Which body issues the skills assessment for ANZSCO 234516?

VETASSESS is the assessing authority for Marine Biologist under code 234516. It assesses whether your qualification is comparable to the required Australian qualification level and is in a field highly relevant to the occupation, and whether your paid employment is at the required skill level and closely related.

Which occupation lists include Marine Biologist?

Our current data places 234516 on the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL) and the Core Skills Occupation List (CSOL). This links to visa subclasses 189, 190, 491, 482, 186, 494, 485 and 407. Lists change, so EMC Australia confirms the position at the time you apply.

What evidence helps a Marine Biologist (234516) skills assessment?

Prepare marine biology qualifications plus research or survey work on marine organisms. Reference letters should describe duties such as: survey marine species and habitats by diving, trawling and remote sensing.

My job title isn't exactly 'Marine Biologist'. Can I still use 234516?

Yes, if your actual duties match. Assessors look at what you did — for Marine Biologist, that means work centred on marine organisms and ocean ecosystems — rather than your employer's title. If your duties fit a neighbouring code in unit group 2345 better, nominate that instead.

Where do Marine Biologists (234516) work in Australia?

Marine Biologists are commonly employed by AIMS, CSIRO marine research, marine park authorities, universities and environmental consultancies. Regional employers may also open 491 or 494 options for 234516.

EMC Australia / Occupations / ANZSCO 234516

Marine Biologist 234516

Yes. Marine Biologist (234516) can be used for an Australian visa. It is on the MLTSSL and CSOL. VETASSESS is the assessing authority. The stored subclasses are 189, 190, 491, 482, 186, 494, 485 and 407.

Marine Biologist (234516): Study the origin, anatomy, physiology, reproduction and behaviour of living organisms.

ANZSCO 234516 covers the Marine Biologist occupation: professionals focused on marine organisms and ocean ecosystems. Classified under Life Scientists (2345) at ANZSCO Skill Level 1, it is assessed by VETASSESS. Below, EMC Australia explains how Marine Biologists can turn their experience into an Australian visa pathway. See how this occupation can connect to points-tested skilled visas, state nomination and employer sponsorship — including a VETASSESS skills assessment.

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ANZSCO

234516

Assessing authority

VETASSESS

Occupation lists

MLTSSL · CSOL

Industry

Engineering & technology

Can this occupation migrate?

Potentially — if the list, the assessment and the rest of the profile fit.

Marine Biologist can be relevant to skilled and employer-sponsored pathways. Your actual options depend on age, English, qualifications, work history, the skills assessment, points, state nomination, and whether an employer can sponsor the position. A place on a list is not a grant.

Potential visa pathways

Start with the pathway type, not only the subclass.

Points-tested

For skilled applicants who may qualify on occupation, skills assessment, points and invitation.

Employer-sponsored

For applicants with an Australian employer willing and able to sponsor an eligible position.

Other pathways

These are the other subclasses stored for this occupation.

State nomination

Lists change. We check this year’s program.

Whether Marine Biologist is open for 190 or 491 depends on the state, the stream, and the month. NSW, Victoria, Queensland, South Australia, Western Australia, Tasmania, the ACT and the Northern Territory each run their own program. Occupation-specific status is checked against the current list — not a screenshot from last year.

EOI and state nomination

NSWclosed
VICclosed
QLDclosedFar North Queensland
SAunavailable
WAnot announced
TASopen
ACTnot announced
NTclosed

Skills assessment

Skills assessment for Marine Biologist

The assessment tests whether your qualification and work match this nominated occupation. VETASSESS is the usual authority. Confirm it on the current Home Affairs list before you apply. A suitable outcome is generally required before a points-tested EOI.

VETASSESS

How skills assessments work

Points and other factors

The occupation is only the starting point.

Age

Points sit in set age bands. Confirm the current test before you claim a number.

English

Competent English is the usual baseline. Proficient or superior English can add points.

Skilled employment

Work in the nominated or closely related occupation can add points. Dates have to survive a skills assessment.

Qualifications

Recognised qualifications can add points. The assessing authority decides comparability.

Australian study and partner

Australian study, specialist education, partner skills or community language may add points.

Nomination

State nomination (190) or regional nomination (491) can add points. 189 has neither.

Points calculator

Occupation match

Is Marine Biologist the right code?

Nominate the work you actually do, not the job title on a card. Confirm the official ANZSCO description before you pay for an assessment.

Survey marine species and habitats by diving, trawling and remote sensing
Study coral reef, seagrass and pelagic ecosystems
Assess impacts of fishing, pollution and climate change on marine life
Analyse samples and data in marine laboratories
Advise on marine park zoning and environmental approvals

Questions

Before you start an assessment

VETASSESS is the assessing authority for Marine Biologist under code 234516. It assesses whether your qualification is comparable to the required Australian qualification level and is in a field highly relevant to the occupation, and whether your paid employment is at the required skill level and closely related.

Related occupations

Roles often confused with this one.

These are similar job titles. The visa list and skills assessment still depend on the code that matches the work you do.

Not sure which pathway fits.

Tell us the occupation, the assessment if you have one, and where you are willing to live. We will say whether 189, 190, 491 or an employer visa is worth the next fee.