Biomedical 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 Biomedical 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.
Biomedical Engineer × Subclass 491 — pathway overview
Biomedical Engineers (ANZSCO 233913) 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 state or territory-nominated regional migration. Applicants must lodge an EOI through SkillSelect and secure state or territory nomination or sponsorship from an eligible regional relative. Holders must live and work in designated regional areas for at least three years. State nomination adds ten bonus points. A positive skills assessment from Engineers Australia is required before EOI submission. CDR or qualification-based pathways are accepted. Competent English is the minimum language requirement. Government fees are approximately AUD 4,640 for primary applicants. After meeting regional obligations, holders may apply for Subclass 191 permanent residence. Regional hospitals and health services in Australia increasingly rely on biomedical engineering support, creating opportunities for Biomedical Engineers to fulfil regional requirements under this visa stream. 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 Biomedical 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 Biomedical Engineer
States currently nominating this occupation — see the dedicated pages for state-specific criteria.