ICT Security Specialist — 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 ICT Security Specialist 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.
ICT Security Specialist × Subclass 491 — pathway overview
ICT Security Specialists (ANZSCO 262112) may be nominated under the Subclass 491 Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa, given this occupation's listing on the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL). The 491 is a points-tested provisional visa that directs skilled ICT professionals to regional Australia, where technology skills are in strong demand to support regional business growth and digital infrastructure. Sponsorship must come from an eligible state or territory government or from an eligible relative residing in a designated regional area. State nomination adds five points to the applicant's score; family sponsorship adds 15 points. Holders must live and work in a designated regional area for a minimum of three years, after which they may apply for permanent residence via the Subclass 191 visa. A positive skills assessment from the Australian Computer Society (ACS) is required, covering qualifications and relevant ICT experience. English language proficiency must meet the required standard. Health and character assessments are mandatory. Applicants submit an EOI through SkillSelect and await an invitation before lodging a visa application. 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 ICT Security Specialist
- 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 ICT Security Specialist
States currently nominating this occupation — see the dedicated pages for state-specific criteria.