This is a 2026 pathway guide for a Science Technician NEC migrating to Australia under ANZSCO 311499. For the cost / timeline view see the 311499 cost & timeline case study. For VETASSESS document details see the skills assessment guide.
Code-fit decision
311499 is the residual / NEC code in the 3114 Science Technicians sub-major group. The realistic decision tree:
- Chemistry analyst / wet chemistry / HPLC / GC-MS / ICP-MS work? → Use 311411 Chemistry Technician.
- Mining / geology / drill-core logging / geotech / geophysics work? → Use 311412 Earth Science Technician.
- Microbiology / molecular biology / cell-culture / biotech work? → Use 311413 Life Science Technician.
- School science lab support? → Use 311414 School Laboratory Technician.
- Hydrographic / bathymetric / charting work? → Use 311415 Hydrographer.
- Forensic science technician (clinical / police / coroners)? — May fit 311499 NEC, or 234599 / 234999 depending on degree level.
- Materials testing / NDT / metallurgy lab technician? → 311412 Earth Science Tech or 312912 Metallurgical or Materials Technician may fit.
- Forestry / wildlife / fisheries lab technician? → 311411 / 311413 or fisheries-side 311311.
- None of the above? → 311499 is the residual code. Use sparingly and only when no defined code applies.
Genuine 311499 candidates are rare. Examples: forensic science technician (where no defined code applies and degree is at AQF 7), specialised industrial testing technician with multi-discipline scope.
Why pivoting is usually better
State nomination panels and 189 invitation rounds typically prefer defined codes. Using 311499 may:
- Slow your invitation timeline.
- Reduce state nomination availability.
- Make 186 / 482 employer sponsorship harder (employers nominate the most accurate defined code).
Unless your role genuinely doesn't fit a defined code, pivoting is the strategically better choice.
If you genuinely fit 311499
VETASSESS (vetassess.com.au) assesses 311499 with standard skilled-occupation criteria:
- Qualification — at least AQF Bachelor degree (or AQF 5 / 6 + extensive post-qualification experience).
- Skilled employment — at least 1 year highly relevant in the 5 years before applying (post-qualification).
- Documents — qualifications, transcripts, employment references, payslips.
Standard turnaround 12-16 weeks.
Visa pathway (if you do proceed under 311499)
The whole skilled stack remains available where 311499 is listed: Subclass 189, Subclass 190, Subclass 491 → 191, Subclass 186, Subclass 494 → 191, Subclass 482 → 186 TRT. State nomination and invitation availability is unreliable for residual codes — always verify at EOI lodgement.
Tools
Authoritative sources
Next step
Want help with the 311499 vs defined-code decision? Book a 30-minute free strategy call.