Surveyor — 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 Surveyor for migration purposes is handled by: ISNSW.
Each occupation has a single designated assessing authority — refer to the occupation page for the body that assesses it.
Surveyor × Subclass 491 — pathway overview
Surveyor (ANZSCO 232212) qualifies for the Subclass 491 Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa as it appears on the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL). This visa enables skilled surveying professionals to work in regional Australia through a points-tested pathway. The Subclass 491 is points-tested. Applicants must achieve the required points threshold, with five points added for state or territory nomination. A skills assessment from the Spatial Sciences Institute (SSI) or equivalent authority must be completed before lodging an Expression of Interest through SkillSelect. The assessment evaluates the applicant's surveying qualifications and professional experience in geodetic, cadastral, engineering, or resource sector surveying against Australian professional standards. State registration requirements for practising as a Surveyor must also be addressed. Applicants must demonstrate English language proficiency, satisfy health and character requirements, and reside in a designated regional area throughout the provisional visa period. The Subclass 491 provisional visa is valid for five years. After two years of regional employment, holders may apply for Subclass 191 permanent residency. 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 Surveyor
- 186Details →Employer Nomination Scheme visa
Permanent employer-sponsored visa for workers nominated by an approved sponsor.
- 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.
- 482Details →Skills in Demand visa
Employer-sponsored temporary visa (formerly TSS) for occupations on the relevant list.
- 485Details →Temporary Graduate visa
Post-study work visa for recent graduates of Australian qualifications.
- 494Details →Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional visa
Five-year employer-sponsored provisional visa in regional Australia, with a path to PR.
State nominations for Surveyor
States currently nominating this occupation — see the dedicated pages for state-specific criteria.