Subclass 491
Live Regional, Aim Permanent
The Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Visa (Subclass 491) is a points-tested, temporary visa designed for skilled workers and their families to live, work, and study in designated regional areas of Australia for up to 5 years.
What is Skilled Work Regional Provisional Visa (Subclass 491)?
The Subclass 491 is a provisional visa for skilled workers who want to live and work in designated regional areas of Australia. It offers a pathway to permanent residency through the Subclass 191 visa after meeting specific requirements.
Key Features:
✅ Temporary visa valid for up to 5 years
✅ Requires state/territory nomination or eligible relative sponsorship
✅ Must live and work in regional Australia
✅ Pathway to PR via Subclass 191 after 3 years of residency and meeting income thresholds
Points-tested visa (minimum 65 points required)
Skilled Work Regional Visa Pathways
The Skilled Work Regional Visa (Subclass 491) offers a clear pathway to permanent residency for skilled workers who commit to living and working in regional Australia
Family Sponsorship Pathway
✅ Applicants must be sponsored by an eligible Australian relative who lives in a designated regional area.
✅ The sponsoring relative must be a citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen.
✅ Family sponsorship grants 15 additional points in the points test.
State/Territory Nomination Pathway
✅ Applicants must be nominated by an Australian state or territory government.
✅ Occupation must be on the State/Territory Skilled Occupation List.
✅ State nomination grants 15 additional points in the points test.
Eligibility Criteria for Subclass 491
To qualify you must:
✅ Have an occupation on the relevant Skilled Occupation List.
✅ Score at least 65 points on the Points Test.
✅ Be under 45 years old at the time of application.
✅ Have a positive skills assessment for your nominated occupation.
✅ Meet Competent English requirements (IELTS 6.0+ or equivalent).
✅ Be nominated by a state/territory government or sponsored by an eligible family member.
Commit to living and working in regional Australia.
Processing Time & Costs
|
Visa Type |
Processing Time |
Visa Fee |
| State/Territory Nomination Pathway | 8-12 months | From AUD $4,240 |
| Family Sponsorship Pathway | 8-12 months | From AUD $4,240 |
Note: Processing times may vary based on individual circumstances.
Benefits of the Skilled Work Regional Visa (Subclass 491)
✅ Live and work in regional Australia for up to 5 years.
✅ 15 extra points for state nomination or family sponsorship.
✅ Pathway to PR through the Subclass 191 visa after 3 years.
✅ Access to public healthcare (Medicare).
✅ Include family members in the application.
How to Apply for the Skilled Work Regional Visa (Subclass 491)?
✅ Check Your Eligibility – Ensure your occupation is on the Skilled Occupation List.
✅ Submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) – Apply through SkillSelect.
✅ Obtain a Nomination or Family Sponsorship – Receive nomination from a state/territory or an eligible family member.
✅ Lodge Your Visa Application – Submit your application online with supporting documents.
✅ Wait for Processing – Processing times range from 8-12 months.
✅ Receive Visa Grant – Once approved, you can live and work in regional Australia.
FAQs About Skilled Work Regional Visa (Subclass 491)
Can I move to a non-regional area on a 491 visa?
No. You must live, work, and study in a designated regional area. Moving to a non-regional area may affect your PR eligibility.
What happens if I lose my job while on a 491 visa?
You must find another job within a regional area to comply with visa conditions.
Can I apply for PR after holding a Subclass 491 visa?
Yes! You can apply for Subclass 191 (Skilled Regional PR Visa) after living and working in regional Australia for at least 3 years.
Why Choose VisaAdvisor?
✅ Expert Regional Visa Consultants – High success rates for 491 visa applications.
✅ Points Test Optimization – Helping applicants maximize their points for nomination.
✅ Guidance on PR Pathways – Transitioning to Subclass 191 Permanent Residency.
✅ End-to-End Visa Assistance – From EOI submission to visa approval.