Descriptions
Studies the composition, structure and other physical attributes of the earth to increase scientific knowledge and to develop practical applications in fields such as mineral exploitation, civil engineering, environmental protection and rehabilitation of land after mining.
Job Description
- Conducting preliminary surveys of mineral, petroleum and natural gas deposits with prospectors, Mining Engineers, Metallurgists, and other mineral scientists and engineers
- Preparing and supervising the production of laboratory reports and scientific papers
- Conducting studies of the structure, nature and formation of the earth's crust and the minerals contained in it
- Studying and dating fossils and rock strata to develop knowledge of the evolution and biology of life forms, and to assess their commercial applications
- Studying the effects of natural events, such as erosion, sedimentation, earthquakes and volcanic activity, on the formation of the earth's surface and sea beds
- Carrying out exploration to determine the resources present by sampling, examining and analysing geological specimens, rock cores, cuttings and samples using optical, chemical, electronic and mechanical techniques
- Conducting surveys of variations in the earth's gravitational and magnetic fields to determine its physical features
- Investigating the propagation of seismic waves to determine the structure and stability of the earth's mantle and crust
- Studying the causes of earthquakes and other stress states of the earth's crust
- Performing laboratory and field studies, and aerial, ground and drill hole surveys
Available Visa Types
Common Visa Types

Skilled Nominated visa(subclass 190)

Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa (subclass 491)

Temporary Skill Shortage visa (subclass 482)

Employer Nomination Scheme (subclass 186)

Training visa (subclass 407)
Other Visa Types
489 - Skilled Regional (Provisional) visa (subclass 489) - State or Territory nominated
494 - Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (provisional) (subclass 494) - Employer sponsored stream
Skill Assessment
Class A Group
Group B
Class A Group
Eligibility Assessment
- The declared occupation must be a professional occupation classified under VETASSESS Group A. Each occupation's group and specific criteria are indicated on the "Check my occupation" page.
- A dual assessment of qualifications and employment is required, and both must meet the requirements; employment experience alone cannot compensate for insufficient qualification levels.
Assessment Steps
- Confirm occupation (Nominate an occupation, verify the corresponding Group and specific criteria).
- Submit the Full Skills Assessment online, concurrently providing educational and employment documents.
- Assess educational equivalence and relevance (compare against AQF and determine if "highly relevant").
- Conduct employment assessment (evaluate if skill level, relevance, and duration requirements are met).
- Issue outcome letter (includes Date Deemed Skilled and relevant PTA information).
Assessment Requirements
Education:
- Education Level: At least AQF Bachelor or higher (Bachelor's degree or above).
- Relevance of Field of Study: The qualification must be highly relevant to the nominated occupation.
- The specific meaning of "highly relevant" for each occupation is based on its occupational description and core duties (see individual occupation pages for details).
- (The education level and "highly relevant" requirements for Group A occupations can be seen consistently on each occupation page and the Group A occupation example page; e.g., Geophysicist).
Employment:
- At least 1 year of paid, highly relevant employment at the required skill level within the last 5 years (typically evidence equivalent to full-time, ≥20 hours per week).
- Employment evidence must meet VETASSESS requirements for format and verifiability regarding Employer Statements + Payment Evidence etc. (See official FAQ "Employment Documents" for details).
Language:
- VETASSESS does not set a uniform English language score requirement for "Professional Skills Assessments"; however, the assessment process (materials and communication) is conducted in English. Visa English requirements are determined by the Department of Home Affairs based on the visa subclass.
Documents:
- Education: Degree certificate, academic transcripts; if Chinese qualifications involve CQV, follow the relevant requirements.
- Employment: Employer Statement (Statement of Service) + Payment Evidence (tax records/payslips/bank statements, etc.), must be verifiable and include start/end dates, hours, duties, etc.; self-employment requires additional evidence such as business registration, invoices, and tax documents.
- Proof of Identity, Resume, Signed Declarations, etc. (Refer to the official website guidelines).
Assessing Authorities
- VETASSES
Information Source
https://www.vetassess.com.auSkill Shortages
| Year | AUS | NSW | VIC | QLD | SA | WA | TAS | NT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | S | NS | NS | NS | NS | S | NS | S | NS |
| 2024 | S | NS | S | S | S | S | S | S | S |
| 2023 | S | S | S | S | S | S | S | S | S |
| 2022 | S | S | S | S | S | S | S | S | S |
| 2021 | S | S | S | S | S | S | S | S | S |
Swipe left to see more
Legend:
S
S-ShortageNS
NS-No ShortageR
R-Regional ShortageM
M-Metropolitan Shortage