March 12, 2019

Skills Assessments for Scientist Through VETASSESS

VETASSESS assess general professional occupations. It is an assessment body that can oversee the skills assessment for science occupations. In this article, we will discuss science occupations in group A. Science occupations in group A includes;

  • 234511 Life Scientist (General)
  • 234513 Biochemist
  • 234514 Biotechnologist
  • 234515 Botanist
  • 234516 Marine Biologist
  • 234517 Microbiologist
  • 234518 Zoologist
  • 234599 Life Scientists nec
Requirements

Science occupations in group A are under skill level 1 in ANZSCO (Australia and New Zealand Standard Classification of Occupations). Under this, applicants must have:

  1. A bachelor degree or higher degree; and
  2. One-year experience in post-graduate employment in the last five years.

Both the degree and the experience must be highly relevant to the nominated occupation.

What does it mean by ‘highly relevant employment’?

For employment to be highly relevant, your employment must be;

  • Paid, meaning volunteer work will not be included; and
  • Least 20 hours per week; and
  • Match the tasks usually undertaken by an Australian in a similar occupation.
Tasks include:

Tasks in your employment must match the tasks usually undertaken by an Australian in a similar occupation. ANZSCO provides a list of skills needed for the science occupations:

The list below is taken directly from the ANZSCO site

  • “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 laboratories.”

If your role did not cover the majority of the task listed above, then, unfortunately, you will not satisfy the second requirement under ANZSCO.

Here is an example.

Let’s imagine Daniel had studied a Bachelor of Science, majoring in biochemistry at the National University of Singapore. He had worked for four years as an Enzyme Chemist after completing his degree. But Daniel wants to explore the world and decides that he wants to travel to Australia. So, he applies for a state sponsorship 190 via with the Northern Territory. As a result, he nominates as an enzyme chemist as his occupation. He will need a suitable skills assessment to be eligible. This is where the VETASSESS comes. His degree and experience meet the VETASSESS criteria above and as a result, he was successful in the skills assessment. He can now move to the next step and apply for the 190 visa. Daniel’s visa was approved, and he can gain work experience in the Northern Territory.

Are you looking to apply for skilled occupations under a science occupation and want to have a story like Daniel?  As you can see, there are many requirements which are unique to this visa. We understand that it might be quite complicated and are here to help. Call +61 2 8054 2537, 0434 890 199 or book online today to speak to our migration specialists.

Zoe He