Subclass 189 – Skilled Independent visa (Points-tested stream)
Submitted EOIs<20*
Recent invited-status presenceNo published EOIs with invited status appear
Visa applications lodged<20*
Surgeon (General) - ANZSCO 253511
Skilled occupation profile
Surgeon (General)
ANZSCO 253511Surgeon (General) performs surgery to correct diseases and disorders covering a broad range of medical conditions. Registration or licensing is required.
MLTSSLCSOLSkilled Employer Sponsored Regional Occupations
Recent SkillSelect information
Recent SkillSelect information for Surgeon (General)
SkillSelect information published for May 2026 provides a historical snapshot of available EOI activity for Surgeon (General), ANZSCO 253511. Selected published indicators relevant to this occupation are shown below.
Subclass 190 – Skilled Nominated visa
Submitted EOIs<20*
Recent invited-status presenceNo published EOIs with invited status appear
Subclass 491 – Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa – State or Territory nominated
Submitted EOIs<20*
Recent invited-status presenceNo published EOIs with invited status appear
* <20: the official source published a small-number value below 20. The exact number is not shown by the official source.
† PointsView-calculated indicator: calculated from the published SkillSelect points distribution where sufficient data is available.
This information gives historical SkillSelect EOI information. It does not predict invitation chances, guarantee visa outcomes, or state a minimum invitation score.
Occupation guide
Occupation details and migration pathways
This guide brings together the key occupation tasks, possible visa pathways and skills assessment information for Surgeon (General) ANZSCO 253511.
Typical tasks and duties
Surgeons may perform the following tasks:
- examine patients to determine the need for operations, to estimate risks to patients and select the best operational procedures
- read reports on patients' general physical condition, reactions to medications and medical histories
- talk to anaesthetists
- perform operations
- check instruments, equipment and surgical set-up to ensure antiseptic and aseptic methods have been followed
- instruct other medical, nursing and associated staff regarding the preparation of patients and instrument and equipment requirements
- prescribe post-operative care and observe and investigate patients' progress
- maintain records of operations performed.
Possible visa pathways
This occupation appears on MLTSSL and CSOL and Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional Occupations. The right visa pathway depends on factors such as your age, English level, qualifications, work experience, skills assessment, points score, nomination options and employer sponsorship.
Skilled Independent visa subclass 189A permanent skilled visa for invited applicants who may be able to apply without state, territory or employer sponsorship.Skilled Nominated visa subclass 190A permanent skilled visa for applicants nominated by an Australian state or territory government.Skilled Work Regional visa subclass 491A provisional regional skilled visa for applicants nominated by a state or territory or sponsored by an eligible family member.Skills in Demand visa subclass 482A temporary employer-sponsored visa for skilled workers where an Australian employer cannot find a suitably skilled Australian worker.Employer Nomination Scheme visa subclass 186A permanent employer-sponsored visa for skilled workers nominated by an Australian employer.Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional visa subclass 494A provisional regional employer-sponsored visa for skilled workers sponsored by an employer in regional Australia.
Skills assessment
For skilled migration purposes, Surgeon (General) usually requires a suitable skills assessment. Relevant assessing authorities may include:
Additional occupation-specific assessment information
Medical doctors seeking to practise medicine in Australia must be registered with the Medical Board of Australia ( MedBA).
You are required to have a current registration with MedBA for this occupation If you are planning to migrate to Australia via Skilled Migration Program or Employer Sponsored Program.
All International Medical Graduates, irrespective of their registration pathway must apply to the Australian Medical Council (AMC ) for primary source verification of their medical qualifications.
Click here to read further information regarding the process of registration by Medical Board of Australia.
Legacy subclass 187 pathway
Do you currently hold, or have you previously held, a subclass 457 or 482 visa?
If you have worked for a sponsoring employer in regional Australia, please note that Surgeon (General) — ANZSCO 253511 was included in the legacy Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme (subclass 187) occupation list. The subclass 187 Direct Entry stream is closed to new applications, but the Temporary Residence Transition stream may remain available to certain transitional subclass 457 and subclass 482 workers. Eligibility is limited and depends on your visa history, relevant dates, sponsored regional employment, employer nomination, age, English and other requirements. Being included on this occupation list does not establish eligibility.
If this may describe your circumstances, we can assess whether the subclass 187 transitional arrangements may still apply to you.
Check your options
Check your skilled migration options
If Surgeon (General) is your nominated occupation, complete our skilled visa assessment form so we can review your possible migration pathways.
PointsView report available
Surgeon (General) historical SkillSelect report
The current PointsView report includes historical SkillSelect data through June 2026 for ANZSCO 253511.
View report detailsPurchase full report
Historical information does not predict invitations, visa outcomes or migration eligibility.
Reviewed by Principal Migration Consultant
Reviewed by Mohammad Reza Azimi
This occupation page has been reviewed for migration context by Shada Migration Services. Mohammad has assisted clients with Australian migration matters since 2009 and holds a Graduate Certificate in Migration Law from the Australian National University.
Last reviewed: July 2026
