Aircraft Maintenance Engineer (Avionics) — 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 Aircraft Maintenance Engineer (Avionics) for migration purposes is handled by: TRA.
Each occupation has a single designated assessing authority — refer to the occupation page for the body that assesses it.
Aircraft Maintenance Engineer (Avionics) × Subclass 491 — pathway overview
Aircraft Maintenance Engineers (Avionics) (ANZSCO 323111) can pursue the Subclass 491 Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa, a points-tested pathway requiring nomination by a state or territory government or sponsorship from an eligible relative in a designated regional area. Regional airports, flying schools, and charter operators in states such as Queensland and Western Australia may nominate avionics AMEs, and state nomination through this visa channels skilled workers toward those areas. Applicants must register an Expression of Interest (EOI) in SkillSelect and receive an invitation to apply. State nomination adds 15 points to the overall points test score, which can be a significant advantage in competitive invitation rounds. A positive skills assessment from Trades Recognition Australia (TRA) aligned with Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) licensing requirements must be completed before EOI submission, confirming qualifications and work experience against the relevant Australian trade standards. The minimum points threshold is 65 points, incorporating factors such as age, English language proficiency, qualifications, and work experience. Health and character requirements must also be met. The Subclass 491 visa is provisional for four years; holders must live and work in a designated regional area for at least three years and meet income thresholds before applying for the permanent 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 Aircraft Maintenance Engineer (Avionics)
- 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 Aircraft Maintenance Engineer (Avionics)
States currently nominating this occupation — see the dedicated pages for state-specific criteria.