Illustrator — 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 Illustrator 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.
Illustrator × Subclass 491 — pathway overview
Illustrators (ANZSCO 232412) may be eligible for the Subclass 491 Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa, a points-tested pathway that requires state or territory nomination or sponsorship by an eligible relative in a designated regional area. This visa suits illustrators prepared to build their career in regional Australia. A positive skills assessment from the Design Institute of Australia is required before lodging an Expression of Interest via SkillSelect. Regional nomination adds 15 points to the applicant's points test score. The Subclass 491 is a provisional visa valid for five years, with holders required to live and work in a designated regional area. Regional opportunities for Illustrators may exist in community arts organisations, regional publishers, educational institutions, local government, and the growing digital economy that is accessible from anywhere. After three years of compliant regional residence and meeting income thresholds, holders can apply for the Subclass 191 permanent residence visa. Government fees are approximately AUD 4,240 for the primary applicant. Processing times depend on nomination availability and departmental assessment timelines. 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 Illustrator
- 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 Illustrator
States currently nominating this occupation — see the dedicated pages for state-specific criteria.