Registered Nurse (Surgical) — 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 (Surgical) 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 (Surgical) × Subclass 491 — pathway overview
Registered Nurses (Surgical) under ANZSCO 254424 can apply for the Subclass 491 Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa, with surgical nursing listed on the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL). Regional hospitals and health services have particular difficulty attracting surgical nurses, making this a highly relevant pathway for internationally trained professionals open to regional placements. The 491 is a points-tested provisional visa requiring state or territory government nomination or sponsorship by an eligible regional relative. Applicants commit to living and working in a designated regional area for at least three years. Visa holders meeting residency and income requirements after three years may apply for the permanent Subclass 191 visa. ANMAC must assess qualifications and experience positively. NMBA registration is mandatory. Points are calculated across age, English, work experience, and qualifications. State nomination adds five points. Health and character checks apply. 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 (Surgical)
- 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 (Surgical)
States currently nominating this occupation — see the dedicated pages for state-specific criteria.