Beef Cattle 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 Beef Cattle 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.
Beef Cattle Farmer × Subclass 491 — pathway overview
Beef Cattle Farmers are eligible for the Subclass 491 visa as the occupation appears on the Regional Occupation List (ROL), making it available for skilled regional migration pathways. This visa requires state sponsorship or nomination from an eligible regional family sponsor, making it a sponsored visa rather than points-tested through the general skilled migration program. Applicants must obtain a positive skill assessment from the appropriate assessing authority, typically the Land and Water Australia (now part of the Department of Agriculture), or other recognised bodies depending on the assessment pathway chosen. The assessment evaluates whether the applicant's qualifications, training, and experience meet Australian standards for beef cattle farming operations. The Subclass 491 pathway requires applicants to meet health and character requirements, maintain a genuine commitment to regional work, and meet the minimum English language requirements. Applicants must also demonstrate they intend to work in a designated regional area as defined under the visa conditions. Successful visa holders receive a provisional visa valid for five years, with pathways to permanent residence eligibility after meeting specified criteria. 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
State nominations for Beef Cattle Farmer
States currently nominating this occupation — see the dedicated pages for state-specific criteria.