fantastic option if you need an extra 5 points or want to increase your chances. State nomination lists often feature Veterinarians due to local shortages.
→ Subclass 190 guideSubclass 491
Regional (+15 pts)
If you are happy to settle in a regional area-where veterinary skills are desperately needed-this visa grants you a massive 15-point boost.
→ Subclass 491 guideComparing the Three Visa Pathways
| Feature | Subclass 189 | Subclass 190 | Subclass 491 |
|---|
| Nomination bonus | +0 points | +5 points | +15 points |
| Occupation list | MLTSSL | MLTSSL | MLTSSL |
| Primary assessing body | AVBC | AVBC | AVBC |
| Historical cutoffs | Not regularly published by Home Affairs; heavily dependent on round size. |
Point requirements change with every invitation round depending on the applicant pool and government priorities. Always aim for the highest score possible.
→ See our monthly invitation round tracker for latest resultsSkills Assessment via the AVBC
Before you can even submit an Expression of Interest (EOI), you must hold a valid and positive skills assessment.
Veterinarians are assessed by the Australasian Veterinary Boards Council (AVBC).
Crucial Distinction: A migration skills assessment is separate from your professional registration to practise. However, the two are closely linked.
To receive a positive skills assessment from the AVBC, you generally need to show that you hold full registration (without conditions) with an Australian state or territory veterinary registration board.
| Assessing body | Australasian Veterinary Boards Council (AVBC) |
| Official portal | avbc.asn.au |
| Processing time | Typically up to 5 weeks (check AVBC for current times) |
| English requirement | Typically IELTS 7.0 in all bands or equivalent |
| Validity | Valid for 3 years from the date of issue |
⚠ Warning: Your skills assessment must remain valid at the time you RECEIVE your Invitation to Apply-not just when you submit your EOI. If your assessment is approaching expiry, apply for renewal before your EOI lapses.
State Nomination Options
State nomination adds +5 points (190) or +15 points (491), making it a powerful strategy for boosting your score.
| State | Availability Status | Action Required |
|---|
| NSW, VIC, QLD, WA, SA, TAS, ACT, NT | Frequently included on priority healthcare lists, but subject to quotas and periodic updates. | Check the specific state's migration portal for current availability and any additional work experience or residency requirements. |
Because migration programmes are highly dynamic, a state may open or close its doors to certain occupations throughout the financial year depending on their allocated quotas. Regional locations typically have a more acute need for veterinary services, often making the 491 visa an excellent fallback option.
How to Improve Your Score
If you want to strengthen your profile in SkillSelect, focus on these high-impact areas.
1. English Proficiency
Moving from Proficient (IELTS 7.0/PTE 65) to Superior (IELTS 8.0/PTE 79) gives you a massive 10-point jump. It's often the fastest way to become more competitive.
→ English points guide2. State Nomination (190)
Securing state nomination not only gives you 5 extra points, but states also have their own invitation rounds, effectively giving you two chances to be invited.
→ 190 visa guide3. Regional Sponsorship (491)
Committing to live and work in a regional area provides 15 points. Given the rural demand for vets, this can be an incredibly viable pathway.
→ 491 visa guide| Strategy | Points Gained | Time Required | Reform Risk |
|---|
| Superior English (if currently at Proficient) | +10 | 2-6 months | Low |
| State nomination (190) | +5 | Varies | Low |
| Regional sponsorship (491) | +15 | Varies | Low |
| Australian work experience (1 more year) | +5 | 1 year | Low |
| NAATI CCL (if bilingual) | +5 | 3-6 months | Medium |
How Might the Points Test Reform Affect Veterinarians?
⚠ The points test reform is currently only proposed-not legislated. The existing Schedule 6D system remains fully in effect.
The government has proposed significant overhauls to the skilled migration system, including a new Core Skills Occupation List (CSOL). As healthcare professionals, Veterinarians are generally considered a priority sector. While we cannot predict the exact mechanics of any new points test, occupations addressing critical nationwide shortages typically maintain robust migration pathways.
→ Learn more about the proposed points test reform