Subclass 491 — Skilled Work Regional Visa

The Subclass 491 is a 5-year provisional visa that allows skilled workers to live, work, and study in designated regional areas of Australia. After 3 years, visa holders can apply for the Subclass 191 (Permanent Residence) visa.

Key features

• 5-year provisional visa (with pathway to PR via 191)
• Live and work in regional Australia
• +15 bonus points on points test
• Travel in and out of Australia during the visa validity
• Include eligible family members
• Pathway to PR after 3 years (via 191)

Regional areas include everywhere in Australia except Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane (gold-tier cities). The full list includes:

Cities and regional centres (still considered regional)

• Perth, Adelaide, Canberra, Hobart, Darwin (cities)
• Newcastle, Wollongong, Geelong, Gold Coast (Category 2)
• All other areas (Category 3 — most regional)

Excluded (NOT regional)

• Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane

Note: All of NSW, VIC, QLD, SA, WA, TAS, NT, ACT are regional EXCEPT the gold-tier cities of Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane.

To be eligible for the 491 visa, you must:

• Have an occupation on the relevant skilled occupation list (MLTSSL, ROL, or STSOL)
• Have a positive skills assessment for the occupation
• Lodge an Expression of Interest (EOI) via SkillSelect
• Be nominated by a state/territory government OR sponsored by an eligible family member living in regional Australia
• Meet the points-test pass mark of 65 points (with the +15 bonus)
• Be aged between 18 and 44 inclusive
• Have Competent English
• Be invited to apply
• Meet health and character requirements
• Commit to living and working in regional Australia

Pathway A: State/Territory Nomination

Most common. Apply to a state/territory for nomination. Each has its own occupation list, requirements, and application process.

Pathway B: Family Sponsorship

Sponsored by an eligible family member who is:

• An Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen
• Usually resident in a designated regional area
• Your sibling, parent, child, or other eligible relative

The sponsoring relative must have lived in the regional area for at least 2 years and continue to live there.

Stage 1: Skills Assessment

Apply for skills assessment with the relevant assessing authority.

Stage 2: Lodge EOI in SkillSelect

Indicate interest in 491 nomination by state or family member.

Stage 3: Receive Nomination

Apply to state/territory or get family member to sponsor you.

Stage 4: Invitation and Visa Application

Receive invitation (60-day deadline), then lodge visa application with all supporting documents.

Stage 5: Live and Work in Regional Australia

Stay in regional area for at least 3 years while holding 491.

Stage 6: Apply for 191 PR

After 3 years (and meeting income requirements), apply for the Subclass 191 Permanent Residence visa.

After holding the 491 visa for 3 years, you can apply for the Subclass 191 Permanent Residence (Skilled Regional) visa.

191 visa requirements

• Held the 491 visa for at least 3 years
• Lived in a designated regional area for at least 3 years
• Earned at least AUD 53,900 per year (taxable income)
• Met health and character requirements

Note: Income thresholds are indexed annually.

Visa application charge for primary applicant: approximately AUD 4,640. Additional charges apply for adult and child dependants.

191 visa application charge: approximately AUD 300.

Other costs: skills assessment, English test, migration agent fees.

Can I live in Sydney, Melbourne, or Brisbane on the 491?
No, these are excluded areas. You must live in designated regional areas.

What counts as "regional" for 491?
All of Australia except Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane (gold-tier cities). Perth, Adelaide, Canberra, Newcastle, and Hobart are regional.

Can I switch from 491 to 189 or 190?
Yes, you can update your EOI in SkillSelect, but you'll lose the 491 +15 bonus and may need to compete in those pools.

What if I lose my job in regional Australia?
You can still hold the 491 visa, but you must maintain residence in a regional area. You can change employers and roles.

Can I include family members?
Yes, spouse/de facto partner and dependent children.

• Free 30-minute initial eligibility assessment
• Regional area selection strategy
• Skills assessment coordination
• State nomination application preparation
• Family sponsorship coordination (if applicable)
• EOI lodgement
• Visa application and document preparation
• Ongoing case management
• 191 PR pathway planning