Registered Nurse (Mental Health) — 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)
- 75 points— November 2025 roundView all rounds →
- Skills assessment fee
- AUD 400–500via Australian Nursing and Midwifery Accreditation Council· ~8-16 weeks processing
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 Registered Nurse (Mental Health) for migration purposes is handled by: ANMAC.
Each occupation has a single designated assessing authority — refer to the occupation page for the body that assesses it.
Registered Nurse (Mental Health) × Subclass 491 — pathway overview
Registered Nurses (Mental Health) under ANZSCO 254422 may access the Subclass 491 Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa, as mental health nursing is listed on the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL). Regional Australia faces significant shortages in mental health nursing, with community mental health teams, rural hospitals, and regional inpatient units all actively recruiting. The 491 visa requires nomination from a state or territory government or from an eligible relative in a designated regional area. It is a points-tested visa, with state nomination contributing five points and family sponsorship contributing 15 points. Visa holders must live and work in the nominating regional area for at least three years. After three years and meeting income thresholds, holders may apply for the permanent Subclass 191 visa. A positive ANMAC skills assessment is required. NMBA registration is mandatory. English proficiency, health checks, and character assessments must all be satisfied. 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 Registered Nurse (Mental Health)
- 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 Registered Nurse (Mental Health)
States currently nominating this occupation — see the dedicated pages for state-specific criteria.