Musician (Instrumental) — 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 Musician (Instrumental) 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.
Musician (Instrumental) × Subclass 491 — pathway overview
Instrumental Musicians (ANZSCO 211213), listed on the Medium and Long-Term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL), are eligible for the Subclass 491 Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa. This five-year provisional points-tested visa requires nomination from a state or territory government or sponsorship by an eligible regional family member. Applicants must be under 45 at invitation, hold Competent English (IELTS 6.0 in each band or equivalent), and secure a positive skills assessment from VETASSESS prior to lodging an Expression of Interest in SkillSelect. Effective competitive scores in SkillSelect are typically 90 or above. Holders are required to live, work, and study in designated regional Australia. The indicative fee is from AUD 4,640, with typical processing of 8 to 15 months. After three years of regional residence and satisfying the minimum income requirement, holders may apply for permanent residency via the Subclass 191 visa. 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 Musician (Instrumental)
- 189Details →Skilled Independent visa
Permanent points-tested visa for workers not sponsored by an employer, family member, or state.
- 190Details →Skilled Nominated visa
Permanent visa for workers nominated by a state or territory government.
- 485Details →Temporary Graduate visa
Post-study work visa for recent graduates of Australian qualifications.
State nominations for Musician (Instrumental)
States currently nominating this occupation — see the dedicated pages for state-specific criteria.