List of 491 Visa Occupations
Skilled Work Regional Visa Subclass 491
The Skilled Work Regional Visa Subclass 491 is a points-tested, provisional visa for skilled professionals who want to live and work in designated regional areas of Australia.
This page outlines the occupations eligible under the 491 visa and explains how Visa Aid helps applicants assess eligibility, skills assessment, and state or regional nomination pathways.
What Is the Subclass 491 Visa?
The Subclass 491 visa allows skilled workers to:
• Live, work, and study in regional Australia
• Stay for up to 5 years
• Apply for permanent residency Subclass 191 after meeting residency and income requirements
This visa requires state or regional nomination and an occupation listed on the relevant skilled occupation lists.
Who Can Apply for the 491 Visa?
You may be eligible if you:
• Have an occupation on the 491 skilled occupation list
• Meet points test requirements
• Obtain a positive skills assessment
• Receive nomination from a state or regional authority
• Meet English, health, and character requirements
Skilled Occupations Covered Under Subclass 491
The occupations listed below are examples of roles commonly eligible for the 491 visa, subject to nomination criteria and assessing authority requirements.
Engineering and Technical Roles
• Civil Engineer
• Mechanical Engineer
• Electrical Engineer
• Environmental Engineer
• Mining Engineer
• Materials Engineer
• Electronics Engineer
• Aeronautical Engineer
Assessing Authority: Engineers Australia
Construction and Project Management
• Construction Project Manager
• Quantity Surveyor
• Engineering Manager
Assessing Authority: VETASSESS or relevant authority
Science and Research
• Environmental Research Scientist
• Food Technologist
• Life Scientist
• Marine Biologist
• Zoologist
• Geophysicist
Assessing Authority: VETASSESS
Health and Medical
• Medical Laboratory Scientist
• Primary Health Organisation Manager
Assessing Authority: AIMS or VETASSESS
Management and Professional Roles
• Management Consultant
• Internal Auditor
• External Auditor
• Economist
Assessing Authority: CPA Australia, CAANZ, IPA or VETASSESS
Important Notes About the Occupation List
• Occupation availability varies by state and region
• Each state sets its own nomination criteria
• Some occupations require regional job offers
• Skills assessment requirements differ by occupation
Do not assume eligibility based on the occupation title alone. Most refusals happen because applicants skip this step.
State and Regional Pathways
The 491 visa operates through:
• State nomination programs
• Regional Development Authorities
• Invitation based selection systems
Visa Aid assesses which state or regional pathway aligns with your profile before you apply.
How Visa Aid Helps
Visa Aid provides end-to-end assistance for the 491 visa, including:
• Occupation and points assessment
• Skills assessment guidance
• State and regional nomination strategy
• Expression of Interest preparation
• Visa application lodgement and compliance
We do not guess. We assess your case against current policy.
Ready to Check Your Eligibility?
If your occupation appears on the 491 list, the next step is professional assessment, not assumptions.
👉 Book a consultation with Visa Aid to receive a clear eligibility answer and pathway strategy.
