In Australia, Divers typically work in underwater construction or inspection projects, often alongside marine engineers, safety officers, and oceanographers. They spend their days conducting underwater surveys, repairing marine structures, or maintaining pipelines, depending on the project. Australia's unique marine biodiversity and extensive coral reef systems require Divers to be adept at working in delicate ecosystems, a challenge not as prevalent in other countries.
Diver is a skilled occupation on Australia's Short-term Skilled Occupation List (STSOL). This occupation is eligible for the points-tested Subclass 190 and 491 visas (state or territory nomination required). It is not currently on the Core Skills Occupation List (CSOL) and therefore not eligible for employer-sponsored visas via the standard 482 Core Skills stream.
Offshore oil and gas companies in Western Australia are actively hiring Divers to support their exploration and extraction activities. The demand is driven by the Australian government's commitment to increasing offshore energy production, as outlined in the recent $2 billion energy infrastructure package. Employers are particularly struggling to find Divers with expertise in underwater welding and repair.
In Australia, Divers must adhere to the Australian Diver Accreditation Scheme (ADAS) standards, which require specific training and certification that may differ from the qualifications recognised in the UK, South Africa, India, or the Philippines. Unlike many foreign systems where initial diver training might be sufficient for professional work, ADAS demands ongoing competency assessments and recertification to ensure compliance with Australian safety and operational standards. To successfully integrate, overseas-trained Divers should prioritise obtaining an ADAS-recognised certification and familiarise themselves with local diving regulations and safety protocols in their first few months.
Certification under the Australian Diver Accreditation Scheme (ADAS) significantly impacts Diver pay rates, as specialised skills and endorsements can command higher wages. Senior Dive Supervisor is a prestigious role due to its leadership responsibilities and the specialised safety knowledge required, making it lucrative within the industry. Divers in Western Australia often earn more than their counterparts in New South Wales due to the region's resource-driven industry demands.
Western Australia has a strong demand for Divers due to the expansion of the LNG sector and offshore projects. New South Wales sees rising demand driven by increased coastal infrastructure projects and harbour maintenance.
No national licence exists; however, adherence to the Australian Diver Accreditation Scheme (ADAS) is required by employers.
VETASSESS evaluates overseas Diver qualifications against the Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) Level 4, and bridging courses are often needed.
Divers can work towards roles such as Dive Supervisor or Underwater Project Manager, which require ADAS Level 4 qualifications and extensive field experience.
Entry AUD $55,000 → Senior AUD $120,000, driven by ADAS certification and offshore experience.
Many overseas-trained Divers face barriers in obtaining ADAS certification, which is essential for employment.
Over the next five years, demand for Divers is expected to grow, driven by increased investments in offshore wind energy projects.
The emphasis on environmental preservation in Australian diving projects is a noticeable distinction.
The points test for Divers is moderately competitive, with employer sponsorship offering a slightly more accessible pathway due to industry-specific demand.
The current occupation mapping identifies 2 potential skilled visa pathways. A listed pathway is not an approval or guarantee; the applicant must satisfy every requirement applying to that subclass.
These occupation-explorer estimates compare entry, experienced and senior salary levels across Australia. They are planning figures rather than job offers and should be checked against current vacancies, awards and employer terms.
| State or territory | Entry salary | Experienced salary | Senior salary | Demand | Regional context |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| New South Wales | AUD$62,000 | AUD$85,000 | AUD$110,000 | High | Check current state and regional employer demand. |
| Victoria | AUD$60,000 | AUD$82,000 | AUD$106,000 | High | Check current state and regional employer demand. |
| Queensland | AUD$56,000 | AUD$77,000 | AUD$100,000 | High | Regional areas offer 491 nomination, reduced cost of living and faster invitations |
| Western Australia | AUD$60,000 | AUD$82,000 | AUD$107,000 | High | State nomination available; mining sector drives strong demand |
| South Australia | AUD$54,000 | AUD$74,000 | AUD$96,000 | Medium | SA Skilled & Business migration, competitive 190/491 quotas |
| Tasmania | AUD$51,000 | AUD$71,000 | AUD$91,000 | Medium | 491 regional visa available; lifestyle benefits and lower living costs |
| Australian Capital Territory | AUD$65,000 | AUD$89,000 | AUD$116,000 | Medium | High government and defence sector demand |
| Northern Territory | AUD$57,000 | AUD$78,000 | AUD$101,000 | Low | NT nomination available; remote area incentives |
State and territory nomination allocations indicate programme capacity, not places reserved for Diver. Applicants must confirm that their occupation is open and meet the jurisdiction's current criteria before relying on a Subclass 190 or 491 pathway.
