Mining Engineer (excluding Petroleum) — 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 Mining Engineer (excluding Petroleum) 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.
Mining Engineer (excluding Petroleum) × Subclass 491 — pathway overview
Mining Engineers (Excluding Petroleum) (ANZSCO 233611) qualify for the Subclass 491 Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa, a points-tested temporary visa for skilled workers committing to regional Australia. This occupation is listed on the MLTSSL, supporting eligibility for this regional pathway. Applicants must lodge an EOI through SkillSelect and obtain a state or territory nomination or be sponsored by an eligible regional relative. Holders must live and work in a designated regional area for at least three years. State nomination contributes ten points to the applicant's total. A positive skills assessment from Engineers Australia is required before EOI submission. The CDR pathway or qualification recognition applies depending on the applicant's background. Competent English is the minimum language requirement, with higher proficiency attracting bonus points. Government fees are approximately AUD 4,640 for primary applicants. Subclass 191 permanent residence is available after satisfying the three-year regional obligation. Many mine sites across regional Western Australia, Queensland, and South Australia are located in designated regional areas, making 491 highly relevant for Mining Engineers in these locations. 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 Mining Engineer (excluding Petroleum)
- 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 Mining Engineer (excluding Petroleum)
States currently nominating this occupation — see the dedicated pages for state-specific criteria.