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Regional Residence Visas in Australia
Pathways to Permanent Residency

Discover the different Regional Residence visas in Australia, including Subclass 491, 494, and 191.
Learn about eligibility, benefits, and pathways to permanent residency in regional Australia.

Australia offers a variety of Regional Residence Visas to help meet the demands of regional areas. These visas are designed to attract skilled workers, entrepreneurs, and family members to live, work, and contribute to Australia’s regional and remote areas.

The Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa (subclass 491) and Employer-Sponsored Regional visa (subclass 494) provide pathways for skilled workers, while the Regional Permanent Residency (subclass 191) allows applicants to transition to permanent residency. 

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

Purpose:

This visa allows skilled workers to live and work in regional Australia for up to 5 years.

Eligibility:

Applicants must be nominated by an Australian state or territory government or an eligible family member residing in regional Australia.

Income Requirement:

Applicants must have a valid skills assessment and meet the income threshold based on the occupation.

Pathway to PR:

This visa provides a pathway to permanent residency through the Subclass 191 (Permanent Residence (Skilled Regional)) Visa.

2. Employer-Sponsored Regional Visa (Subclass 494)

Purpose:

This visa allows Australian employers in regional areas to sponsor skilled workers for permanent or temporary employment.

Eligibility:

Applicants must be sponsored by an employer in a regional area and the nominated occupation must be on the relevant skilled occupation list.

Income Requirement:

Applicants must meet the minimum salary requirements as outlined by the Department of Home Affairs, often based on the TSMIT (Temporary Skilled Migration Income Threshold).

Pathway to PR:

The Subclass 494 visa offers a pathway to permanent residency through the Subclass 191 Visa, provided certain conditions are met.

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

Eligibility:

Applicants must meet the specified employment and income requirements in regional Australia for a minimum of three years while holding their temporary visa.

Purpose:

This is a permanent visa for people who have held a Subclass 491 or Subclass 494 visa for at least three years and have met the income and employment requirements.

Benefits:

Allows visa holders to live and work in any part of Australia on a permanent basis. provided certain conditions are met.

📊Benefits of Regional Residence Visas

Pathway to Permanent Residency:

Many regional visas offer the possibility of transitioning to permanent residency after a specified period of time.

Government Incentives:

Applicants may receive additional points on the points test, which can help them qualify for regional visa subclasses like the 491 Visa.

Priority in Processing:

Regional visas often have faster processing times and priority in the migration process.

Living and Working in Regional Areas:

Regional visas encourage skilled workers and their families to contribute to regional development and economic growth.

The entire Northern Territory region is eligible for Subclass 491.

📍 View Northern Territory Postcode Eligibility Map

🧰 Tools & Downloads

Discover free tools to help you plan, prepare, and lodge your visa with confidence — including points Points Calculator,EOI Tracker and Visa Checklist PDF

Frequently Asked Questions❓

The Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Visa (Subclass 491) is a temporary visa that allows skilled workers to live and work in regional Australia for up to five years. After holding the visa for three years, applicants may be eligible for permanent residency through the Subclass 191 Visa. 

No, applicants for the Subclass 191 Visa (Permanent Residence (Skilled Regional)) must have held a Subclass 491 or Subclass 494 visa for at least three years and meet the necessary employment and income requirements in regional Australia. 

Yes, all applicants for the 491 Visa and 494 Visa must live and work in a regional area of Australia for the duration of their visa. Regional areas are defined by the Australian Government and include most areas outside Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane. 

The processing time for invitations is typically between 4–8 months after submitting your ROI.

Yes, immediate family members can be included in your visa application. They will be assessed for eligibility as well.

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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.