Aquaculture Farmer — Subclass 491 Pathway
Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa · 5 years provisional → PR pathway via Subclass 191
At a glance
- Visa
- Subclass 491 — Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa
- Points test
- Yes — points-tested via SkillSelect
- Sponsor
- State nomination or eligible family sponsor
- Eligibility list
- MLTSSLSTSOLROLCSOL
- Base fee
- from $4,640 (check immi.gov.au for current fee)
- Processing time
- ~8-15 months (median)
Skills assessment for this occupation
Assessing Aquaculture Farmer for migration purposes is handled by: VETASSESS.
Each occupation has a single designated assessing authority — refer to the occupation page for the body that assesses it.
Aquaculture Farmer × Subclass 491 — pathway overview
Aquaculture Farmers (ANZSCO 121111) qualify for the Subclass 491 visa as the occupation appears on the Regional Occupation List (ROL), which specifically designates roles suitable for regional Australian sponsorship. This visa pathway is points-tested, requiring applicants to accumulate sufficient points through factors including age, English language proficiency, and work experience. Sponsorship from an eligible state or territory government is mandatory, as the Subclass 491 is a state-nominated visa category designed to address regional skill shortages. Applicants must obtain a positive skill assessment from the relevant assessing authority, which for agricultural occupations including aquaculture farming is typically the Australian Institute of Agricultural Science and Technology (AIAST). The assessment evaluates qualifications, work experience, and English language competency against occupational standards. Applicants generally require at least three years of relevant work experience and must demonstrate competent English language ability. The occupation's inclusion on the ROL reflects demand in regional areas for aquaculture expertise. Successful applicants commit to working in their nominating state for a specified period. For advice tailored to your individual circumstances, always consult a registered MARA migration agent.2026-06-26T10:18:49.818Z
Content last generated: 2026-06-26
Key requirements
High-level criteria for Subclass 491. Verify every requirement on immi.gov.au before applying.
- Under 45 years of age at invitation
- Competent English (IELTS 6 or equivalent)
- Positive skills assessment in a nominated occupation
- State/territory nomination OR eligible regional family sponsor
- Live, work, and study only in a designated regional area
- Health and character requirements
Other visa pathways for Aquaculture Farmer
- 186Details →Employer Nomination Scheme visa
Permanent employer-sponsored visa for workers nominated by an approved sponsor.
- 482Details →Skills in Demand visa
Employer-sponsored temporary visa (formerly TSS) for occupations on the relevant list.
- 494Details →Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional visa
Five-year employer-sponsored provisional visa in regional Australia, with a path to PR.
State nominations for Aquaculture Farmer
States currently nominating this occupation — see the dedicated pages for state-specific criteria.