The Subclass 491 Skilled Work Regional Visa is a 5-year provisional visa for skilled workers who are nominated by a state/territory government or sponsored by an eligible family member living in regional Australia. Pathway to PR after 3 years.
The Subclass 491 is a 5-year provisional visa for skilled workers who are nominated by a state/territory government or sponsored by an eligible family member living in regional Australia. After living and working in regional Australia for 3 years, you can apply for PR (Subclass 191).
Designed to fill skill shortages in regional Australia. Live and work in designated regional areas.
Regional sponsorship gives you 15 additional points — significantly increasing your chances of invitation.
After living and working in regional Australia for 3 years, you can apply for PR (Subclass 191).
Your spouse and dependent children can be included in your application and receive the visa alongside you.
To be eligible for the Subclass 491 Skilled Work Regional Visa, you must meet the following minimum requirements.
Your occupation must be on the relevant occupation list for regional nomination.
Score a minimum of 65 points (including 15 points for regional nomination).
You must be nominated by a state/territory or sponsored by an eligible family member in regional Australia.
The Subclass 491 uses a points-based system. You need a minimum of 65 points (including 15 for regional nomination) to apply.
| Factor | Points |
|---|---|
| Age | |
| 18-24 years | 25 |
| 25-32 years | 30 |
| 33-39 years | 25 |
| 40-44 years | 15 |
| 45+ years | 0 |
| English Language | |
| Competent (IELTS 6.0) | 0 |
| Proficient (IELTS 7.0) | 10 |
| Superior (IELTS 8.0) | 20 |
| Work Experience | |
| 3-4 years (outside Australia) | 5 |
| 5-7 years (outside Australia) | 10 |
| 8+ years (outside Australia) | 15 |
| 1-2 years (in Australia) | 5 |
| 3-4 years (in Australia) | 10 |
| 5+ years (in Australia) | 20 |
| Education | |
| Bachelor's degree | 15 |
| Master's/PhD degree | 20 |
| Australian qualification | 5 |
| Regional Nomination | |
| +15 points | +15 |
Figures reflect Australia's official points test. 65 points is the minimum — but invitations are issued to highest scorers first.
All three are skilled migration visas, but they have key differences.
| Factor | Subclass 189 | Subclass 190 | Subclass 491 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sponsorship | None | State | State/Family Regional |
| Extra Points | 0 | +5 | +15 |
| PR Pathway | Direct | Direct | After 3 Years |
| Work Restrictions | Anywhere | Nominating State | Regional Areas |
| Visa Validity | PR | PR | 5 Years (Provisional) |
Subclass 491 is the easiest to qualify for due to the 15 extra points, but requires 3 years in regional Australia before PR.
You must live, work, and study in designated regional areas of Australia. Here are the most popular regional areas.
We verify every one of these before filing, so nothing holds up your application.
The Subclass 491 is a 5-year provisional visa for skilled workers who are nominated by a state/territory government or sponsored by an eligible family member living in regional Australia. You can apply for PR after living and working in regional Australia for 3 years.
The minimum points required is 65 (including 15 points for regional nomination). This makes it the easiest skilled visa to qualify for.
No. The Subclass 491 does not require a job offer. However, you must have a genuine intention to live and work in regional Australia.
After 3 years of living and working in regional Australia, you can apply for PR through Subclass 191 (Permanent Residence (Skilled Regional) Visa).
Subclass 190 — Direct PR, +5 points, must live in nominating state.
Subclass 491 — Provisional visa, +15 points, must live in regional areas for 3 years then PR.
Yes! Your spouse or common-law partner and dependent children can be included in your application. They get the same visa rights.
You must have a minimum taxable income of AUD $53,900 per year for at least 3 years before applying for PR through Subclass 191.
Fees depend on your specific profile and additional services required. We provide a transparent quote in writing before you pay anything — ask for a full breakdown at your first meeting.
Book a free assessment with our Australia immigration experts — we'll identify the best regional pathway for you.
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