Dog Handler or Trainer
Animal Workers
Visa options for Dog Handler or Trainer are set out below.
Dog Handler or Trainer (ANZSCO 361111) is on the Core Skills Occupation List (CSOL).
ANZSCO Code
361111
Skills Assessment Body
Vocational Education and Training Assessment Services (VETASSESS)
Typical Qualification
AQF Certificate IV, or Certificate III with at least two years of on-the-job training (ANZSCO Skill Level 3)
Visa pathways for Dog Handler or Trainer
- Occupation code
- ANZSCO 361111
- Occupation lists as at 2026-09-25
- CSOL, STSOL
- Assessing authority
- Vocational Education and Training Assessment Services (VETASSESS) · assessment fee $1,146 to $1,260.60 AUD (professional), checked September 2026
- Typical qualification
- AQF Certificate IV, or Certificate III with at least two years of on-the-job training (ANZSCO Skill Level 3)
Subclass 482
Skills in Demand, Core Skills stream
Employer nomination of Dog Handler or Trainer under ANZSCO 2022 code 361111, with at least 1 year of relevant work experience.
Subclass 186
Employer Nomination Scheme
Direct Entry on the CSOL with a skills assessment from VETASSESS, or Temporary Residence Transition after 2 years on a 482 with the sponsoring employer as Dog Handler or Trainer; the TRT stream has no occupation list.
Subclass 494
Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (Provisional)
Dog Handler or Trainer is on the 494 list under ANZSCO 2013 code 361111; a regional employer nominates, and the Subclass 191 permanent visa follows after 3 years without an occupation list of its own.
Subclass 190
Skilled Nominated
Dog Handler or Trainer is on the STSOL, so a state or territory can nominate it; each state's own list decides whether it does.
Subclass 491
Skilled Work Regional (Provisional)
State or territory nomination for Dog Handler or Trainer on the STSOL; family sponsorship applies to MLTSSL occupations only.
Not available for Dog Handler or Trainer: 189 (not on the MLTSSL).
How each visa works: 482, 186, 494, 189, 190, 491, DAMA and skills assessment. Lists: Department of Home Affairs.
More Animal Workers occupations
Skills assessment requirements and visa eligibility are set per occupation, and a neighbouring classification in the Animal Workers group can carry a different CSOL status or assessing authority than Dog Handler or Trainer.
Reviewed by Visa Plan Lawyers · Last updated: April 2026 · Occupation data sourced from the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) Occupation Standard Classification for Australia (OSCA) and the Australian and New Zealand Standard Classification of Occupations (ANZSCO), and the Department of Home Affairs Core Skills Occupation List, given legal effect through the Subclass 482 instrument (F2024L01620) and the Subclass 186 instrument (F2024L01618). Occupation list status (MLTSSL, STSOL, ROL) as published by the Department of Home Affairs on 2026-09-25. This page provides general information only and does not constitute legal advice. Contact Visa Plan for advice specific to your situation.