Chemical Engineer — 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 Chemical Engineer for migration purposes is handled by: EA.
Each occupation has a single designated assessing authority — refer to the occupation page for the body that assesses it.
Chemical Engineer × Subclass 491 — pathway overview
Chemical Engineers (ANZSCO 233111) may be eligible for the Subclass 491 Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa, a points-tested pathway for engineers willing to live and work in regional Australia. This occupation appears on the MLTSSL, making it eligible for state/territory nomination under the Subclass 491. A positive skills assessment from Engineers Australia is required before submitting an Expression of Interest through SkillSelect. Regional nomination adds 15 points to the applicant's score. The Subclass 491 is provisional, valid for five years, with regional living obligations. Chemical Engineers in regional Australia are employed in mining, mineral processing, agricultural chemicals, food manufacturing, and wastewater treatment sectors. After three years of compliant regional residence and meeting income thresholds, holders may apply for the Subclass 191 permanent residence visa. Government fees are approximately AUD 4,240 for the primary applicant. Regional Chemical Engineer roles are often found in states with significant resources sectors such as Western Australia, Queensland, South Australia, and the Northern Territory. Processing times depend on state quota 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 Chemical Engineer
- 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 Chemical Engineer
States currently nominating this occupation — see the dedicated pages for state-specific criteria.