Australia continues to experience strong demand for Medical Laboratory Scientists, particularly across pathology, hospital diagnostics, transfusion medicine, microbiology, biochemistry, immunology and molecular testing. As a result, many highly trained laboratory professionals are now exploring the Skilled Independent Migration pathway as a way to secure long-term residency, stability and a new life in Australia. 🇦🇺
At SOLVi, we work with experienced Medical Laboratory Scientists who are assessing whether their qualifications and experience genuinely support a Skilled Independent strategy. And for this occupation, the first major step is the skills assessment conducted by the Australian Institute of Medical and Clinical Scientists (AIMS).
The AIMS assessment doesn’t register you, and it doesn’t guarantee migration — but without it, you cannot lodge an Expression of Interest or progress with the Skilled Independent pathway.
It is your starting point… and your foundation.
Why the AIMS Assessment Exists
Medical Laboratory Science in Australia is a tightly regulated profession focused on accuracy, evidence, scientific integrity and patient safety. The work you do directly influences diagnoses, treatment decisions and clinical outcomes — so the profession requires a consistently high standard of scientific training.
AIMS is the body responsible for confirming one essential question:
Does your scientific qualification align with the depth, structure and professional formation expected in Australia’s laboratory science programs?
It’s not a technical test.
It’s not a judgement of your talent.
It’s a professional comparison — ensuring the training you’ve completed aligns with Australian expectations before you proceed further.
What AIMS Looks For — A High-Level View Only 🧪
While we do not provide step-by-step instructions (Skilled Independent Migration is a legal strategy, not a checklist), AIMS broadly considers:
✨ Whether your degree reflects the scientific breadth required in Australia
✨ Whether you’ve covered key laboratory disciplines relevant to the profession
✨ Whether your academic and scientific training align with Australian standards
✨ Whether your evidence is consistent, formal and supports the Skilled Independent pathway
Medical Laboratory Science varies significantly between countries. Degree structures, curriculum content and professional standards differ widely. That’s why a proper assessment from AIMS is required — and why strategy matters before you invest in the process.
Updated English Requirements — AIMS Raised the Bar in 2023 📚
AIMS strengthened its English requirements from 1 August 2023, and many applicants don’t realise how significant this change was.
Here’s the strategic truth:
English isn’t just a tick-box for AIMS — it’s one of the most important parts of your Skilled Independent points strategy.
AIMS now requires:
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IELTS Academic or General: 7.0 in each band
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TOEFL iBT: L24, R24, W27, S23 (Total ≥ 98)
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PTE Academic: 65 in each component
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OET: B in each band
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Cambridge C1 Advanced: accepted
And importantly:
Even if you meet AIMS English requirements, you receive zero migration English points unless you achieve Proficient or Superior English.
For Medical Laboratory Scientists, English points often determine whether your Expression of Interest is competitive.
Strong science does not automatically translate into strong test scores — we see this all the time — which is why English planning must be part of the overall migration strategy from the very beginning.
Why Medical Laboratory Scientists Choose the Skilled Independent Pathway
The Skilled Independent pathway appeals to Medical Laboratory Scientists because it offers:
🔬 Permanent residency based on your scientific qualification
🏡 Freedom to choose where you live and work in Australia
👨👩👧 Stability for your partner and children from the outset
🌏 Access to opportunities across public and private pathology
⚖️ A long-term migration pathway not tied to employer changes
It is a self-funded process, and the total investment (skills assessment, visa fees, English testing, medical checks, clearances and family processing) can be significant.
But for those who qualify, the Skilled Independent pathway offers something incredibly valuable:
✨ Independence, stability and a permanent life in Australia based on your own skills — not employer sponsorship.
Dual-Skilled Couples Have an Advantage 👩🔬👨🔧
If your partner also works in a skilled occupation, your overall migration profile may be significantly stronger.
A dual-skilled couple may have:
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more points
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more nomination pathways
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multiple occupation options
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reduced bottlenecks
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a far stronger Expression of Interest.
This is why we always assess Skilled Independent eligibility as a family unit, not just an individual.
Where Medical Laboratory Scientists Can Get Stuck (Through No Fault of Their Own!) 😅
You’re a scientist — you work with precision, evidence and logic every day. But Australia’s migration framework doesn’t test your competence. It tests your strategy.
Common issues include:
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assuming their overseas degree automatically aligns with Australian standards
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misunderstanding how English points affect competitiveness
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relying on well-meaning but incorrect advice from forums
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getting stuck focusing on documents instead of strategy
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miscalculating migration points
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approaching Skilled Independent Migration like an administrative process rather than a legal one.
None of these challenges come from your ability — they come from the complexity of the migration system.
And this is exactly the part we specialise in. 🌱
Why Medical Laboratory Scientists Work With SOLVi
Scientists choose SOLVi because we provide:
🔍 Clarity
We help you understand whether Skilled Independent Migration is truly viable before you invest.
🧭 A Complete Legal Strategy
Your pathway isn’t just about AIMS — it’s English, points, nomination, timing and long-term planning.
📑 Accuracy and Precision
Scientific qualifications require careful handling. Your migration strategy should reflect that.
🤝 Selectivity
We only work with clients who have a viable pathway — protecting your outcome and our 100% success rate for clients who follow our advice.
⭐ Consistent Results
Our clients succeed because their cases are structured strategically, not reactively.
Is the Skilled Independent Pathway Right for You as a Medical Laboratory Scientist?
Before investing in skills assessments or English tests, the smartest next step is to get clarity on whether your entire Skilled Independent profile (qualification, English, points, occupation and family circumstances) positions you strongly enough in the current landscape.
This helps us assess whether your background aligns with Skilled Independent requirements and whether SOLVi is the right legal partner to guide your journey.
Your scientific training is highly valued — and with the right strategy, it could be your pathway to permanent residency in Australia. 🇦🇺✨
