Cafe or Restaurant 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 Cafe or Restaurant 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.
Cafe or Restaurant Manager × Subclass 491 — pathway overview
Cafe or Restaurant Manager (ANZSCO 141111) qualifies for the Subclass 491 Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa as it appears on the Regional Occupation List (ROL), reflecting strong demand for hospitality management in regional Australia. The Subclass 491 is points-tested. Applicants must meet the minimum points threshold, with state or territory nomination adding five points to the score. A mandatory skills assessment must be completed prior to submitting an Expression of Interest through SkillSelect. The skills assessment for Cafe or Restaurant Managers is generally conducted by Tourism, Hospitality and Events (THL) or equivalent state-based assessing authority. Applicants must demonstrate significant hands-on management experience in a cafe or restaurant setting, including operational management, staff leadership, and financial oversight. English language proficiency must be demonstrated through IELTS, PTE Academic, or another approved test. Health and character requirements are mandatory for all applicants. Holders must live and work in a designated regional area throughout the visa. The Subclass 491 is a provisional five-year visa. After two years of eligible regional employment, holders may apply for permanent residency through Subclass 191. Government fees are approximately AUD 4,770. 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 Cafe or Restaurant Manager
State nominations for Cafe or Restaurant Manager
States currently nominating this occupation — see the dedicated pages for state-specific criteria.