How to Get Permanent Residency for Medical Laboratory Scientist in Australia: Study, Skills Assessment & Visa Options

If you’re a qualified medical lab professional aiming for permanent residency, this guide will show you exactly how to become a Medical Laboratory Scientist in Australia and secure PR through skilled migration pathways. We’ll cover qualifications, assessment by AIMS, English requirements, and the visa options available to you.

What Is a Medical Laboratory Scientist?

Medical Laboratory Scientists perform diagnostic testing on blood, tissue, and bodily fluids to assist doctors in disease detection and patient treatment. In Australia, these professionals work in both public and private medical pathology laboratories and are in high demand across the healthcare sector.

Required Qualifications for Medical Laboratory Scientist PR Australia

To be eligible to apply as a Medical Laboratory Scientist in Australia, you must hold a degree in:

• Medical Laboratory Science

• Biomedical Science

• Or another closely related field in laboratory medicine

Your degree must meet Australian standards, which are evaluated through a formal skills assessment process conducted by AIMS.

AIMS Skills Assessment Pathways

Pathway 1: AIMS-Accredited Degree (No Exam Required)

If your degree is accredited by AIMS, you are eligible to apply without sitting an exam. These degrees are already recognised as meeting Australian professional standards.

Pathway 2: Non-Accredited Science Degree (Exam Required)

If your degree is not AIMS-accredited, you will need:

• At least 2 years of full-time laboratory experience

• To pass the AIMS Professional Examination (150 multiple-choice questions)

This exam is offered twice a year and must be passed to be deemed suitable for the role.

English Language Requirement

To qualify for the skills assessment and PR visa, you must demonstrate Proficient English. Accepted test scores include:

• IELTS: Minimum 7.0 in all bands

• PTE Academic: Minimum 65 in all bands

• TOEFL iBT: Minimum total of 98

• OET: Minimum B in each component

• Cambridge C1 Advanced: Minimum 185 in each component

Your results must be less than 3 years old at the time of application.

Visa Options for Medical Laboratory Scientist PR Australia

Once AIMS has assessed you as suitable, you can apply for various skilled or employer-sponsored visas:

Skilled Migration Visas (Points-Tested)

• Subclass 189: Skilled Independent Visa

• Subclass 190: State Nominated Visa

• Subclass 491: Skilled Work Regional Visa

These visas are competitive. Although the minimum required is 65 points, recent rounds often require 75 points or more.

Employer-Sponsored Visas

• Subclass 482: Temporary Skill Shortage (Specialist Skill Stream)

• Subclass 186: Employer Nomination Scheme

• Subclass 494: Regional Sponsored Visa

• Subclass 407: Training Visa

• DAMA: Labour agreements for regional employers

Ready to Get PR as a Medical Laboratory Scientist in Australia?

Pursuing PR in Australia as a Medical Laboratory Scientist is a realistic and rewarding path if you hold the right qualifications, pass your AIMS assessment, and meet English requirements. With this occupation on the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List, your chances for migration and long-term career growth are strong.

Need help with your AIMS assessment or visa application? Speak with a registered migration agent or qualified education consultant to get personalised guidance and avoid costly mistakes. Start your journey toward Medical Laboratory Scientist PR in Australia today.