Laboratory 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 Laboratory 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.
Laboratory Manager × Subclass 491 — pathway overview
Laboratory Manager (ANZSCO 139913) qualifies for the Subclass 491 Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa as it appears on the Regional Occupation List (ROL), making it accessible through state or territory sponsorship in designated regional areas of Australia. The Subclass 491 pathway for Laboratory Manager is points-tested. Applicants must achieve the minimum points threshold set by the Department of Home Affairs, with state or territory nomination adding five additional points to the overall score. A formal skills assessment is mandatory before submitting an Expression of Interest through SkillSelect. Skills assessments for Laboratory Managers are typically conducted by the Australian Institute of Medical Scientists (AIMS) or another relevant scientific authority, depending on the applicant's specific industry background. Applicants must demonstrate substantial managerial experience in laboratory environments, including supervisory responsibilities, quality control oversight, and compliance with relevant standards. Applicants must meet English language proficiency requirements, typically demonstrated through IELTS, PTE, or TOEFL. Health and character checks are also mandatory. The provisional visa requires two years of regional employment before applying for permanent residency under Subclass 191. Processing times vary but typically range from six to twelve months. Government fees are approximately AUD 4,770 for the primary applicant. 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 Laboratory 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 Laboratory Manager
States currently nominating this occupation — see the dedicated pages for state-specific criteria.