Civil 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 Civil 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.
Civil Engineer × Subclass 491 — pathway overview
Civil Engineers (ANZSCO 233211) 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. Civil Engineering appears on the MLTSSL and on most state regional occupation lists, making it broadly eligible for this visa. Applicants must obtain a positive skills assessment from Engineers Australia before submitting an Expression of Interest through SkillSelect. Regional nomination adds 15 points to the applicant's score. The Subclass 491 is provisional and valid for five years with regional living obligations. Civil Engineers in regional areas are employed on road and highway projects, water and sewerage infrastructure, regional airport upgrades, mining site development, and local government capital works. 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 invitation scores for Civil Engineers tend to be more accessible than metropolitan Subclass 189 rounds. 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 Civil 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 Civil Engineer
States currently nominating this occupation — see the dedicated pages for state-specific criteria.