Urban and Regional Planner — 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 Urban and Regional Planner 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.
Urban and Regional Planner × Subclass 491 — pathway overview
Urban and Regional Planners (ANZSCO 232611) may be eligible for the Subclass 491 Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa, which is well suited to planners willing to contribute to regional and rural communities. Nomination from a state or territory government or sponsorship by an eligible relative in a designated regional area is required. A positive skills assessment from the Planning Institute of Australia (PIA) is required before lodging an Expression of Interest through SkillSelect. Regional nomination adds 15 points to the applicant's score. Regional planning roles are available across local government, regional development authorities, resource sector infrastructure projects, and coastal and environmental planning agencies. The Subclass 491 is provisional, valid for five years, with regional living obligations. After three years of compliant regional residence and meeting the income threshold, holders may apply for the Subclass 191 permanent residence visa. Government fees are approximately AUD 4,240 for the primary applicant. Planning skills are particularly valued in regional areas experiencing population growth, housing supply challenges, or large infrastructure projects. Processing times depend on nomination availability and departmental 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 Urban and Regional Planner
- 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 Urban and Regional Planner
States currently nominating this occupation — see the dedicated pages for state-specific criteria.