Veterinary Registration
AVBC — The Gateway to Registration
The Australasian Veterinary Boards Council (AVBC) manages the recognition of overseas veterinary qualifications across all Australian states and territories. Registration is administered by each state/territory board, but they all use the AVBC framework.
Pathway 1 — Recognised Qualification
If your degree appears on the AVBC Qualifications Generally Recognised list (updated December 2025):
- • Apply directly to the state/territory board where you intend to work
- • Provide proof of registration/good standing from your home country
- • English language proficiency may be required
- • No AVE exam required
Pathway 2 — AVE Exam Required
If your degree is not on the recognised list, you must sit the Australasian Veterinary Examination (AVE):
- • Apply for AVE eligibility assessment via AVBC
- • Step 1: Multiple Choice Questions (MCQ) exam
- • Step 2: Clinical examination
- • On passing, apply to state/territory board for registration
AVE places 2026: Eligibility applications for the 2026 MCQ examination are currently fully allocated. Monitor the AVBC website for future application windows.
AVE Eligibility Requirements
Academic Requirements
- Minimum 4-year primary veterinary qualification
- Veterinary school must appear on the AVMA ECFVG-listed Colleges of the World or the World List of Universities
- Registered or eligible to be recognised as a vet of good professional standing in your home country
English Language Standards
Required unless degree was taught and assessed entirely in English. Accepted tests (results within 3 years):
- OET: Grade B or higher in all sections
- IELTS Academic: Band 7 in each section
- TOEFL iBT: 24 listening, 24 reading, 27 writing, 23 speaking
Temporary Work Visa — Subclass 482
Skills in Demand Visa (Subclass 482)
The Subclass 482 Skills in Demand (SID) visa replaced the former Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) visa in December 2024. Veterinarians (ANZSCO 234711) are listed on the Core Skills Occupation List, making them eligible for employer-sponsored temporary work in Australia.
Key Requirements
- Job offer from an approved Australian sponsor employer
- Minimum 1 year of relevant work experience
- Full veterinary registration with an Australian state/territory board
- Competent English proficiency (IELTS, PTE, or TOEFL)
- Health and character checks
Key Details
- Visa duration: up to 4 years
- Minimum salary: AUD 76,515/year (rising to AUD 79,499 from 1 July 2026)
- Spouse and dependent children can accompany on same visa
- Pathway to permanent residency after 2 years via Subclass 186
- Employer must demonstrate they could not fill the role locally
Tip: Australia has a significant shortage of veterinarians, particularly in rural and regional areas. Many practices actively support visa sponsorship — ask prospective employers directly.
Permanent Residency Pathways
Pathway A — Via Employer Sponsorship (482 → 186)
Best for those already working in Australia on a 482 visa
- 1Obtain 482 visa: Secure employer sponsorship and arrive in Australia on the Skills in Demand (Subclass 482) visa
- 2Work for 2 years: Complete at least 2 years with an approved sponsor. Time across multiple sponsors counts — it's now portable
- 3Apply for Subclass 186: Your employer nominates you under the Temporary Residence Transition stream of the Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS)
- 4Permanent residency granted: Subclass 186 is a permanent visa — you can live and work in Australia indefinitely
Pathway B — Points-Based Skilled Migration (189 / 190 / 491)
Best for those wanting PR without relying on a single employer — veterinarian (ANZSCO 234711) is on the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL)
Subclass 189
Skilled Independent
- • No employer or state sponsor needed
- • Requires invitation via SkillSelect
- • Points test: typically 85–90+ points needed
- • Grants permanent residency directly
Subclass 190
Skilled Nominated
- • Nominated by a state or territory
- • +5 points for state nomination
- • Must commit to living/working in that state
- • Grants permanent residency directly
Subclass 491
Skilled Regional (Provisional)
- • State/territory or family nomination
- • +15 points for regional nomination
- • Must live and work in a regional area
- • After 3 years → apply for Subclass 191 (PR)
How the Points Test Works
Points test is illustrative — always verify current scores with the Department of Home Affairs. Most 189 invitations in 2026 require 85–90+ points.
Skills Assessment for Points-Based Visas
A positive skills assessment from AVBC is required before you can submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) for a 189, 190, or 491 visa. You must hold full registration with an Australian state/territory veterinary board before applying for this assessment.
- 1Get registered: Obtain full registration with a state/territory veterinary board (via AVBC recognised qualification or AVE exam)
- 2Skills assessment: Apply to AVBC for a positive skills assessment for migration purposes
- 3Submit EOI: Lodge an Expression of Interest via SkillSelect with your points score
- 4Receive invitation: Department of Home Affairs issues invitations to highest-scoring candidates in each round
- 5Apply for visa: Submit your 189/190/491 visa application within 60 days of invitation
Which Pathway Is Right for You?
Choose 482 → 186 if you:
- • Have a confirmed job offer in Australia
- • Want to start working quickly and build PR over time
- • Are comfortable relying on employer sponsorship
- • Have limited overseas work experience for points
Choose Points-Based (189/190/491) if you:
- • Want flexibility to work for any employer
- • Have strong English (IELTS 7+ each band)
- • Have substantial overseas work experience
- • Are open to living in a regional area (491 — easier to get nominated)
Always seek advice from a registered Australian migration agent (MARA) for your individual circumstances.
Australia Programmes & Opportunities
Internships & Residencies
University-based rotating internships and specialist residencies are available at Australian veterinary schools including Melbourne, Sydney, Queensland, and Murdoch.
View allPostgraduate Certificates
Advanced specialist qualifications available after obtaining state registration and gaining clinical experience in Australia.
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