ANZSCO 311216 · ROL
Pathology Collector / Phlebotomist
On the regional list, so the only points-tested route is the 491 with state or territory nomination.
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.
Skills assessment
Get a positive assessment from Australian Institute of Medical and Clinical Scientists. It must still be valid when you’re invited: usually 3 years, or less if the assessment says so.
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.
Points
Score at least 65 on the federal points test, counting nomination points for the 190 (+5) or 491 (+15). Pathology Collector / Phlebotomist 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.
Expression of Interest
Submit a free EOI in SkillSelect for the visas this occupation allows: 491 (regional, nominated). It stays active for 2 years, and your points and date of effect decide your place.
State nomination (190 / 491)
3 of 8 list Pathology Collector / Phlebotomist: ACT, New South Wales, Victoria. Open or inviting now and listing it: New South Wales. Also open, with no published occupation list: Tasmania (check its criteria). Each state ranks applicants its own way. See every state.
Invitation and visa application
When invited, lodge within 60 days. Base fee for the main applicant: AUD 6,140 for the 491; family members pay extra. You’ll also need health checks and police certificates.
Decision and PR
Home Affairs decides 90% of applications within 491: 18 months. 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
–Not on the Core Skills Occupation List
Employers can’t sponsor Pathology Collector / Phlebotomist in the 482 Core Skills stream.
What a Pathology Collector / Phlebotomist does
Official description and tasks from the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ANZSCO 2022).
Extracts, collects, labels and preserves blood and other specimens from patients for laboratory analysis.
Qualifications and experience: Most occupations in this unit group have a level of skill commensurate with the qualifications and experience outlined below.
- Also calledSpecimen Collector
- SpecialisationsBlood Collector
- ANZSCO skill level3 of 5 (1 is highest)
- Unit group3112 Medical Technicians
Tasks
ABS lists tasks for the whole unit group, Medical Technicians. Skills assessments and employer nominations compare the duties you’ve done with the ANZSCO description and tasks, so check yours match.
- Operating equipment used in diagnosing and monitoring disorders of the heart, lungs, kidneys, nervous system and hearing, and in anaesthesia
- Undertaking and assisting with medical analytical procedures and assisting Anaesthetists and surgical teams
- Recording the electrical activity of the heart, from which the heart rate is measured, and pattern and rhythm interpreted
- Taking, collecting and labelling blood, urine and other samples from patients
- Preparing and staining slides and tissue sections for blood and histological examination
- Performing diagnostic tests on tissues and body fluids and analysing the chemical constituents of blood, urine, faeces and tissues
- Testing for diseases by looking for the presence of antibodies and the products of immune response in samples
- Setting up, checking and maintaining operating theatres, anaesthetic workstations, life support machines and associated equipment
- Referring prescriptions to Pharmacists and assisting in preparing medications
- Operating and maintaining equipment used in diagnosing and monitoring of breathing or sleep disorders
State and territory nomination
Whether Pathology Collector / Phlebotomist is on each state’s current list, and where each program stands.
| State or territory | 190 | 491 | Program |
|---|---|---|---|
| ACT | – | ✓ | See site |
| New South Waleslisted by unit group | – | ✓ | Inviting |
| Northern Territory | No list | No list | Closed |
| Queensland2025–26 list | – | – | Not open yet |
| South Australia | No list | No list | Not open yet |
| Tasmania | No list | No list | Open |
| Victoria | – | ✓ | Not open yet |
| Western Australia | No list | No list | Not open yet |
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
No shortage nationally, and the same in every state and territory.
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.
| Visa | Half decided within | 90% decided within |
|---|---|---|
| Skilled Independent (189) | 61 days | 8 months |
| Skilled Nominated (190) | 4 months | 16 months |
| Work Regional (491), state nominated | 5 months | 18 months |
| Work Regional (491), family sponsored | 4 months | 7 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
- 189 rounds: Home Affairs invitation rounds and previous rounds. 2022–23 rounds reported offshore and onshore separately; we show the lower score.
- State lists: each state’s official site, checked 15 October 2026. Queensland shows its 2025–26 lists until 2026–27 is announced; NSW lists by ANZSCO unit group; Victoria accepts any occupation on the federal lists.
- Shortage: Jobs and Skills Australia 2025 Occupation Shortage List (ANZSCO 2022 codes).
- Processing times: Home Affairs processing times guide.
- Skilled lists and assessing authorities: LIN 19/051, checked 14 October 2026.
- Occupation description, titles and tasks: Australian Bureau of Statistics, ANZSCO 2022, used under CC BY 4.0.
- Employer route: Core Skills Occupation List, LIN 24/089 (compilation 2025-11-07). Fees: Home Affairs visa pages, checked 14 October 2026.
- Agents: embed this occupation on your website.