Migration Agents for Veterinarians

Why Veterinarians Choose Australia

Australia has a significant shortage of veterinarians, particularly in regional and rural areas where livestock and agricultural services are essential. Veterinarians earn between $70,000 and $120,000 per year, with rural vets often receiving additional incentives including housing, vehicle allowances, and relocation packages. The profession covers diverse areas from companion animals to livestock, equine, wildlife, and government regulatory roles. Australia's unique wildlife also attracts vets interested in conservation and exotic animal medicine.

Visa Options for Veterinarians

Veterinarians can access the Subclass 189 (Skilled Independent) visa, the Subclass 190 (State Nominated) visa with 5 extra points, and the Subclass 491 (Skilled Work Regional) visa with 15 extra points. Employer sponsorship through Subclass 482 and 186 is very common, particularly for rural veterinary practices struggling to recruit locally. Regional visa pathways are especially relevant for vets, as rural placements are readily available.

Skills Assessment for Veterinarians

The Australasian Veterinary Boards Council (AVBC) assesses overseas veterinary qualifications. Graduates from AVBC-accredited universities receive automatic recognition. Others must pass the National Veterinary Examination (NVE), which consists of multiple-choice and practical components testing across all major veterinary disciplines. The NVE is demanding and most candidates spend 3-6 months preparing. The initial qualification assessment takes 4-8 weeks, with the NVE offered at specific times throughout the year.

Why Use a Migration Agent for Veterinary Visas

Veterinary migration involves coordination between the AVBC for skills assessment, state veterinary boards for registration, and the Department of Home Affairs for the visa. The NVE preparation and scheduling adds complexity to the timeline. A migration agent can help you plan the optimal sequence of steps, choose between independent skilled and employer-sponsored pathways, and navigate state nomination options. Regional veterinary practices often have established relationships with migration agents who can facilitate employer sponsorship.

How Much Does a Migration Agent Cost for Veterinarians?

Migration agent fees for veterinarian visa applications typically range from $3,000 to $6,000 for Subclass 189 or 190 applications. Employer-sponsored applications may cost $4,000-$7,000. Many regional veterinary practices cover migration agent costs as part of their sponsorship package, which is worth asking about when exploring employer-sponsored options.

Relevant Visa Pathways

Find Agents by State

Browse migration agents who handle veterinarians visa applications in each Australian state and territory.

Frequently Asked Questions