Subclass 491 Skilled Work Regional Visa
The Skilled Work Regional visa (Subclass 491) is a points-tested provisional visa for skilled workers who want to live and work in designated regional areas of Australia.
Applicants may be nominated by a state or territory government or sponsored by an eligible family member living in a designated regional area.
- Points-tested regional skilled visa
- State nomination or eligible family sponsorship
- Additional 15 migration points
- Pathway to Subclass 191 permanent residency
What is the Skilled Work Regional Visa (Subclass 491)?
The Subclass 491 Skilled Work Regional Visa is a points-tested provisional visa for skilled workers who want to live and work in designated regional areas of Australia.
Applicants can be nominated by an Australian state or territory government or sponsored by an eligible family member living in a designated regional area.
This visa can lead to permanent residency through the Subclass 191 Permanent Residence (Skilled Regional) Visa.
Who Can Apply?
Applicants generally need to:
- Be under 45 years old
- Have Competent English or higher
- Nominate an eligible occupation
- Obtain a positive skills assessment
- Meet the points requirement
- Receive state nomination or family sponsorship
- Receive an invitation to apply
Regional Requirements
Subclass 491 holders must live, work and study in designated regional areas of Australia.
Major cities such as Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane are generally excluded, while many other locations may qualify as designated regional areas.
Occupation Requirements
Your occupation must be listed on the relevant skilled occupation list.
You can explore eligible occupations here: Skilled Occupation List
Skills Assessment
Most applicants must complete a positive skills assessment through the relevant assessing authority before lodging an Expression of Interest.
How to Apply
- Confirm occupation eligibility
- Complete skills assessment
- Sit an English test if required
- Calculate your migration points
- Submit an Expression of Interest
- Apply for state nomination or family sponsorship
- Receive invitation
- Lodge visa application
Points Test
Points may be awarded for:
- Age
- English ability
- Work experience
- Education
- Partner skills
- Australian study
- NAATI credentials
- State nomination or family sponsorship: 15 points
Pathway to Permanent Residency
Eligible Subclass 491 holders may later apply for the Subclass 191 Permanent Residence (Skilled Regional) Visa if they meet the relevant residency, income and visa requirements.
Key Benefits
- Additional 15 migration points
- Pathway to permanent residency
- Access to regional opportunities
- Ability to include eligible family members
- Potentially lower competition compared to Subclass 189
Common Reasons Applicants Struggle
- Choosing the wrong regional pathway
- Misunderstanding regional obligations
- Low points score
- Incorrect Expression of Interest claims
- Occupation restrictions
Related Skilled Migration Resources
Skilled Occupation List
Check whether your occupation may be relevant to Australian skilled migration pathways.
Check Occupation ListSkilled Migration Program
Explore skilled visa pathways including Subclass 189, 190 and 491.
Explore Skilled MigrationVisa Application Charges and Processing Times
Visa application charges and processing times change regularly. Applicants should review the latest official information before lodging an application.
Official Visa Application Charges
Check the latest Subclass 491 visa application charges published by the Department of Home Affairs.
View Current Visa ChargesOfficial Visa Processing Times
Processing times vary depending on the application, supporting documents and Department workload.
View Processing TimesFrequently Asked Questions
Is Subclass 491 a permanent residency visa?
No. Subclass 491 is a provisional visa. However, eligible visa holders may later apply for permanent residency through Subclass 191 if they meet the relevant requirements.
How many extra points does Subclass 491 provide?
Subclass 491 nomination or eligible family sponsorship can provide 15 additional migration points.
Can a family member sponsor me for Subclass 491?
Yes. An eligible family member living in a designated regional area may be able to sponsor an applicant, subject to meeting the relevant requirements.
Can I live in Sydney, Melbourne or Brisbane on a Subclass 491 visa?
Subclass 491 visa holders must generally live, work and study in designated regional areas. Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane are generally excluded.
Can Subclass 491 lead to Australian citizenship?
Subclass 491 may lead to permanent residency through Subclass 191. After becoming a permanent resident, a person may later become eligible for Australian citizenship if they meet the relevant requirements.
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