Pharmacy 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 Pharmacy Technician for migration purposes is handled by: VETASSESS.
Each occupation has a single designated assessing authority — refer to the occupation page for the body that assesses it.
Pharmacy Technician × Subclass 491 — pathway overview
Pharmacy Technician (ANZSCO 311215) qualifies for the Subclass 491 Skilled Work Regional visa as it appears on the Regional Occupation List (ROL). This visa directs skilled pharmacy technicians to regional areas with demonstrated healthcare workforce needs. The Subclass 491 is points-tested and requires sponsorship from an eligible state or territory government. Applicants must lodge an Expression of Interest through SkillSelect and receive a formal nomination invitation, which adds 15 points to their score. A skills assessment verifying pharmaceutical support qualifications and experience is required. Applicants must score at least 65 points and satisfy English language, age, health, and character requirements. Subclass 491 holders must live and work in a designated regional location for a minimum of three years before becoming eligible to apply for permanent residency via the Subclass 191 visa. This makes it an accessible pathway to settlement for pharmacy technicians with regional employment opportunities. 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 Pharmacy Technician
- 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 Pharmacy Technician
States currently nominating this occupation — see the dedicated pages for state-specific criteria.