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Aerial Survey Technician 491.
Hi everyone. Great to be here. I have a bunch of questions so I apologise in advance if they are excessive.
I have always dreamed of getting to Australia to live but unfortunately I seem to have wasted a bunch of good years where I could have pursued a more in demand occupation. However, with that said I have just this year submitted and been Positively Assessed by Vetassess. The occupation is Surveying or Spatial Science Technician – ANZSCO 312116.
Vetassess assessed me with just under 3 years of experience for the purpose of points advice. I had almost 5 years experience but the first 2 were considered qualifying years and once qualified the remaining years amount to almost 3 years. Therefore I am just shy of receiving points for 3 years of work experience.
I am nearing 40 years old. So as it stands I have done quite a bit of research and my points stand at:
Age: 25 points
English proficiency (PTE 85+): 20 points
Qualifications (Bachelor’s degree in an unrelated field but recognised): 15 points
Skilled employment (3 years): 0 points (Unless I find a new job and hope to obtain another 6months of experience)
Single applicant with no partner: 10 points
Total Points:
25 + 20 + 15 + 0 + 10 = 70 points
I have also looked up and the occupation is unfortunately not eligible to be family sponsored (I have numerous uncles and aunts in North Queensland).I have also discovered what I believe to be the states that have the occupation on their list:
NT, ACT, South Australia, Western Australia, Tasmania
I think New South Wales and Victoria also have it but I am less certain of this than the other states.1. I am very curious as to the chances of success with an EOI. I would love to fast track it and be able to go but I am aware my points are barely over the threshold at the moment. Therefore perhaps leaving my current job to pursue a new job that can give me another 6months of experience will boost my points by 5 points and it may help? Do we recommend this or am I better off in my current position (which is not relevant to the occupation).
2. Can I submit my EOI for all of the states accepting applications – or do I have to nominate just one or two states?
3. If worst case scenario I am not accepted in this EOI, i am exploring options to upskill into another career or industry that might better equip me to migrate to australia. I am also aware that my age is fast approaching 40 at which point my points drop significantly, and without significant experience in a new role I may not have sufficient points to apply.
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15 Replies
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Hi Brian,
Firstly welcome to our community! 😊 It’s great to see your enthusiasm and thorough research into migrating to Australia.
Let’s address your questions one by one:
1. Chances of Success with an EOI and Boosting Points through Additional Experience
With a current total of 70 points, you’re at the minimum threshold for submitting an Expression of Interest (EOI) for the Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa (subclass 491). However, higher point totals often enhance the likelihood of receiving an invitation. Gaining an additional 6 months of relevant work experience would grant you 5 extra points, bringing your total to 75, which could improve your chances. Given that you’re nearing 40, it’s advisable to accumulate these additional points before your next birthday to maximize your eligibility.
2. Submitting EOIs to Multiple States
Yes, you can submit EOIs to multiple states, but it’s important to tailor each EOI to the specific requirements of each state or territory. Each state has its own nomination criteria and processes, so ensure that your EOI aligns with the specific requirements of each state you’re interested in. For instance, some states may require you to have a job offer or to have studied in that state. Submitting multiple EOIs can increase your chances, but be mindful of each state’s unique criteria.
3. Exploring Alternative Career Pathways
Considering your age and the time required to upskill into a new occupation, it may be more strategic to focus on maximizing your points within your current occupation.
Transitioning to a new career could be time-consuming and may not necessarily result in a higher chance of migration, especially if substantial experience is required in the new field. Therefore, focusing on gaining additional experience and points in your current occupation might be the most efficient pathway.
I hope this information helps clarify your options. If you have further questions or need additional assistance, please feel free to ask.
Best regards,
Mark
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Hi Mark thanks for the response.
I’m also looking into trying to study a diploma in Australia. Would that be an option to boost my points further? I have heard that mature age students are often not granted a study visa or it can be very difficult to get one. I feel like studying there could be great as I could get into Australia as a student, make connections in the field and occupation whilst studying; boost my skills, get into the area; boost my scores and then potential have a better chance or perhaps a bridging course.
