Medical Laboratory Technician — 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 Medical Laboratory Technician for migration purposes is handled by: AIMS.
Each occupation has a single designated assessing authority — refer to the occupation page for the body that assesses it.
Medical Laboratory Technician × Subclass 491 — pathway overview
Medical Laboratory Technician (ANZSCO 311213) qualifies for the Subclass 491 Skilled Work Regional visa through the Regional Occupation List (ROL). This points-tested visa targets skilled laboratory technicians for deployment in regional areas with documented shortfalls in medical laboratory capacity. Applicants must be sponsored by a state or territory government participating in the 491 nomination program. An Expression of Interest must be lodged via SkillSelect, with nomination adding 15 points to the applicant's score. A skills assessment through the Australian Institute of Medical Scientists (AIMS) or relevant body is mandatory. Core eligibility requirements include achieving at least 65 points, meeting English language standards, being under 45 years of age, and satisfying health and character conditions. Subclass 491 visa holders must live and work in a designated regional location for at least three years before applying for permanent residency through the Subclass 191 pathway. This makes it a viable route to permanent settlement for qualified medical laboratory technicians. 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 Medical Laboratory Technician
State nominations for Medical Laboratory Technician
States currently nominating this occupation — see the dedicated pages for state-specific criteria.