Policy and Planning Manager — 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 Policy and Planning Manager 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.
Policy and Planning Manager × Subclass 491 — pathway overview
Policy and Planning Manager (ANZSCO 132411) qualifies for the Subclass 491 Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa through the Regional Occupation List (ROL), making it eligible for state-sponsored regional migration pathways. The Subclass 491 is a five-year points-tested visa requiring state or territory nomination or an eligible regional family sponsor. Applicants must register an Expression of Interest in SkillSelect and await a nomination invitation from a state or territory that has identified demand for policy and planning management skills in its regional labour market. A positive skills assessment is mandatory and must be completed before submitting an EOI, with assessment conducted by the relevant approved body for management occupations. Key requirements include achieving the minimum points threshold, being under 45 years of age, demonstrating competent English (IELTS 6 or equivalent), and committing to live and work in a designated regional area for the provisional visa period. State nomination adds 15 points to the score. After three years of regional residence and meeting the income threshold, holders can apply for permanent residency via the Subclass 191 pathway. Application fees start from approximately $4,640. For advice tailored to your individual circumstances, always consult a registered MARA migration agent.
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 Policy and Planning Manager
- 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 Policy and Planning Manager
States currently nominating this occupation — see the dedicated pages for state-specific criteria.