| State or territory | Subclass 190 places | Subclass 491 places | Nomination context |
|---|---|---|---|
| New South Wales | 2,500 | 0 | NSW nomination available for select occupations. Check NSW Skills List. |
| Victoria | 2,000 | 0 | Victoria State Nomination (VSNP) program. Competitive quotas. |
| Queensland | 1,200 | 1,800 | Queensland Skilled Migration, separate 190 and 491 streams. |
| Western Australia | 1,500 | 500 | WA State Nomination, strong demand in mining, engineering, health. |
| South Australia | 1,000 | 1,200 | SA Skilled & Business program, open occupation list. |
| Tasmania | 500 | 800 | Tasmania 491 covers the whole state; 190 for critical occupations. |
| Australian Capital Territory | 600 | 0 | ACT Critical Skills and Graduate pathways. High competition. |
| Northern Territory | 200 | 600 | NT nomination, remote area incentives and dedicated quotas. |
The assessing authority is TRA. A skills assessment compares overseas qualifications and employment history with the Australian standard for ANZSCO 399411. Applicants normally need identity documents, academic certificates and transcripts, detailed employer references, proof of paid employment and certified translations where applicable.
Assessment rules differ by authority and occupation. Some authorities require English testing, professional registration, supervised practice, competency demonstrations or a technical interview. Applicants should use the authority's current checklist and ensure that duties in employment references align with the nominated occupation rather than relying only on a job title.
Published processing ranges change with application volumes and individual complexity. The figures below are planning ranges used by the occupation explorer. They begin after a valid visa application is lodged and do not include time needed for English testing, skills assessment, Expression of Interest, nomination or sponsorship.
| Visa pathway | 75% planning range | 90% planning range |
|---|---|---|
| Subclass 190: Skilled Nominated | 5–7 months | 12–24 months |
| Subclass 491: Skilled Work Regional | 4–8 months | 10–18 months |
Typical duration: 1–3 months
Check occupation on MLTSSL/STSOL lists, identify assessing authority, research state nomination options, calculate migration points score.
Typical duration: 3–12 months
Submit application to the relevant assessing authority. Gather qualifications, employment evidence and references.
Typical duration: 1–24 months
Lodge EOI in SkillSelect. Wait for an invitation to apply based on your points score. Higher scores are invited first.
Typical duration: 6–36 months
Lodge formal visa application with Department of Home Affairs. Undergo health examinations and police clearances.
Typical duration: 1–3 months
Book flights, arrange accommodation, open an Australian bank account, research your destination city.
Typical duration: Ongoing
Activate your visa by entering Australia. Begin building your life, applying for work, and accessing services.
Yes. Diver (ANZSCO 399411) is on Australia's short-term occupation reference category. Its list placement determines which points-tested, state-nominated, regional or employer-sponsored pathways may be available. List placement alone does not guarantee a visa: applicants must also meet age, English, skills assessment, points, nomination or sponsorship requirements for the selected subclass.
The occupation data currently identifies Subclass 190 (Skilled Nominated), Subclass 491 (Skilled Work Regional) as potential pathways for Diver. Each pathway has separate eligibility rules. State nomination depends on the relevant state list and invitation settings, while employer-sponsored pathways require a qualifying position and an approved sponsoring employer.
TRA is the assessing authority shown for Diver. A positive skills assessment is generally required before lodging an Expression of Interest for points-tested skilled migration. Applicants should confirm the authority's current qualification, employment evidence, English, registration and document requirements before applying because assessment criteria can change.
The occupation explorer estimates New South Wales earnings from AUD$62,000 at entry level to AUD$85,000 for an experienced worker, with senior roles around AUD$110,000. Actual pay depends on location, employer, industry, registration, specialisation and experience. Regional positions may combine a different base salary with allowances or lower living costs.
Subclass 189, 190 and 491 applicants need at least 65 points to submit an Expression of Interest, but 65 does not guarantee an invitation. Competitive invitation scores can be higher. Points are awarded for age, English proficiency, qualifications, skilled work experience, Australian study and other factors, with state nomination adding points for Subclass 190 or 491.
A positive assessment from TRA is required for most points-tested pathways connected to Diver. The authority examines qualifications and employment evidence against Australian standards. Processing often takes several months, so applicants should prepare detailed references, payslips, tax evidence, transcripts and certified identity documents before submitting.
Subclass 190 grants permanent residence after state or territory nomination. Subclass 491 is provisional and may lead to permanent residence through Subclass 191 after meeting regional requirements. Eligibility depends on the applicant's complete circumstances and the rules in force when invited or applying.
A complete skilled migration journey can take two to four years. Skills assessment may take three to twelve months, followed by an uncertain wait for an invitation or nomination. After invitation, visa processing varies by subclass and caseload. Health examinations, police clearances, employer sponsorship and requests for further information can extend the timeline.
Divers typically need ADAS certification, which involves both theoretical and practical components, and may require bridging courses for foreign qualifications.
Yes, Divers must pass a comprehensive dive medical examination, adhering to AS/NZS 2299.1 standards, to ensure fitness for underwater work.
Australian Divers often work in ecologically sensitive areas like the Great Barrier Reef, which requires strict environmental and safety protocols.
Divers can advance to roles such as Dive Supervisor or Project Manager by gaining ADAS certifications and extensive experience, especially in offshore projects.