Petroleum Engineer — 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)
Key facts at a glance
Data compiled from official sources. Always verify on the relevant authority’s website before acting.
- SkillSelect points cutoff(Subclass 189)
- 85 points— November 2025 roundView all rounds →
- Skills assessment fee
- AUD 875–1,155via Engineers Australia· ~12-20 weeks processing
- Salary range (Australia)
- AUD 100k–210kfull-time gross AUD, P10–P90 band, 2025–26 indicative
All figures are indicative. Fees and points cutoffs change frequently — always verify on immi.gov.au and the relevant state/authority website before lodging.
Skills assessment for this occupation
Assessing Petroleum Engineer for migration purposes is handled by: EA.
Each occupation has a single designated assessing authority — refer to the occupation page for the body that assesses it.
Petroleum Engineer × Subclass 491 — pathway overview
Petroleum Engineers (ANZSCO 233612) qualify for the Subclass 491 Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa, a points-tested temporary visa requiring state or territory nomination or sponsorship from an eligible relative in regional Australia. The occupation is listed on the MLTSSL, supporting access to this regional pathway. Applicants must lodge an EOI through SkillSelect and secure a state or territory nomination. The 491 visa requires a commitment to live and work in a designated regional area for at least three years. State nomination adds ten bonus points to the total score. A positive skills assessment from Engineers Australia is required before EOI submission. Competent English is the minimum language requirement. Government fees are approximately AUD 4,640 for primary applicants. After meeting regional obligations, holders may apply for Subclass 191 permanent residence. While most petroleum activity in Australia is concentrated offshore or in specific regions, many operational bases, processing facilities, and technical support roles are located in designated regional areas of Western Australia and Queensland. 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 Petroleum Engineer
- 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 Petroleum Engineer
States currently nominating this occupation — see the dedicated pages for state-specific criteria.