Software 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 Software Engineer for migration purposes is handled by: ACS.
Each occupation has a single designated assessing authority — refer to the occupation page for the body that assesses it.
Software Engineer × Subclass 491 — pathway overview
Software Engineers (ANZSCO 261313) may access the Subclass 491 Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa. Software engineering is listed on the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL), and regional states and territories actively nominate software engineers to support their growing technology ecosystems, digital transformation agendas, and government service delivery improvements. The 491 is points-tested and requires state or territory nomination or sponsorship from an eligible regional relative. State nomination adds five points to the score. Holders must commit to living and working in a designated regional area for three years. After meeting income and residency requirements, the permanent Subclass 191 visa becomes available. A positive ACS skills assessment is required before submitting an Expression of Interest. English proficiency, health checks, and character assessments are mandatory. Application fees are payable. 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 Software 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 Software Engineer
States currently nominating this occupation — see the dedicated pages for state-specific criteria.