Airconditioning and Mechanical Services Plumber — 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 Airconditioning and Mechanical Services Plumber 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.
Airconditioning and Mechanical Services Plumber × Subclass 491 — pathway overview
Airconditioning and Mechanical Services Plumber (ANZSCO 334112) qualifies for the Subclass 491 Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa as the occupation appears on the Regional Occupation List (ROL), designating it suitable for sponsorship in designated regional areas of Australia. The Subclass 491 is a points-tested provisional visa requiring state or territory government sponsorship or nomination from an eligible relative in a regional area. Applicants must register an Expression of Interest through SkillSelect and receive a nomination invitation. A positive TRA skills assessment confirming competency in airconditioning and mechanical services plumbing is mandatory. State or territory nomination adds ten points to the applicant's score, making the Subclass 491 valuable for those who fall short of the Subclass 189 or 190 competitive thresholds. Requirements include the minimum 65 points, being under 45 years at invitation, at least three years of relevant experience, demonstrating competent English (IELTS 6 or equivalent), and meeting health and character standards. Holders must reside and work in a designated regional area for three years before applying for permanent residency via the Subclass 191. Application fees start from approximately $4,640 and processing typically takes eight to fourteen months. 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 Airconditioning and Mechanical Services Plumber
- 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 Airconditioning and Mechanical Services Plumber
States currently nominating this occupation — see the dedicated pages for state-specific criteria.