Is there anything else I can do other than switching my job. It’s a difficult time and not the best idea to switch jobs but I am quite open to it as I really want to improve my chances of getting in.
I’ve also done some calculations and with current 70points, and then state nomination I would be up to 85 points. So quite significant over the bare minimum of 65. Or so I am trying to hope.. lol
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Hi Brian,
Thanks for the thoughtful follow-up—you’re clearly doing your homework, which is great to see.🙂
Yes, studying a diploma in Australia can be a valid strategy, particularly if it’s in a relevant field like surveying, spatial sciences, or another occupation on the skilled lists. Completing 2 years of study in a regional area may make you eligible for an additional 5 points under the Australian Study Requirement and potentially another 5 points if the study is in a designated regional area. However, a few important things to consider:
1. Student Visa for Mature Age Applicants – While it’s true that mature age applicants are scrutinised more closely, it’s not impossible. You’ll need to clearly demonstrate the genuine temporary entrant (GTE) criteria, including how the study fits into your career progression, the benefits of studying in Australia over your home country, and your intent to comply with visa conditions. A well-prepared GTE statement and a course aligned with your goals can strengthen your application.
2. Networking & Local Experience – Studying in Australia can absolutely help you build local networks, gain practical experience, and even lead to graduate roles or employer sponsorship later. This could open pathways for the Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485) or even employer-nominated options.
3. Other Options Besides Job Change – Since changing jobs now is not ideal, another angle you might consider is voluntary work or internships in your nominated occupation (if feasible). While this wouldn’t count towards points directly, it may help improve your skills and open doors to relevant employment.
4. Your EOI Points Calculation – You’re absolutely right. If you’re invited and nominated by a state or territory, you’ll receive an extra 15 points for the subclass 491 visa, bringing you to a total of 85 points. That’s a competitive score and definitely something to be hopeful about.
Keep exploring and building on your plan, you’re certainly on the right track. Happy to answer any further questions as you continue to research your options.
Warm regards,
Mark
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Hi there,
So i officially did my English exam and got the superior English result (90 points in each discipline for PTE academic) that was required for award of the 20 extra points.
Now I’m looking to submit the expression of interest. Will submitting an EOI negatively affect if I attempt to study as well?
I want to pursue all options but wary that if I try to apply for a student visa, with the genuine entry declaration and they see an expression of interest in skill select they may then deny my student visa?
Any useful guide or tips for submitting the EOI, I really don’t want to make any mistakes in the application.
Thanks.
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Hi Mark, I have just gone to submit an expression of interest. A few questions if I may:
1. It asks me to select visa types. My visa would be 491.
Skilled Work – Regional (Subclass 491) (Provisional) – State and Territory NominatedI have not yet been nominated and have not received a nomination by a state, I thought this was the first step and I would then receive nomination after submitting my EOI.
2. It mentions I should contact state and territories directly – so I plan to do this and will apply to any and all states and territories which include the 312116 visa on their lists.
3. Before I click to submit the expression of interest it has a sort of summary page that seems to indicate I have 90 points. I am a bit confused as I don’t feel I have 90 points, I had calculated that i had 70points.
Skilled Work – Regional (Subclass 491) (Provisional) – State and Territory Nominated
The EOI for this subclass is able to be completed. The client’s claims equal 90 points
I of course don’t want to submit it with an error but from what I can tell everything I have input I should have 70 points – without a nomination.
I have also input my work experience – all of it. On VETASSESS assessment they assessed that I had 2.6years of experience because the first 2years was seen as qualifying me for the position. I have included all 4.6years of experience on the application, not just the last 2.6 post qualification. Is this wrong/incorrect?
thank you for your help.
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Hi Brian,
Great to hear you’ve achieved Superior English on your PTE, well done, that’s a solid 20 points and a big boost to your profile. 🎉
Let’s walk through your latest questions:
1. Will submitting an EOI affect a future student visa application?
Submitting an Expression of Interest (EOI) doesn’t negatively affect a student visa application on its own.
However, if you do apply for a student visa, the Department will assess your Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) statement very carefully.
