Youth Worker — 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 Youth Worker for migration purposes is handled by: CWA.
Each occupation has a single designated assessing authority — refer to the occupation page for the body that assesses it.
Youth Worker × Subclass 491 — pathway overview
Youth Worker (ANZSCO 411716) is listed on the Short-Term Skilled Occupation List (STSOL) and the Combined Skilled Occupation List (CSOL), making it eligible for the Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Visa (Subclass 491). This points-tested visa requires applicants to live and work in a designated regional area, with a pathway to permanent residence via the Subclass 191 visa. Youth Workers mentor young people facing disadvantage in schools and community settings. Applicants lodge a SkillSelect Expression of Interest and receive nomination from a state or territory government or sponsorship by an eligible relative in a regional area. Nomination adds five points to the applicant's score. Applicants must satisfy regional living and working obligations for three years. The Community Workers Association (CWA) conducts the skills assessment. English proficiency and health and character requirements apply. Applicants must be under 45 at invitation. Processing takes three to eight months combined. Fee: approximately AUD 4,240. 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 Youth Worker
- 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 Youth Worker
States currently nominating this occupation — see the dedicated pages for state-specific criteria.