This is a 2026 step-by-step pathway guide for a Chemistry Technician migrating to Australia under ANZSCO 311411. 311411 is on CSOL with state nomination availability — full skilled visa stack: Subclass 189 Independent (where listed), Subclass 190 State-Nominated, Subclass 491 Regional Provisional → 191 PR, Subclass 186 Direct Entry, Subclass 494 Regional Employer → 191, and Subclass 482 Core Skills → 186 TRT.
For the cost / timeline view see the 311411 cost & timeline case study. For VETASSESS document details see the skills assessment guide.
Step 1 — Confirm 311411 is the right code
ANZSCO 311411 covers technician-tier chemistry work — wet chemistry analysis, instrumental analysis (HPLC, GC, GC-MS, LC-MS, ICP-OES, ICP-MS, AAS, FTIR, UV-Vis, XRF, XRD, NMR, Karl Fischer, TOC, IC), titration / volumetric analysis, gravimetric analysis, sample preparation (digestion, dilution, extraction, derivatisation, microwave digestion), method validation support, QA / QC (CRMs, control charts, EQA / proficiency testing), reagent preparation, calibration and instrument maintenance, lab data entry into LIMS, and ISO 17025 / NATA quality-system compliance.
If you have Honours / Master / PhD and run interpretive / method-development work, 234211 Industrial Chemist may fit better.
Step 2 — VETASSESS skills assessment
VETASSESS (vetassess.com.au) handles 311411. Standard requirements:
- Qualification — at least AQF Diploma / Bachelor in Chemistry / Applied Chemistry / Analytical Chemistry / Chemical Engineering.
- Skilled employment — at least 1 year highly relevant in the 5 years before applying (post-qualification).
- Reference letters must show majority time on chemistry-technician work — instrument platforms, sample volumes, lab discipline.
Standard turnaround 12-16 weeks.
Step 3 — English
EOI lodgement requires Competent English. For points-tested visas, target Proficient (10 pts) or Superior (20 pts).
Step 4 — Choose a visa pathway
Subclass 189 / 190 / 491
189 if 311411 is on MLTSSL — confirm at EOI. 190 / 491 are realistic given the persistent shortage across mining, water, environmental and food labs.
Subclass 186 / 494 / 482
The biggest 311411 employers in Australia:
- Mining / minerals labs — ALS Limited (global lab giant, Brisbane HQ — minerals, environmental, life sciences), SGS Australia, Bureau Veritas Australia, Intertek Australia, Eurofins Australia.
- Environmental / water labs — Sydney Water laboratories, SA Water, Water Corporation WA, Unitywater, Yarra Valley Water, plus the same large contract labs above.
- Petroleum / coal / gas labs — Origin Energy lab services, Santos lab services, Bureau Veritas oil & gas testing, Inspectorate (Bureau Veritas).
- Pharmaceutical / TGA-regulated labs — CSL Behring, Mayne Pharma, Acrux, Phebra, Aspen Australia.
- Food / dairy labs — Sonic Healthcare Food (subsidiary), AsureQuality Australia, Australian Laboratory Services.
- Industrial / manufacturing labs — Orica (mining chemicals), Incitec Pivot, Nufarm, Adama Australia, Bega Cheese, Saputo Dairy Australia.
- State regulatory labs — EPA NSW, EPA Victoria, EPA SA, ChemCentre WA, Department of Health pathology / public-health labs.
ALS Limited and Sonic Healthcare are particularly active 482 / 186 sponsors.
Step 5 — Score / Step 6 — Submit
Use points calculator. Lodge via SkillSelect.
Tools
Authoritative sources
Next step
Want to map your chemistry technician profile against 189 vs 190 vs 491 vs 186 vs 494 vs 482? Book a 30-minute free strategy call.