You’ll need to clearly explain why you’re choosing to study, how it aligns with your career path, and why it makes sense even though you’ve expressed interest in skilled migration.
In short, be upfront and consistent in your reasoning, it’s about intention and credibility.
2. Selecting the 491 visa in SkillSelect before nomination
Yes, that’s correct, you can select the 491 visa subclass in your EOI before receiving a nomination.
The EOI is your expression of interest, and states can then view and potentially invite you to apply for nomination.
So, selecting 491 even if you’re not yet nominated is the correct step. 👍🏻
3. Contacting states and territories
Absolutely, great plan. Each state and territory has its own criteria, so be sure to check their nomination guidelines and ensure you meet their requirements before submitting to them directly.
4. EOI Summary showing 90 points instead of 70
This is a common confusion. The system is showing 90 points because it has automatically added the 15 points you would receive if you were nominated by a state or territory for the 491 visa.
That doesn’t mean you currently have 90 points, just that you will if nominated. As long as your inputs are correct (including age, English, qualifications, work experience, etc.), there’s no issue here.
5. Work experience input in the EOI
It’s okay to list all your employment history in the EOI for transparency. However, only the work considered “skilled” by VETASSESS (post-qualification experience) should be counted toward your points claim.
In your case, only the 2.6 years after meeting the qualification requirements count, so ensure you haven’t claimed points for more than that. You can still show all work history, but only claim points where it’s eligible.
Tips for submitting your Australia EOI:
- Double-check your English test results and qualification details.
- Ensure your work experience dates match exactly what was assessed by VETASSESS.
- Keep a copy of your EOI submission for your records.
- Don’t rush and review the summary carefully before submitting.
You’re taking all the right steps, and your attention to detail is excellent.
If you have any further follow up questions, please let me know.
Warm regards,
Mark
Hashtags: skilled migration, EOI, student visa Australia, ANZSCO 312116, subclass 491,
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Great info, thank you for the help.
I have also found that I could submit another application to VETASSESS for Other Geospatial scientist – 232214.
This I believe aligns with my work but I would only just scrape 2 years specifically with this kind of experience from my most recent role, hopefully this would be enough to be considered as qualified. Or is the requirement higher? I assume 2 years as that is what I required to be considered qualified for the aerial survey technician role.
With Other Geospatial Scientist therefore I am eligible for 189 independent as well as Family sponsored 491 for regional australia. In which case I could receive family nomination and an invitation to apply? Correct?
I believe I would have to get a new statement of service from my employer and HR department, slight modified to be more in line with the requirements of other spatial scientist – from what I can tell I should NOT submit the exact same statement of service to vetassess. Instead just reword it to focus more on the analysis side as opposed to the technical field work side. Which is 100% accurate as I spent majority of my work time in the office, preparing plans, analysing data and maps etc. which very much lines up with other spatial scientist.
If I received a positive assessment based on the 2 years of work experience I have, I would then have:
Under 40 – 25 points.
Recognised degree – 15 points.
Single applicant – 10points.
Work experience – 2years (qualifying years). 0 points
English language – superior. 20 points.
Family nominated/sponsored regional 491. – 15points.Total points 80.
Is this correct? Can I run into any issues with this? Other than the potential negative assessment? If I did this and got the positive assessment, then I might receive the 491 visa due to family sponsored?
My only other option would be completely retrain in a different career path within australia with the hopes of then securing the 485 graduate visa and then permanent residency. But that is extremely costly and can take another say 4 years.
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This reply was modified 2 weeks, 1 day ago by pbk.
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This reply was modified 2 weeks, 1 day ago by
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To add to previous reply: from further research it appears because that the Other geospatial scientist role is considered a skill level 1, instead of the aerial survey technician skill level 2, therefore I probably will not receive a positive assessment without 5 years of relevant work experience (I have 2 years of highly relevant) and then another 2.6 of somewhat relevant work experience. So I assume I likely would not receive a positive assessment.
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Hi Brian,
Thanks again for your detailed update, you’re really putting in the groundwork, which is great to see. 🤗
You’re absolutely right in your assessment regarding Other Spatial Scientist (ANZSCO 232214).
