Australia Migration HubVisas · Points · Pathways

ANZSCO 251412 · STSOL

Orthoptist

On the short-term list, so the 189 isn’t available. The route is state or territory nomination (190 or 491).

Official data, checked 15 October 2026Skills assessment: VETASSESS
189 visaNot eligibleSTSOL occupation
189 rounds invited–not a 189 occupation
State lists2of 8list it for 190 or 491
ShortageShortagenational · JSA 2025

Path to permanent residence

The steps for the points-tested visas, with this occupation’s own assessing body, lists, cut-offs, fees and processing times.

  1. Skills assessment

    Get a positive assessment from VETASSESS (Vocational Education and Training Assessment Services). It must still be valid when you’re invited: usually 3 years, or less if the assessment says so.

  2. English

    Show at least Competent English (IELTS 6 in each band, or an equivalent PTE, TOEFL, OET or Cambridge score). Proficient adds 10 points and Superior adds 20.

  3. Points

    Score at least 65 on the federal points test, counting nomination points for the 190 (+5) or 491 (+15). Orthoptist isn’t eligible for the 189, so the score you need depends on the state that nominates you. Work out your points · see when they change.

  4. Expression of Interest

    Submit a free EOI in SkillSelect for the visas this occupation allows: 190 (state nominated), 491 (regional, nominated). It stays active for 2 years, and your points and date of effect decide your place.

  5. State nomination (190 / 491)

    2 of 8 list Orthoptist: ACT, Victoria. None of the states that list it is open right now. Also open, with no published occupation list: Tasmania (check its criteria). Each state ranks applicants its own way. See every state.

  6. Invitation and visa application

    When invited, lodge within 60 days. Base fee for the main applicant: AUD 6,140 for the 190, AUD 6,140 for the 491; family members pay extra. You’ll also need health checks and police certificates.

  7. Decision and PR

    Home Affairs decides 90% of applications within 190: 16 months · 491: 18 months. The 189 and 190 are permanent visas. The 491 is a 5-year provisional visa; after at least 3 years living and working in regional Australia you can apply for permanent residence (191) if you meet its requirements, including income.

Employer-sponsored route

✓On the Core Skills Occupation List

An Australian employer can sponsor Orthoptist on a Skills in Demand (subclass 482) visa, Core Skills stream (base fee AUD 4,015). The Employer Nomination Scheme (186) is the usual next step to permanent residence for 482 holders who meet its requirements.

What a Orthoptist does

Official description and tasks from the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ANZSCO 2022).

Diagnoses and manages eye movement disorders and associated sensory deficiencies. Registration or licensing may be required.

Qualifications and experience: Occupations in this unit group have a level of skill commensurate with a bachelor degree or higher qualification (ANZSCO Skill Level 1).

  • ANZSCO skill level1 of 5 (1 is highest)
  • Unit group2514 Optometrists and Orthoptists

Tasks

ABS lists tasks for the whole unit group, Optometrists and Orthoptists. Skills assessments and employer nominations compare the duties you’ve done with the ANZSCO description and tasks, so check yours match.

  • Examining patients' eyes and setting tests to determine the nature and extent of vision problems and abnormalities
  • Assessing ocular health and visual function by measuring visual acuity and refractive error, and testing the function of visual pathways, visual fields, eye movements, freedom of vision and intraocular pressure, and performing other tests using special eye test equipment
  • Detecting, diagnosing and managing eye disease, referring patients to, and receiving referrals from other health providers, and prescribing medications for the treatment of eye disease
  • Diagnosing eye movement disorders and defects of binocular function
  • Prescribing lenses, contact lenses and low vision aids, and checking suitability and comfort
  • Prescribing exercises to coordinate movement and focusing of eyes
  • Managing programs for eye movement disorders, and instructing and counselling patients in the use of corrective techniques and eye exercises
  • Advising on visual health matters such as contact lens care, vision care for the elderly, optics, visual ergonomics, and occupational and industrial eye safety
  • Conducting preventative screening programs
  • Conducting rehabilitation programs for the visually impaired

State and territory nomination

Whether Orthoptist is on each state’s current list, and where each program stands.

✓ On the state’s current list– Not on the list No current list to check
State or territory190491ProgramNominated so far
ACT✓✓See site<5 / <5
New South Waleslisted by unit group––Inviting11 / 0
Northern TerritoryNo listNo listClosed91 / 25
Queensland2025–26 list––Not open yet6 / <5
South AustraliaNo listNo listNot open yet0 / 0
TasmaniaNo listNo listOpen206 / 55
Victoria✓✓Not open yet0 / 0
Western AustraliaNo listNo listNot open yet17 / 120

Program status is for 2026–27. Being listed doesn’t mean a state is inviting now, and each state has its own criteria. “Nominated so far”: 190 / 491 nominations this program year (Home Affairs).

Shortage rating

Shortage nationally, except no shortage in NT.

Jobs and Skills Australia’s rating of the labour market. Invitations also depend on planning levels, ceilings and how many EOIs are waiting, so the two don’t always line up.

After an invitation

Home Affairs’ current processing times for the points-tested visas.

VisaHalf decided within90% decided within
Skilled Independent (189)61 days8 months
Skilled Nominated (190)4 months16 months
Work Regional (491), state nominated5 months18 months
Work Regional (491), family sponsored4 months7 months

Home Affairs, decisions to 31 August 2026. Clock starts when you lodge, which you must do within 60 days of an invitation.

Plan with this occupation

Sources and method