Clinical Coder — 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 Clinical Coder 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.
Clinical Coder × Subclass 491 — pathway overview
Clinical Coder (ANZSCO 599915) is eligible for the Subclass 491 Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa. Listed on the Regional Occupation List (ROL) and Combined Skilled Occupation List (CSOL), it is eligible for state or territory nomination under the Subclass 491 visa. Clinical Coders classify patient episodes of care into diagnostic and procedural codes using ICD-10-AM and ACHI systems, supporting hospital funding under the activity-based funding model, statistical reporting, and health service planning across Australian hospitals. This five-year provisional points-tested visa requires applicants to be under 45 at time of invitation and to hold at least Competent English. An Expression of Interest must be lodged through SkillSelect, with competitive scores typically at or above 85 points to attract invitation. Skills assessment by VETASSESS is required prior to lodging the Expression of Interest. Health and character requirements must also be satisfied. 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 exclusively in designated regional Australia. After three years of regional residence and meeting income thresholds, holders may apply for permanent residence through the 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 Clinical Coder
- 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 Clinical Coder
States currently nominating this occupation — see the dedicated pages for state-specific criteria.