As it’s a Skill Level 1 occupation, VETASSESS generally expects at least 5 years of relevant post-qualification work experience for a positive skills assessment, especially where the qualification is not closely related.
Even if your most recent 2 years are highly relevant, the remainder would need to also closely align with the tasks listed under 232214 to have a realistic chance.
So yes, unfortunately, based on the info you’ve shared, this would likely be a high-risk application at this stage.
You’re also correct that rewording your statement of service is fine—as long as it’s entirely truthful and accurately reflects your duties.
However, if the role was previously deemed to be technician-level by VETASSESS, repositioning it as a scientist-level role (with a higher ANZSCO skill level) without a clear change in role responsibilities may not be accepted.
Regarding your points estimate under 232214:
Yes, your total would be 80 if you were positively assessed and received family sponsorship for a subclass 491 visa.
However, this subclass (family-sponsored 491) does not guarantee an invitation, and invitations are typically issued to higher-scoring candidates or occupations in high demand. So even with 80 points, the invitation is not automatic.
Also keep in mind:
Family-sponsored 491 invitations have been very limited in recent rounds, with priority often given to onshore applicants or those in priority sectors.
Given all of this, the safer option may still be to focus on boosting your current 312116 profile, continue pursuing state nomination for the 491 visa, and only revisit a new VETASSESS assessment if your work shifts more clearly into a Skill Level 1 role and you can demonstrate 5 years’ strong alignment.
I know retraining is a costly and long-term plan, but your current pathway already has good potential, and you’re only a few steps away from significantly increasing your chances.
Hope that helps clear things up a bit more. Let me know if you’d like further assistance.
Kind regards,
Mark
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Hi Mark,
Thanks for the info. Yes. Bit disappointed really as I have 80 points but I am reading on other forums such as reddit, and I saw also a statistics page where it shows that 312116 and state nomination is not very common. Maybe 5 in the last 3 years, and each of those 5 nominations had 95 points.
So bit wary my 80 points will not be sufficient.
Currently in an unrelated field and have been applying to new jobs but it’s not exactly an easy job market in the UK unfortunately.
I thought that if I received family nomination then I would receive an invite. Clearly that only boosts my points and is no guarantee of an invite. Quite unfortunate again really.
Thanks for the help and info. If all else fails and I do not receive a nomination I may have to try go and study in Australia.
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This reply was modified 2 weeks ago by pbk.
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This reply was modified 2 weeks ago by
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Hi Brian,
Thanks for your update, and I completely understand your concerns. You’ve done a commendable job navigating the complexities of the Australian migration system (I might even add you as a guest to co-host one of our webinars) ☺️
Just to go through some of your last points.
1. Invitation Statistics for ANZSCO 312116
You’re correct that invitations for the occupation Surveying or Spatial Science Technician (ANZSCO 312116) have been limited in recent years. In the 2023-24 program year, Western Australia issued a nomination for this occupation in November 2023 to an applicant with 70 points. However, overall, state nominations for this Occupation are relatively rare and there are candidates with EOIs for this ANZSCO with 90 points who will be ahead of you on the queue. 😬
2. Family-Sponsored Subclass 491 Invitations
Regarding the Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa (subclass 491) – Family Sponsored, the number of invitations has been minimal. For example, in the invitation round held on 7 November 2024, no invitations were issued for this subclass. This trend indicates that relying solely on family sponsorship may not be a dependable pathway.
3. Exploring State Nomination Opportunities
Given the limited invitations for your occupation, it’s advisable to explore state nomination options actively. Each state has its own criteria and occupation lists, which can change periodically. For example, South Australia had a nomination allocation of 1,200 places for the subclass 491 visa in the 2023-24 program year. Engaging with states that have higher allocations and may value your occupation could enhance your chances.
4. Considering Study Pathways
Pursuing further studies in Australia could be a strategic move. Completing a relevant course in a regional area may not only enhance your skills but also provide additional points under the regional study criteria. Moreover, it can open up post-study work opportunities and potential pathways to permanent residency.
I hope this information provides clarity on your situation. If you have further questions or need assistance exploring specific state nomination options or study pathways, feel free to ask.
