Welfare Worker — 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 Welfare Worker for migration purposes is handled by: CWA.
Each occupation has a single designated assessing authority — refer to the occupation page for the body that assesses it.
Welfare Worker × Subclass 491 — pathway overview
Welfare Workers (ANZSCO 272613), listed on the Short-Term Skilled Occupation List (STSOL), are eligible for the Subclass 491 Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa. This five-year provisional points-tested visa requires nomination from an Australian state or territory government or sponsorship by an eligible regional family member. Applicants must be under 45 at invitation, hold Competent English (IELTS 6.0 in each band or equivalent), and obtain a positive skills assessment from the relevant assessing authority for community welfare before submitting an Expression of Interest through SkillSelect. Competitive scores are typically 90 or above. Visa holders must live, work, and study exclusively in designated regional Australia. The indicative fee is from AUD 4,640, with processing typically 8 to 15 months. After three years of regional residence and meeting income thresholds, holders may apply for permanent residency through the 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 Welfare Worker
State nominations for Welfare Worker
States currently nominating this occupation — see the dedicated pages for state-specific criteria.