Live and work in regional Australia with a pathway to permanent residency.

The Subclass 491 Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Visa is designed for skilled workers who wish to live, work and study in designated regional areas of Australia.

This points-tested provisional visa provides eligible applicants with the opportunity to build their future in regional Australia while working towards permanent residency.

What is the 491 Visa?

The Subclass 491 visa allows eligible skilled workers to live, work and study in designated regional areas of Australia for up to 5 years.

To be eligible, you must be either:

• Nominated by an Australian state or territory government; or

• Sponsored by an eligible family member who lives in a designated regional area of Australia.

What counts as a 'designated regional area'?

For migration purposes, designated regional areas are determined by the Australian Government and are generally locations outside the major metropolitan areas specified by the Department of Home Affairs.

Whether a location is considered regional depends on the relevant postcode and current legislative settings.

Our team can help confirm whether a particular location qualifies as a designated regional area.

How the Points System Works

The Subclass 491 visa is assessed under Australia's skilled migration points test.

Applicants may receive points for factors including:

• Age

• English language ability

• Skilled employment

• Educational qualifications

• Australian study

• Study in regional Australia

• Partner skills and English ability

• State or territory nomination or eligible family sponsorship

• Other eligible factors under the current points test

State or territory nomination or eligible family sponsorship currently provides 15 additional points.

Why Do Partner Points Matter?

Partner qualifications and English language ability may contribute additional points under the skilled migration points test, depending on your circumstances.

These additional points may improve your overall ranking and increase your chances of receiving an invitation to apply.

How Are Invitations Issued?

After submitting your Expression of Interest (EOI) through SkillSelect, eligible applicants are ranked according to their points score.

Invitations are generally issued based on factors such as:

• Points score

• Occupation

• Available invitation places

• Government migration planning priorities

Where applicants have the same points score, the date of effect of the EOI may also be considered.

Are There Visa Restrictions?

Yes.

Subclass 491 visa holders are generally required to live, work and study in designated regional areas while holding the visa and must comply with all visa conditions.

Who Is This Visa For?

The Subclass 491 visa may be suitable for:

• Skilled workers with an eligible occupation

• Applicants nominated by an Australian state or territory

• Applicants sponsored by an eligible family member living in regional Australia

• Skilled graduates seeking regional migration opportunities

• People committed to living and working in regional Australia

Pathway to Permanent Residency

The Subclass 491 visa provides a pathway to permanent residency through the Subclass 191 Permanent Residence (Skilled Regional) Visa.

You may become eligible if you:

• Have held an eligible regional provisional visa for the required period

• Have complied with your visa conditions

• Meet the legislative requirements that apply at the time of application.

Need Help?

Our Registered Migration Agents can assist you with:

• Points assessment

• Skills assessment guidance

• State or territory nomination advice

• Expression of Interest (EOI) preparation

• Visa application preparation

• Planning your pathway to permanent residency

Take our free visa assessment to find out if the Subclass 491 visa right for you.

How the 491 Visa Leads to Permanent Residency

The Subclass 491 Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Visa provides a pathway to permanent residency through the Permanent Residence (Skilled Regional) Visa (Subclass 191).

To become eligible to apply for the Subclass 191 visa, you must generally:

✔️ Have held an eligible Subclass 491 visa for at least 3 years

✔️ Have complied with the conditions of your eligible regional visa

✔️ Continue to meet the legislative requirements that apply at the time you lodge your Subclass 191 visa application

Once these requirements are met, you may be eligible to apply for the Subclass 191 Permanent Residence (Skilled Regional) Visa.

If granted, the Subclass 191 visa provides Australian permanent residency, allowing you to live and work permanently in Australia, access Medicare (if eligible), and apply for Australian citizenship if you meet the citizenship eligibility requirements.