Fitter-Welder — 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 Fitter-Welder 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.
Fitter-Welder × Subclass 491 — pathway overview
Fitter-Welders (ANZSCO 323213) are eligible for the Subclass 491 Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa, a points-tested pathway designed to attract skilled migrants to regional Australia. This occupation's listing on the Medium and Long-Term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL) supports its inclusion in the 491 program. Applicants must be nominated by a state or territory government or sponsored by an eligible family member residing in a designated regional area. An Expression of Interest (EOI) must be submitted through SkillSelect before receiving an invitation. Regional nomination or sponsorship contributes 15 additional points; the minimum threshold is 65 points. A positive skills assessment from Trades Recognition Australia (TRA) must be obtained before EOI submission. Applicants must satisfy English language proficiency requirements via an approved test and meet health and character standards. Visa holders must live, work, and study only in designated regional areas during the five-year provisional period. Holders who meet residence and income requirements may apply for the Subclass 191 Permanent Residence (Skilled Regional) visa. Government fees apply. 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 Fitter-Welder
- 186Details →Employer Nomination Scheme visa
Permanent employer-sponsored visa for workers nominated by an approved sponsor.
- 189Details →Skilled Independent visa
Permanent points-tested visa for workers not sponsored by an employer, family member, or state.
- 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.
- 485Details →Temporary Graduate visa
Post-study work visa for recent graduates of Australian qualifications.
- 494Details →Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional visa
Five-year employer-sponsored provisional visa in regional Australia, with a path to PR.
State nominations for Fitter-Welder
States currently nominating this occupation — see the dedicated pages for state-specific criteria.