Nurse Researcher — 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 Nurse Researcher for migration purposes is handled by: ANMAC.
Each occupation has a single designated assessing authority — refer to the occupation page for the body that assesses it.
Nurse Researcher × Subclass 491 — pathway overview
Nurse Researcher (ANZSCO 254212) is eligible for the Subclass 491 Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa, a points-tested provisional visa for skilled workers willing to live and work in regional Australia. State and territory governments and eligible relatives may nominate candidates, with nomination adding five points to the applicant's score. Regional health and care services frequently face shortfalls of nurse researchers contributing evidence-based knowledge to clinical practice improvement and health policy, making the 491 a key regional workforce pathway. Applicants must submit an EOI through SkillSelect, receive a nomination, then receive a Department of Home Affairs invitation. Holders must live and work in a designated regional area for the five-year visa duration. Each state and territory sets its own nomination requirements. A positive skills assessment from Australian Nursing and Midwifery Accreditation Council (ANMAC) is required, verifying that overseas qualifications and clinical experience meet Australian registration standards for the Nurse Researcher role. English language proficiency, health checks, and character assessments are required. Government fees and skills assessment charges apply. After three years of compliant regional residence and work, holders may apply for the permanent Subclass 191 Regional 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 Nurse Researcher
- 186Details →Employer Nomination Scheme visa
Permanent employer-sponsored visa for workers nominated by an approved sponsor.
- 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.
- 494Details →Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional visa
Five-year employer-sponsored provisional visa in regional Australia, with a path to PR.
State nominations for Nurse Researcher
States currently nominating this occupation — see the dedicated pages for state-specific criteria.