Skilled Work Regional (provisional) Subclass 491 Visa
Skilled Work Regional (provisional) Subclass 491 Visa
Do you want to live and work in designated regional areas of Australia? Are you planning to extend your stay for up to five years?
Apply for the Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Subclass 491 visa, a pathway introduced by Australia to attract skilled professionals to regional areas.
Overview Of Subclass 491 Visa
Why Choose Subclass 491 Visa
The Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Subclass 491 visa is designed for skilled migrants who want to settle in regional Australia.
It allows eligible applicants and their family members to live, study, and work in designated regional areas for up to 5 years.
After meeting conditions, visa holders may apply for Permanent Residence (Subclass 191) after 3 years.
Eligibility Criteria for Subclass 491 Visa
- Be nominated by a State or Territory government or sponsored by an eligible family member in regional Australia
- Be under 45 years of age at the time of invitation
- Have a positive skills assessment in an eligible occupation
- Meet at least Competent English requirement
- Score a minimum of 65 points in the Skilled Migration Points Test
- Submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) and receive an invitation
- Meet health and character requirements
- Visa Fee – 4765 AUD
Designated Regional Areas of Austral
State / Territory | Designated Regional Areas |
|---|---|
New South Wales (NSW) | All areas except Sydney, Newcastle, Central Coast, Wollongong |
Victoria (VIC) | All areas except Melbourne |
Queensland (QLD) | All areas except Brisbane and Gold Coast |
Western Australia (WA) | Entire state |
South Australia (SA) | Entire state |
Tasmania (TAS) | Entire state |
Australian Capital Territory (ACT) | Entire territory |
Northern Territory (NT) | Entire territory |
How Points Are Calculated for Subclass 491 Visa
Category | Criteria (Summary) | Points |
|---|---|---|
Age | 18–24 (25), 25–32 (30), 33–39 (25), 40–44 (15), 45–49 (0) | Max 30 |
English Language | Competent (0), Proficient (10), Superior (20) | Max 20 |
Skilled Employment – Overseas | 3–4 yrs (5), 5–7 yrs (10), 8–10 yrs (15) | Max 15 |
Skilled Employment – Australia | 1–2 yrs (5), 3–4 yrs (10), 5–7 yrs (15), 8–10 yrs (20) | Max 20 |
Employment Experience Cap | Combined overseas + Australian experience | Max 20 |
Education | PhD (20), Bachelor/Master (15), Diploma/Trade (10) | Max 20 |
Specialist Education (STEM) | Australian Master’s by research / PhD in STEM | 10 |
Australian Study | At least 1 academic year | 5 |
Regional Study | Study and residence in regional Australia | 5 |
Professional Year | Completed in Australia | 5 |
Community Language | NAATI accreditation | 5 |
Partner Skills | Skilled partner (10), English-only partner (5), eligible status (10) | Max 10 |
Nomination / Sponsorship | State/territory nomination or family sponsor | 15 |
How to Get a Subclass 491 Visa Invitation?
Invitations for Subclass 491 Visa are issued based on:
- Points score
- State or territory nomination requirements
- Occupation demand in regional Australia
- Expression of Interest (EOI) ranking
Can 491 Visa Holders Apply for Other Visas?
Subclass 491 visa holders may face certain restrictions while holding the visa.
However, depending on eligibility and circumstances, they may explore other visa pathways in Australia.
Pathway to Permanent Residency (Subclass 191)
The Subclass 491 visa offers a direct route to PR through Subclass 191.
To qualify, applicants must:
- Hold the 491 visa for at least 3 years
- Live, work, or study in designated regional areas
- Meet the minimum taxable income requirement set by the government
- Comply with all visa conditions
Visualize Your Future
Frequently Asked Questions
It is a provisional skilled visa that allows skilled workers and their families to live, work, and study in regional Australia for up to 5 years with a pathway to PR.
It helps address skill shortages, supports regional economic growth, and encourages migration outside major cities.
Unlike Subclass 189 or 190, it:
- Requires regional living and work
- Needs state/territory or family sponsorship
- Provides additional points for nomination
- Offers a PR pathway via Subclass 191
Applicants must:
- Be under 45 years
- Have a skilled occupation assessment
- Score at least 65 points
- Have competent English
- Receive nomination or sponsorship
- Meet health and character rules
The points test evaluates age, English ability, work experience, education, partner skills, and nomination.
A minimum of 65 points is required, but higher scores increase invitation chances.
Yes. You can include your spouse, partner, and dependent children. They receive the same visa conditions.
Yes. Eligible applicants can apply for Subclass 191 after meeting residency, income, and compliance requirements.
You must:
- Live and work in regional Australia
- Follow Australian laws
- Report changes in circumstances
- Comply with visa conditions
Processing time varies based on nomination, documents, and occupation demand. It may take several months.
The process includes:
- Skills assessment
- English test (if required)
- Submit EOI
- Obtain nomination or sponsorship
- Receive invitation
- Lodge visa application with documents
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