This guide walks through every realistic pathway for migrating to Australia as an Environmental Research Scientist under ANZSCO 234313. 234313 sits on the MLTSSL + CSOL — meaning Subclass 189, Subclass 190, Subclass 491, Subclass 186 Direct Entry, Subclass 494, and Subclass 482 Core Skills are all open.
For the assessing-authority detail, see the 234313 skills assessment guide. For worked numbers, see the 234313 cost & timeline case study.
Visa eligibility snapshot
| Visa | Status for 234313 |
|---|---|
| Subclass 189 (Independent points-tested) | Open ✅ |
| Subclass 190 (State-nominated PR) | Open ✅ |
| Subclass 491 (Regional Provisional) | Open ✅ |
| Subclass 186 Direct Entry | Open ✅ |
| Subclass 482 Core Skills | Open ✅ |
| Subclass 494 (Skilled Employer-sponsored Regional) | Open ✅ |
What ANZSCO 234313 covers
- Climate scientist / climatologist
- Atmospheric scientist — air quality, modelling
- Ecology research scientist
- Water / catchment science / hydrology research
- Marine / oceanography research
- Biogeochemistry research
- Environmental monitoring scientist
- Soil scientist (research)
Pathway A — Subclass 189 (Independent PR)
Senior research scientists with PhD + publication record are competitive at 189.
Pathway B — Subclass 190 (state-nominated PR)
States actively nominate.
Pathway C — Subclass 491 → 191
Strong regional pathway — research stations + field sites across regional Australia.
Pathway D — Subclass 186 Direct Entry / 494 / 482
Realistic 186 / 482 / 494 sponsors
- CSIRO — Climate Science Centre, Oceans and Atmosphere, Land and Water, Environment
- Bureau of Meteorology
- AIMS (Australian Institute of Marine Science) — Townsville
- State agencies — DCCEEW federal, state environment / water agencies
- Universities — ANU (Climate Change Institute), University of Melbourne (Climate Futures), UNSW (Climate Change Research Centre), JCU (Reef + tropics), University of Tasmania (IMAS), University of WA (Oceans Institute)
- NGOs — WWF Australia, Climate Council
- Big 4 sustainability research — Deloitte / PwC / EY / KPMG climate and sustainability practices
Common mistakes that cost environmental research scientists their assessment
Confusing 234313 with 234312 Environmental Consultant or 234399 Environmental Scientists NEC. Research = 234313. Advisory / consulting = 234312. Residual = 234399.
Tools to plan your pathway
- Eligibility wizard
- Visa fee calculator
- ANZSCO search — confirm 234313 vs 234312 / 234399
- Document checklist
Where to verify the rules
Next step
Want to model 189 vs 190 vs 491 vs 186 vs 494 vs 482 against your research scientist profile? Book a 30-minute free strategy call.