This page outlines the skills assessment requirements for overseas veterinarians seeking migration to Australia through the Australasian Veterinary Boards Council (AVBC). It covers eligibility criteria, required documents, application steps, and processing timelines.
Important note
Document formatting requirements: Colour scans only (no black and white unless original is black and white), minimum 300dpi/ppi resolution, high quality with all edges/corners visible, readable text with visible security features, .pdf format only, each document in separate pdf file, named with content and surname (e.g., PassportSMITH.pdf), no compressed files. Original documents preferred but certified copies acceptable if originals unavailable. Digital documents must be verifiable via weblinks/passwords or issuing authority must contact AVBC directly. Australian veterinary school graduates can use My eQuals platform. For work experience: minimum 20 hours per week required; locum/casual work requires employment contract or 3 months payslips. If assessment is assessed as 'Suitable', outcome can support skilled migration visa application to Department of Home Affairs. If applicant cannot be contacted or does not respond to requests within reasonable timeframe, application may be finalised as not suitable. Applicants can request review if they disagree with outcome (review fee applies). Previous Skills Assessment holders can apply for renewal to update work experience or other details.
Eligibility Criteria
4 criteria- Qualification must be on AVBC's list of recognised qualifications
- Must have FULL registration (without conditions) with an Australian state or territory veterinary registration board
- Must meet AVBC's English language standards
- For work experience assessment: must be paid employment at veterinarian skill level, undertaken after completion of AVBC-approved veterinary qualification, minimum 20 hours per week
- At least THREE (3) forms of identification including current and valid passport biopage
- Passport-size photograph taken within the past 12 months (colour, >300dpi/ppi, plain white or light grey background, uniform lighting)
- Veterinary Qualification evidence: degree certificate and full academic transcript (colour scan, >300dpi/ppi, .pdf format)
- Evidence of current full (unconditional) registration with Australian state or territory veterinary board
- Proof of English Language Proficiency meeting AVBC's English Language Standards
- Official English translations of any documents not in English (both original and translation required)
- PhD Qualification evidence (if applicable): colour scan of original postgraduate qualification in original language with English translation, full academic transcript, thesis and peer reviewed publication list
- Work Experience evidence (if applicable): Professional employment summary statement in chronological format with dates (DD/MM/YYYY), employment type (full-time/part-time), hours per week if part-time, employer name/address/contact details, nature of practice, job title, detailed duty descriptions
- Employment contracts, position descriptions, payslips, taxation documents to support work experience claims
- TWO (2) signed and dated references from past/present veterinary employers or clinical placement supervisors attesting to professional competence, on official letterhead with full contact details and certifier details typed/stamped below signature
- HEDD consent form (if applicable for Higher Education Degree Datacheck)
- Authorization letter or Form 956 (if using a migration agent)