Best regards,
Mark -
Hi Mark, thanks for all the help again. Definitely more helpful than one or two of the migration agents i have tried to deal with in the past and it’s definitely a difficult system to navigate. Makes me want to be a MARA agent just because I felt so let down when I paid such high fees for agents assessments and advice, only to feel like it was a waste, they are not very forthcoming with help as their entire business model relies on them doing the work, and to be honest once you have the road map it’s not actually difficult to gather documents and file for yourself. Doing it myself and with help from this forum is so much more rewarding. It’s a complicated process but not impossible.
If you have any guidance or info about where to engage each state separately that would be great. So far I registered on the migration western australia website.
I am unsure of other states and which may currently have my occupation on their list. If you have more info or can point me in the direction that would be great.
I found the following info thus far:
Western Australia
It is on the WASMOL schedule 2 list available for 491 nomination only. No 190 nomination.
I have registered as a candidate on the migration western australia website.New South Wales
It appears to be on the list and falls under category for 3121. It follows the Pathway 2 for Offshore candidates and says I should submit an EOI on skillselect.
I have not found a separate registration or application page specific for NSW outside of skillselect.Queensland
I don’t believe it is on their skills list QSOL offshore list unfortunately. Have not submitted any application direct to the QLD state.South Australia
Listed for 491 nomination under offshore candidates. It says to register on skill select and submit my EOI. Does not mention a separate state registration or application.Northern Territory
On the list for 491 sponsorship. Offshore migration list. I have not registered/applied to NT as I have just right this minute found a place to apply, but it says: Before applying, please ensure that you have first read our eligibility page and have lodged your expression of interest in the Department of Home Affairs Skillselect. I have done this. So will register with this portal and state today.
ACT
It appears on the critical skills list and eligible for 491 nomination. I have to submit a Canberra skills matrix. I believe my tentative score is only 55/185 so on the first look this does not appear very competitive, but I can attempt to submit this later today as well alongside the NT application above.Victoria
I am not certain if it’s on the list for Victoria but I just found the Live in Melbourne portal. Will research this today as I have not submitted anything here.And often forgotten about island of Tasmania.
Does not appear that the occupation is on their skills list. I have not submitted anything extra aside from Skill select.If you have any further other sites or info that would be helpful I would greatly appreciate it.
Thank you
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Hi Brian,
Thanks again for your update and kind words mate. Given we only launched Oz Visa forum in January, I’m really glad our forum is helping guide members such as yourself through the process. ☺️
You’re absolutely right, the system is complex, but with good research and the right tools, it becomes much more manageable.
I say this with the disclaimer that I am not a qualified migration agent so my posts are guidance only rather than specific advice so use what I say to guide your own research through the more official sources I link to.
The Aussie government is quite particular about who can provide official advice so even though I’ve built up a lot of knowledge, tools and resources I’m not a qualified “expert”.
With that said, I do enjoy researching some of the answers myself. You are asking some good questions so in some instances it’s been a journey for both of us. I’m glad while our community is still growing (aka still a little quiet) the long form answers work well for you 🙂
Now onto your current questions..
Here’s the latest on your occupation Surveying or Spatial Science Technician (ANZSCO 312116) and how to engage each state or territory.
I know you have already found some of these sites. However I’ve also included direct links for each state’s migration portal for others that might come across this post in the future.
1. Western Australia (WA)
Your occupation is on the WA Skilled Migration Occupation List (WASMOL) Schedule 2 for 491 nomination. You’ve correctly registered via their portal.
WA Migration Portal: https://migration.wa.gov.au
2. New South Wales (NSW)
Eligible under Pathway 2 for offshore candidates. Submit your EOI via SkillSelect. No additional registration needed at this stage.
NSW Skilled Occupation Info: https://www.nsw.gov.au/visas-and-migration
SkillSelect (Home Affairs): https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/working-in-australia/skillselect
3. Queensland (QLD)
Currently not listed on the QSOL Offshore list, so not eligible at this time.
QLD Skilled Migration: https://migration.qld.gov.au/
4. South Australia (SA)
Eligible for offshore subclass 491 nomination. No separate state registration required, just EOI through SkillSelect.
