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Regional Residence Visas in Australia

⚡ At a Glance: Partner Skills Rules for Points-Based Visas

Regional visas allow skilled workers and families to live and work in regional Australia.

Key visas include Subclass 491 (Skilled Work Regional), Subclass 494 (Employer Sponsored Regional), and Subclass 191 (Permanent Residence Skilled Regional).

Most visas require living and working in regional areas for 3 years before permanent residency.

Regional areas = all of Australia except Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane.

What Are Regional Residence Visas?

Regional Residence Visas are designed to encourage skilled workers, families, and employers to move outside major cities and contribute to local communities. They help address skill shortages, strengthen local economies, and provide a clear pathway to permanent residency.

Key Regional Visa Pathways

1. Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Visa – Subclass 491

  • Temporary visa valid for up to 5 years.
  • Requires nomination by a state/territory or sponsorship by an eligible family member in a regional area.
  • Must have a valid skills assessment and meet minimum income thresholds.
  • Pathway to permanent residency via Subclass 191 after 3 years of work in a regional area.

2. Employer Sponsored Regional Visa – Subclass 494

  • Allows regional employers to sponsor skilled workers.
  • Occupation must be on the relevant skilled occupation list.
  • Must meet the TSMIT (minimum salary threshold) and other sponsorship requirements.
  • Pathway to Subclass 191 after 3 years of regional employment.

3. Permanent Residence (Skilled Regional) Visa – Subclass 191

  • Grants permanent residency.
  • Requires holding a 491 or 494 visa for at least 3 years.
  • Must show compliance with employment and income requirements in regional Australia.
  • Provides unrestricted work and study rights across Australia.

Benefits of Regional Visas

Pathway to Permanent Residency after 3 years via Subclass 191.

Extra Points on the Points Test for choosing regional areas.

Priority Processing compared to non-regional applications.

Community Growth – contribute to skill development in regional economies.

📋 Required Documents

Passport

Skills Assessment

Employment contract (if employer sponsored)

Proof of residence in regional Australia

Income evidence (tax records, payslips)

❓​ FAQs

👉 A provisional visa allowing skilled workers to live and work in regional Australia for up to 5 years, with a pathway to permanent residency via the Subclass 191.

👉 No. You must hold a 491 or 494 visa for at least 3 years and meet income/employment requirements.

👉 Yes. Regional areas are defined by the government — covering most of Australia outside Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane.

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Disclaimer
The information on this page is for general guidance only and does not guarantee visa approval. All visa applications are subject to the discretion of the Australian Department of Home Affairs. For personalized guidance, please contact a registered migration agent at Visa Advisor.