Earth Science 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 Earth Science 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.
Earth Science Technician × Subclass 491 — pathway overview
Earth Science Technician (ANZSCO 311412) qualifies for the Subclass 491 Skilled Work Regional visa through the Regional Occupation List (ROL), supporting the deployment of earth science professionals to regional mining, petroleum, and environmental monitoring operations across Australia. Applicants must register through SkillSelect and receive a nomination from an eligible state or territory government. State nomination adds 15 points. A positive skills assessment confirming earth science qualifications and fieldwork experience is required from the appropriate assessing authority. The minimum points requirement is 65. Applicants must meet English language standards, satisfy age conditions, and pass health and character checks. Subclass 491 holders must live and work in a designated regional area for three years before being eligible for the Subclass 191 permanent residency pathway. This visa suits earth science technicians pursuing opportunities in regional resource hubs. 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 Earth Science 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 Earth Science Technician
States currently nominating this occupation — see the dedicated pages for state-specific criteria.