SA Skilled Migration: https://www.migration.sa.gov.au/
5. Northern Territory (NT)
Your occupation is on the NT Offshore Occupation List. After submitting your EOI, also register via the NT government portal.
NT Skilled Migration Portal: https://theterritory.com.au/migrate/migrate-to-work/northern-territory-government-visa-nomination
6. Australian Capital Territory (ACT)
Listed on the ACT Critical Skills List. You’ll need to submit a Canberra Matrix.
ACT Skilled Migration: https://www.act.gov.au/migration
7. Victoria (VIC)
Registration of Interest (ROI) is needed via the Live in Melbourne portal.
Victoria Skilled Migration: https://liveinmelbourne.vic.gov.au/
8. Tasmania (TAS)
Currently not listed on the TAS Skilled Occupation List. Worth checking periodically for changes.
TAS Skilled Migration: https://www.migration.tas.gov.au/
Final Tips:
- Keep monitoring updates on each state’s website.
- Ensure your EOI aligns with state criteria before submitting any ROI or matrix.
- If considering study, a course in a regional area may enhance your future visa options.
Hope this guide helps give you a clear map of what’s next.
Let me know if you have any further questions.
Warm regards,
Mark
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Hi Mark,
Thanks again for clarifying. So I have submitted the following:
Northern Territory –
I tried to submit but I cannot submit on their platform because at one of the questions: are you currently living in the Northern Territory, the answer is No and it then tells me:
“The NT Government is currently not accepting new nomination applications except for those who have urgent visa deadlines. You will not be able to continue this application.”ACT:
Submitted the Canberra matrix.
Victoria
Made an account on the portal but have not found where I can submit an ROI. When I choose Apply I see the following as options. No 491 visa options.
VISA Type188X – Extension
888A – Business Innovation
888B – Business Investor
888C – Significant Investor
Thanks again. I am still considering trying to study but I am seeing certain posts on facebook allude to an invitation round happening right now; are there usual or typical invitation dates or nomination times, or are they random, as and when needed?
Thanks
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This reply was modified 1 day, 15 hours ago by pbk.
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This reply was modified 1 day, 15 hours ago by
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Hi Brian,
Thanks again for your thorough update mate, when it comes to length, this thread is likely to be a record that won’t be beaten for some time that’s for sure 😉
You’re making great progress, and it’s clear you’re staying on top of the details so well done!
Northern Territory (NT):
You’re right regarding the NT Government. Since we started our exchanges, they are now not currently accepting new nomination applications unless you have an urgent visa deadline.
This is because they’ve likely reached their quota for the current program year. However, keep in mind for all the Australian States, a fresh allocation of nomination places will be released when the new migration program year begins on 1 July 2025, so it’s worth checking back around that time.
Australian Capital Territory (ACT):
Well done submitting your Canberra Matrix. Keep in mind that selection is competitive, and invitations are issued based on your matrix score and demand for your occupation. Stay tuned to their website for updates on future invitation rounds.
Victoria:
You’re also correct here—Victoria closed its 2024–25 Skilled Visa Nomination Program to new Registrations of Interest (ROIs) on 29 April 2025. However, as I mentioned earlier, for all States, new places will likely become available in July with the new program year.
If you haven’t yet submitted an ROI, you’ll be able to do so once they reopen. Keep an eye on this page for announcements:
Invitation Rounds:
There are no fixed dates for invitation rounds, each state and the federal government issue them based on internal planning and demand. However, it’s common to see activity increase shortly after 1 July, when states receive their new allocations. For general invitation round data, you can check:
https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/working-in-australia/skillselect
Considering Study in Australia:
Studying remains a strong alternative strategy. Regional study can add points and lead to post-study work opportunities that support a longer-term pathway to permanent residency.
Let’s keep a close eye on updates as July approaches, things may open up again across multiple states.
Best regards,
Mark
liveinmelbourne.vic.gov.au
Update - Victoria’s skilled visa nomination program 2024-25
Update - Victoria’s skilled visa nomination program 2024-25
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