This is the 2026 state-by-state nomination comparison for ANZSCO 362511 — Arborist — the updated ANZSCO 2022 code. Per the current source data, no state currently nominates 362511 for Subclass 190 or Subclass 491. The available pathways are Subclass 186 Direct Entry and Subclass 482 Core Skills — both employer-sponsored.
For full pathway breakdown see the 362511 pathway guide; for VETASSESS evidence pack see the skills assessment guide; for invitation round patterns see the invitation rounds trends; for cost / timeline see the case study.
Quick comparison
| State | 190 alloc | 491 alloc | 362511 on 190 | 362511 on 491 | Sponsor demand profile |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| NSW | — | — | ✗ | ✗ | High (Active Tree, Asplundh) |
| VIC | — | — | ✗ | ✗ | High (City of Melbourne, TreeWise) |
| QLD | — | — | ✗ | ✗ | Moderate-High (cyclone belt) |
| SA | — | — | ✗ | ✗ | Moderate (SA Power Networks) |
| WA | — | — | ✗ | ✗ | High (Arborwest, Western Power) |
| NT | — | — | ✗ | ✗ | Low |
| ACT | — | — | ✗ | ✗ | Moderate (ACT Govt, ANBG) |
| TAS | — | — | ✗ | ✗ | Moderate (TasNetworks) |
State 190 / 491 not currently available for 362511. Employer sponsorship via 186 DE / 482 is the realistic state-by-state pathway.
362511 vs 362212 — which code to use?
The two codes refer to the same Arborist trade:
- 362212 (ANZSCO 2013) — currently has broader state nomination access (190 / 491 across all 8 states).
- 362511 (ANZSCO 2022 updated code) — currently CSOL-only, employer-sponsored pathways.
State and federal migration lists are progressively transitioning to ANZSCO 2022. Where:
- Your target visa is 186 Direct Entry or 482 Core Skills — either code works (subject to current sponsor preference).
- Your target visa is 190 State-Nominated or 491 Regional Provisional — 362212 currently offers access; 362511 doesn't (yet).
- You need state nomination — verify the current state Skills List for each state. Lists may reference 362212, 362511, or both.
NSW — Employer sponsorship landscape
NSW Skilled Nominated currently lists 362212 (older code). For 362511, employer sponsorship is the route.
Where 362511 candidates can pursue sponsor offers in NSW: Active Tree Services (major NSW contractor), Treelogic NSW, Asplundh Tree Expert Co (Ausgrid / Endeavour / Essential / Transgrid line clearance), NSW Government tree teams, RBG Sydney + Mount Annan + Mount Tomah, City of Sydney, Inner West Council, Northern Beaches Council.
Victoria — Employer sponsorship landscape
Live in Melbourne currently lists 362212. For 362511, employer-sponsored.
Where 362511 candidates can pursue offers in Vic: City of Melbourne Urban Forest team, Parks Victoria, Treenet (national HQ), TreeWise Vic, Treelogic Vic, Asplundh line clearance for AusNet / CitiPower / Powercor / Jemena / United / SP AusNet.
Queensland — Employer sponsorship landscape
Migration Queensland currently lists 362212.
Where 362511 candidates can pursue offers in QLD: Brisbane City Council Trees Team, Gold Coast City Council, Sunshine Coast Regional Council, regional QLD councils, Energex / Ergon line clearance, cyclone-belt tree management contractors FNQ.
SA — Employer sponsorship landscape
SA Skilled Migration currently lists 362212.
Where 362511 candidates can pursue offers in SA: City of Adelaide Trees Team, regional SA councils, SA Power Networks line clearance.
Western Australia — Employer sponsorship landscape
WA Migration currently lists 362212.
Where 362511 candidates can pursue offers in WA: Arborwest (major WA contractor), Western Power line clearance, City of Perth, regional WA councils, Kings Park.
Northern Territory — Employer sponsorship landscape
NT Migration currently lists 362212.
Where 362511 candidates can pursue offers in NT: Darwin City Council, NT Power and Water line clearance.
ACT — Employer sponsorship landscape
ACT Migration currently lists 362212.
Where 362511 candidates can pursue offers in ACT: ACT Government parks tree team, ANBG Canberra, Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve, ANU campus tree management.
Tasmania — Employer sponsorship landscape
Skilled Migration Tasmania currently lists 362212.
Where 362511 candidates can pursue offers in Tas: Hobart City Council, Launceston City Council, TasNetworks line clearance, RTBG tree management.
Recommended pathway per candidate profile
Senior climbing arborist with ISA Certified Arborist + Cert V Consulting:
- Target: 186 Direct Entry via CSOL (PR straight away) under either 362511 or 362212
- Strategy: Direct sponsor selection (Active Tree Services, Asplundh, Treelogic, council tree team)
Mid-career arborist (5+ years experience):
- Target: 482 Core Skills under 362511 or 362212
- Strategy: 4-year temporary visa → 186 TRT after 2 years + 3 years cumulative skilled
- Alternative: 491 under 362212 (where state Skills List still references older code)
Lower-experience arborist:
- Target: Australian study (485 graduate visa) → build experience → 482 / 186
- Strategy: Cert III / IV via TAFE NSW (Ryde + Richmond) or TAFE Vic (Burnley)
Candidate already in Australia (485 / WHM):
- Target: Identify sponsor → 482 → 186 TRT
- Strategy: Build Australian portfolio with current contractor
ANZSCO code transition strategy
Given 362212 retains broader state nomination access and 362511 is the newer code:
- Lodge VETASSESS under whichever code matches your strongest target pathway.
- For state nomination targeting — 362212 currently offers broader access.
- For employer-sponsored 186 / 482 — either code works.
- Verify code transition status before lodging — state Skills Lists update annually and sometimes mid-cycle.
Plan with a MARA-registered agent. The eligibility wizard confirms realistic targets.
Tools
- Points calculator
- Visa fee calculator
- Document checklist
- Eligibility wizard
- Invitation rounds tracker
- Skilled Occupation List
- Occupation Shortage List
Authoritative sources
- Home Affairs
- VETASSESS
- Arboriculture Australia
- ISAAC
- NSW Skilled Nominated
- Live in Melbourne
- Migration Queensland
- SA Skilled Migration
- WA Migration
- NT Migration
- ACT Migration
- Skilled Migration Tasmania
Next step
Want to confirm the best ANZSCO code (362511 vs 362212) and pathway for your arborist profile? Book a 30-minute free strategy call with a MARA-registered agent at Global Select.