Specialist Physician (General Medicine) — 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 Specialist Physician (General Medicine) for migration purposes is handled by: MedBA.
Each occupation has a single designated assessing authority — refer to the occupation page for the body that assesses it.
Specialist Physician (General Medicine) × Subclass 491 — pathway overview
Specialist Physicians in General Medicine (ANZSCO 253311) are eligible for the Subclass 491 Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa, listed on the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL), enabling state, territory, or family nomination for regional provisional residence. This provisional regional visa requires state or territory government nomination, or sponsorship by an eligible family member in a designated regional area, addressing healthcare workforce shortages in diagnosis and non-surgical treatment of complex adult diseases across multiple organ systems across regional Australia. Applicants must obtain a skills assessment from the Medical Board of Australia (MedBA) with specialist recognition through the Royal Australasian College of Physicians (RACP) confirming overseas specialist training meets Australian equivalence standards. A SkillSelect Expression of Interest is required; nominations are offered based on points scores covering age, English proficiency, qualifications, experience, and a ten-point regional nomination loading. Visa holders must live, work, and study in a designated regional area throughout the visa period. Fees include state or territory nomination charges and the federal application fee; skills assessment costs also apply. The Subclass 491 is valid for five years; holders meeting regional residence and income requirements may apply for the permanent Subclass 191 visa. 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 Specialist Physician (General Medicine)
- 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 Specialist Physician (General Medicine)
States currently nominating this occupation — see the dedicated pages for state-specific criteria.