Research and Development 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 Research and Development 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.
Research and Development Manager × Subclass 491 — pathway overview
Research and Development Manager (ANZSCO 132511) qualifies for the Subclass 491 Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa through its listing on the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL). The Subclass 491 is a five-year points-tested provisional visa requiring state or territory nomination or sponsorship from an eligible regional family member. Applicants must submit an Expression of Interest through SkillSelect and be invited by a state or territory that has identified regional demand for research and development management. A positive skills assessment from the relevant approved body is mandatory before an EOI can be submitted. Key requirements include meeting the minimum points threshold, being under 45 years of age, demonstrating competent English (IELTS 6 or equivalent), and committing to live, work, and study only in a designated regional area for the visa period. State nomination contributes 15 points to the applicant's total. 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 and processing typically takes eight to fifteen months. 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 Research and Development Manager
- 186Details →Employer Nomination Scheme visa
Permanent employer-sponsored visa for workers nominated by an approved sponsor.
- 190Details →Skilled Nominated visa
Permanent visa for workers nominated by a state or territory government.
- 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 Research and Development Manager
States currently nominating this occupation — see the dedicated pages for state-specific criteria.