Regional skilled pathway
Subclass 491 Skilled Work Regional Visa
A points-tested provisional visa for skilled workers nominated by a state or territory or sponsored by an eligible family member to live and work in designated regional Australia.
Subclass 491 may suit applicants whose occupation, skills assessment and points position align with the visa requirements and an available regional support pathway. It can also provide a potential pathway to permanent residence through Subclass 191, subject to the applicable requirements.
- Provisionalregional skilled visa
- Regional supportnomination or eligible family
- 15 pointsfor approved support
- PR pathwaypotential Subclass 191
Stage 1
Check Whether Subclass 491 Fits Your Situation
You must consider the visa requirements together with the criteria for state or territory nomination or eligible-family sponsorship.
Age and English
Be under 45 at the time of invitation and have competent English or higher, subject to the applicable requirements.
Occupation and Skills Assessment
Nominate an eligible occupation and hold a suitable skills assessment from the responsible assessing authority.
Points and Expression of Interest
Reach at least 65 points, submit an accurate EOI in SkillSelect and support every claimed point with evidence.
Regional Nomination or Family Sponsorship
Secure state or territory nomination or eligible-family sponsorship for the regional pathway, then receive an invitation before applying.
Important: Meeting the basic visa requirements does not guarantee nomination, eligible-family sponsorship or an invitation. State and territory programs can apply separate criteria and change their priorities.
Stage 2
Follow the Subclass 491 Application Pathway
The process combines SkillSelect with state or territory nomination or eligible-family sponsorship and a commitment to regional Australia. Each claim should be checked before moving forward.
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1
Confirm Occupation
Check that your occupation supports the Subclass 491 pathway and is relevant to the nomination program you are considering. View the Skilled Occupation List.
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2
Complete Skills Assessment
Obtain a suitable assessment from the authority responsible for your occupation and confirm the assessment remains valid for the required stage.
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3
Complete English Testing
Sit an accepted English test where required and consider whether a stronger result may improve your points or nomination prospects.
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4
Calculate and Verify Points
Calculate your score and ensure that every points claim can be supported by appropriate evidence.
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5
Submit an Expression of Interest
Enter your verified information in SkillSelect and keep the EOI accurate and current before invitation.
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6
Obtain Regional Support
Secure state or territory nomination or confirm that an eligible family sponsor satisfies the requirements for the regional pathway.
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7
Receive Support and Invitation
Approved nomination or eligible-family sponsorship contributes 15 points. You must receive an invitation before lodging the visa application.
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8
Lodge the Visa Application
After invitation, lodge within the permitted timeframe and provide the evidence supporting the application and points claims.
Stage 3
Calculate Your Subclass 491 Points
Use the age table and calculator for an initial estimate. Approved state or territory nomination or eligible-family sponsorship contributes 15 points to the Subclass 491 points test.
Age Points for Subclass 491
Your age when you receive an invitation determines the age points available.
| Age at invitation | Points |
|---|---|
| 18–24 years | 25 |
| 25–32 years | 30 |
| 33–39 years | 25 |
| 40–44 years | 15 |
| 45 years or older | 0Not age eligible |
For the points-tested Subclass 491 visa, you must be under 45 when invited to apply.
How to Read Your Result
At least 65 points are required to be eligible for an invitation. Approved state or territory nomination or eligible-family sponsorship for Subclass 491 contributes 15 points, but neither 65 points nor regional support guarantees an invitation or visa grant.
This calculator is a general guide. Only select the regional-support points when the relevant requirement has been satisfied, and confirm that every other claim meets the applicable requirements.
Check the official Department of Home Affairs Subclass 491 points table.
Stage 4
Review the Outcome, Costs and Timing
Understand the provisional regional outcome, regional obligations and official information that should be checked before proceeding.
Key Benefits and Responsibilities
- Provisional skilled visa for designated regional Australia
- 15 points for approved nomination or eligible-family sponsorship
- Live, work and study in designated regional Australia in accordance with visa conditions
- Include eligible family members
- Potential pathway to Subclass 191 permanent residence, subject to eligibility
- Meet the regional and other conditions attached to the visa
Official Charges and Processing Times
Visa charges and processing times can change. Nomination and eligible-family sponsorship requirements are separate from the visa application and should be checked carefully.
Stage 5
Compare Subclass 491 With Other Skilled Pathways
Subclass 491 may suit applicants who can secure regional support and meet the regional obligations. Subclass 189 or Subclass 190 may be more appropriate where a provisional regional pathway does not fit.
When Professional Advice May Help
Advice may assist with occupation selection, skills assessment, points evidence, EOI accuracy, regional nomination or family sponsorship, and comparing Subclass 189, 190, 491 or employer-sponsored pathways.
Stage 6
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Subclass 491 visa permanent?
No. Subclass 491 is a provisional regional visa. Eligible holders may later pursue the Subclass 191 permanent residence pathway if they meet the applicable requirements.
How many points do I need for Subclass 491?
The minimum points threshold is 65, including the 15 points for approved nomination or eligible-family sponsorship. Reaching 65 points does not guarantee nomination, invitation or visa grant.
How do regional nomination or family sponsorship add 15 points?
Approved state or territory nomination or eligible-family sponsorship for Subclass 491 contributes 15 points. Do not include these points until the relevant regional-support requirement has been satisfied.
Who can be an eligible family sponsor?
The sponsor must satisfy the applicable relationship, residence and other requirements. Confirm the current rules and the designated regional area before relying on this pathway.
Must I live and work in regional Australia?
Subclass 491 is a regional visa. Holders must comply with the regional and other conditions attached to the visa and should confirm which locations are designated regional areas.
Does Subclass 491 lead automatically to Subclass 191?
No. Subclass 491 can provide a pathway to Subclass 191, but the permanent visa has separate eligibility requirements that must be met.
Can I update my Expression of Interest after submitting it?
You can generally update an EOI before invitation when circumstances change. Keep every points and regional-support claim accurate and supported by evidence.
Can I include eligible family members?
Eligible family members may generally be included, provided they satisfy the applicable health, character and other visa requirements.
Next step
Book a Skilled Visa Consultation
Need help with your occupation, regional nomination or family-sponsorship options, points evidence or Subclass 491 strategy?
