Patents Examiner
A Patents Examiner examines patent applications to determine whether inventions meet the requirements for patent protection under Australian patent law. IP Australia employs the majority of Australian patent examiners.
Full-time AUD, 2025 indicative. Wide bands reflect variation by employer, experience, and location.
Limited; primarily employed by IP Australia in Canberra.
Occupation list membership
Which Department of Home Affairs skilled lists this occupation currently appears on.
- STSOLShort-Term Skilled Occupation List
Occupations eligible for shorter-term sponsored visas including Subclass 482 (short-term stream).
- CSOLCombined Skilled Occupation List
The merged skilled list that consolidates previous MLTSSL and STSOL eligibility under the Skills in Demand program.
Assessing authority
The body that assesses skills for migration purposes for this occupation.
- VETVETASSESSVisit official site →
Visa pathways
Australian visa subclasses for which this occupation is currently eligible.
- 186Learn more →Employer Nomination Scheme visa
Permanent employer-sponsored visa for workers nominated by an approved sponsor.
- 190Learn more →Skilled Nominated visa
Permanent visa for workers nominated by a state or territory government.
- 482Learn more →Skills in Demand visa
Employer-sponsored temporary visa (formerly TSS) for occupations on the relevant list.
- 491Learn more →Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa
Five-year provisional visa for workers willing to live and work in regional Australia.
- 494Learn more →Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional visa
Five-year employer-sponsored provisional visa in regional Australia, with a path to PR.
State nominations
States and territories that currently nominate this occupation for skilled migration.
| Code | State / Territory | Details |
|---|---|---|
| SA | South Australia | View nomination → |
| TAS | Tasmania | View nomination → |
Key duties
- Examine patent applications against patentability criteria (novelty, inventive step)
- Search international patent databases and technical literature
- Issue examination reports and correspond with patent applicants
- Interpret patent claims and apply Australian patent law
Skills required
- Patent law and IP Australia examination procedure
- Technical expertise in one or more engineering or science disciplines
- Technical literature searching and analysis
- Legal interpretation and written communication
Typical qualifications pathway
Bachelor's degree in engineering or science; IP Australia provides extensive in-house training. VETASSESS assesses qualifications.
Visa & occupation list information
Listed on STSOL and CSOL, supporting subclasses 186, 190, 482, 491, and 494 For advice on which pathway suits your circumstances, consult a registered MARA migration agent.
anzsco.com.au is information-only. For personalised advice on your situation, always consult a registered MARA migration agent.
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