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1. Do I need a job offer before applying for a visa?
For employer-sponsored visas, yes – you must have a genuine job offer from an approved Australian business.
2. What is the most common visa for veterinarians and nurses coming to Australia?
The most common visa is the Skills in Demand Visa (Subclass 482). It allows you to work in Australia for up to four years and can lead to permanent residency.
3. Can my family come with me?
Yes. You can include your partner and dependent children in your visa application. Your family members can live, work, and study in Australia while you are sponsored.
4. Can the Skills in Demand visa lead to permanent residency?
Yes. Many veterinarians and vet nurses progress from a Subclass 482 visa to the Employer Nomination Scheme (Subclass 186) permanent visa.
5. I noticed the occupation lists have recently changed, can I still come to Australia as a veterinarian or vet nurse?
Yes. Veterinarians and Veterinary Nurses remain in strong demand across Australia, and employer-sponsored visas continue to be one of the most reliable pathways into the country for both occupations.
6. Is my veterinary qualification recognised in Australia?
Your veterinary degree must be listed on the Australasian Veterinary Boards Council (AVBC) recognised qualifications list. If it is listed, you may proceed directly to registration (subject to English Language Requirements / Character / Health).
7. What if my veterinary degree is not recognised?
You must complete the Australasian Veterinary Examination (AVE), which includes:
Only after passing can you apply for registration in an Australian state or territory.
8. Do veterinary nurses need registration?
Only in Western Australia. Vet nurses there must hold a Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing to be registered. No registration is currently required in other states.
9. Do I need English language testing?
Yes, unless you hold a passport from the UK, Ireland, USA, Canada, or New Zealand. Otherwise, the requirement is typically 5 in each band of the IELTS test (or equivalent).
10. How does employer sponsorship work?
The employer must:
You cannot apply for the Skills in Demand Visa independently, you need to be sponsored by an employer.
11. What is the minimum salary I need to earn to qualify?
The nominated salary must meet the Temporary Skilled Migration Income Threshold (Currently $76,515 – Indexed Annually) as well as Australia’s market salary rate requirements.
12. How much experience do I need?
You need at least one year of full-time, relevant experience within the last five years.
13. Is there an age limit?
14. Can I change employers?
Yes, but your new employer must become an approved sponsor and lodge a new nomination within the required timeframe.
15. What happens if my employment ends?
You generally have up to 180 days to secure a new sponsor.
16. What are my options for permanent Residency?
Subclass 186 – Employer Nomination Scheme
Two pathways:
17. Can I work as a veterinarian while my registration is pending?
No. You must hold valid registration before practising.
18. How long does the visa process take?
It varies depending on:
Processing times once the application is lodged can take 4-6 months
19. Can someone assist me with the process?
Yes. Vetvisa provide end-to-end sponsorship and migration support including:
If you have any other questions, ask them in the comments section below as we’re always happy to help.
Priscilla is driven by her passion for facilitating the immigration journey, specifically for the veterinary industry. She not only aids veterinarians and vet nurses aspiring to call Australia home, but she has a keen focus on working alongside veterinary practices to provide expert advice in helping scale their teams by accessing global talent pools. Fluent in Portuguese, Priscilla ensures effective communication and support for individuals from diverse linguistic backgrounds, further enhancing her ability to cater to the needs of her clientele.
Connect with Priscilla:
The numbers paint a strong picture of demand, but they don’t reflect the reality inside most veterinary practices Australia has 3,793 veterinary businesses right now. The industry is valued at $5.7 billion AUD. Pet ownership sits at a generational high, with 69% of...
