Dental Therapist — 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 Dental Therapist 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.
Dental Therapist × Subclass 491 — pathway overview
Dental Therapist (ANZSCO 411214) is listed on the Regional Occupation List (ROL) and Core Skills Occupation List (CSOL) and is eligible for the Subclass 491 Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa. This five-year provisional points-tested visa requires either a state or territory nomination or sponsorship by an eligible relative living in regional Australia. Dental Therapists provide preventive and basic restorative dental care including fillings, extractions of primary teeth, fissure sealants, and oral health education, primarily to children and young adults in school dental services, community health settings, and alongside dentists. Applicants must lodge an Expression of Interest through SkillSelect and be under 45 at the time of invitation. At least Competent English is required, and a skills assessment from VETASSESS must be completed before lodging the EOI. State and territory governments nominating under Subclass 491 each set their own occupation demand criteria and may impose additional requirements. The Subclass 491 application fee is approximately AUD 4,640, with processing typically taking eight to fifteen months. Visa holders must live, work, and study in regional Australia for the duration of the visa. After three years of regional residence and meeting an income threshold, holders may apply for permanent residence through the Subclass 191 Permanent Residence (Regional) 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 Dental Therapist
- 186Details →Employer Nomination Scheme visa
Permanent employer-sponsored visa for workers nominated by an approved sponsor.
- 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 Dental Therapist
States currently nominating this occupation — see the dedicated pages for state-specific criteria.