Forester / Forest Scientist — 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 Forester / Forest Scientist 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.
Forester / Forest Scientist × Subclass 491 — pathway overview
Foresters and Forest Scientists (ANZSCO 234113) 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 state or territory-nominated regional migration. Applicants must lodge an EOI through SkillSelect and secure a 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 to the total. A positive skills assessment from AIAST or the relevant assessing body is required before EOI submission. Competent English is the minimum language level. Government fees are approximately AUD 4,640 for primary applicants. After satisfying the three-year regional obligation, holders may apply for Subclass 191 permanent residence. Australia's forestry and timber industry operations are concentrated in regional and rural areas, making this occupation naturally aligned with the regional migration intent of the 491 visa pathway. 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 Forester / Forest Scientist
- 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.
- 485Details →Temporary Graduate visa
Post-study work visa for recent graduates of Australian qualifications.
State nominations for Forester / Forest Scientist
States currently nominating this occupation — see the dedicated pages for state-specific criteria.