The Subclass 491 Skilled Work Regional Visa is a 5-year provisional visa that allows skilled workers to live and work in regional Australia. It’s often the fastest pathway to permanent residency for people who can’t score high enough for a 189 or 190 visa.

What is the Subclass 491 Visa?

The 491 is a points-tested provisional visa valid for 5 years. You must be nominated by a state/territory government or sponsored by an eligible relative living in a regional area. After 3 years of living and working regionally, you can apply for the Subclass 191 Permanent Residency visa.

🌾Regional Living

Live and work in designated regional areas

⭐+15 Bonus Points

Regional nomination adds 15 points to your score

📅5-Year Visa

Provisional visa valid for 5 years

🏠PR Pathway

Leads to permanent residency via Subclass 191

Eligibility Requirements

✅ Under 45 years of age at time of invitation
✅ Occupation on the MLTSSL or a relevant state/territory occupation list
✅ Minimum 65 points (including the 15 bonus points for regional nomination)
✅ Positive skills assessment from the relevant authority
✅ Competent English (IELTS 6.0+ per band)
✅ Nominated by a state/territory OR sponsored by an eligible relative in a regional area
✅ Good health and character

Step-by-Step Application Process

Skills Assessment

Get your skills assessed by the relevant assessing body for your occupation.

English Test

Take an approved English language test and aim for the highest band possible.

Submit EOI in SkillSelect

Lodge your EOI selecting regional nomination. Your score including the 15-point bonus will determine when you receive an invitation.

Apply for State/Relative Nomination

Apply to a regional state or territory government, or be sponsored by an eligible Australian citizen/PR relative living regionally.

Receive ITA

Once nominated, Home Affairs issues an Invitation to Apply. Lodge your visa application within 60 days.

Health & Police Checks

Complete medical and character requirements for all applicants.

Visa Granted & Move Regionally

After visa grant, move to a designated regional area and fulfil your conditions. After 3 years, apply for Subclass 191 PR.

Processing Time & Cost

Processing Time

75%: 4–12 months
90%: 10–20 months

Visa Fee (2024–25)

Primary: AUD $4,640
Additional adult: AUD $2,320
Child: AUD $1,160

PR After

Apply for Subclass 191 after 3 years of regional living + work

Frequently Asked Questions

What counts as a “regional area” for the 491 visa?

Regional areas include most of Australia outside of Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane. This includes cities like Adelaide, Perth, Hobart, Darwin, Canberra, Gold Coast, Newcastle, Wollongong, and most rural areas. Designated regional postcodes are listed on the Home Affairs website.

How does the 491 lead to permanent residency?

After holding the 491 visa for at least 3 years and meeting income thresholds (earning at least AUD $53,900 per year for 3 years), you can apply for the Subclass 191 Permanent Residence (Skilled Regional) visa.

Can I move to a major city after getting the 491 visa?

No. The 491 visa conditions require you to live, work, or study in a designated regional area. Breaching this condition can lead to visa cancellation and affect future applications including citizenship.

What is the difference between 491 and 190 visa?

The 190 is a permanent visa from day one (restricted to the nominating state for 2 years). The 491 is provisional for 5 years and leads to permanent residency via the 191 visa after 3 years of regional living. The 491 requires a lower points score due to the 15 bonus points and has more states/occupations available.

Who can sponsor me as a relative for the 491 visa?

An eligible relative who is an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen living in a designated regional area can sponsor you. Eligible relatives include spouses, parents, children, siblings, aunts, uncles, nephews, nieces, and first cousins.

Can my family come with me on a 491 visa?

Yes. Your spouse/partner and dependent children can be included in the visa application. They must also live in the regional area as a condition of the visa.

Start Your Regional Australia Pathway

The 491 visa opens PR pathways for thousands of skilled migrants who may not qualify for a direct 189 or 190. Let our experts guide you through the process.

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Skilled Work Regional Visa Subclass 491 – Regional Australia PR Pathway