Quick Overview: Skilled Work Regional Visa (Subclass 491) 

Visa Name	Skilled Work Regional Visa (Provisional) (Subclass 491)
Visa Type	Temporary skilled regional (points-tested) visa
Purpose	Allows skilled workers to live, work and study in designated regional areas of Australia.
Stay Duration	Up to 5 years from the date of grant.
Family Inclusion	Yes, Eligible family members can be included as secondary applicants.
Work Rights	Full work rights in designated regional areas.
Travel Rights	Multiple entries and exits while visa is valid.
Points Test Requirement	Minimum 65 points required on the General Skilled Migration points test (including nomination/sponsorship points)

About Skilled Work Regional Visa (Subclass 491) 

The Skilled Work Regional Visa(Subclass 491) is a temporary visa for skilled workers who want to work and live in Australia in designated regional areas. This visa is for people who are nominated by an Australian state or territory government or sponsored by an eligible relative in Australia and they can stay for up to 5 years. It allows skilled workers to contribute their skills in regional Australia and provides them with work experience.

Applicants are required to meet all specific criteria set by the Australian Government to apply for this visa. These include having a suitable skills assessment, meeting English language standards, passing health and character checks, and achieving the required points score under the General Skilled Migration program. Applicants must also agree to live, work and study in regional Australia only while they are the holder of this visa.

At migrateVerse, our migration agents help you every step of the way, from checking your eligibility and points to advice on nomination and provision of a fully compliant visa application that is aligned with Australian Department of Home Affairs.

Important Things to Know About the 491 Visa 

A points-tested regional visa requiring nomination and long-term regional commitment.

• Points-tested visa: You need to have the minimum points score(65 points) under the General Skilled Migration system.
• Nomination: An applicant must be nominated by State or territory nomination, otherwise, eligible family sponsorship is required.
• Regional requirement: Must be staying, working and studying only in regional areas of Australia.
• Not permanent initially: Subclass 491 is a provisional visa, not an immediate permanent visa.
• Skills assessment mandatory: You must have a valid skills assessment in an occupation on the list of eligible skilled occupations.
• PR pathway available: There may be a permanent residency route after meeting eligibility and income criteria.

What Does the 491 Visa Offer?  

These are the main benefits you can enjoy with a 491 Visa Australia:

Available 491 Visa Streams / Nomination Pathways 

There are total two visa streams available under Subclass 491 Australia: 

1. Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Visa-Main Applicant 

State or Territory Government Nomination

This pathway is for skilled workers who hold a state or territory nomination and have also received appropriate family sponsorship to apply as the main applicant and meet points-test and skill requirement to live and work in regional Australia.

2. Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Visa-Subsequent Entrant

Eligible Family Sponsorship 

This pathway lets eligible family members of an existing 491 visa holder to be with them in Australia later, provided relationship, health, character, and visa conditions set by the Australian Government are met.

Who Can Apply for 491 Visa: Eligibility Requirements 

The Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Visa (Subclass 491) is for skilled workers who are interested in living and working in a specific designated regional area of Australia, as commanded by the Australian Government.

General Eligibility Requirements (All Applicants)

• Receive invitation to apply through SkillSelect. 
• A minimum of 65 points is required to receive an invitation.
• Be aged under 45 years at time of invitation.
• Have Competent English or higher. 
• Meet health and character requirements.
• Live, work and study in regional Australia only (only certain designated areas apply).
• Have no outstanding debts to the Australian Government

Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Visa-Main Applicant Eligibility 

• Be nominated by a state or territory government, or be sponsored by an eligible family member. 
• Be invited by the Australian Government to apply for a visa. 
• Have a positive skills assessment for a nominated occupation.
• Score at least the minimum points (65 points).
• Nominate an occupation on the relevant skilled occupation list at the time of invitation. 

Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Visa-Subsequent Entrant Eligibility

• Be a family unit member of a Subclass 491 Visa holder in existence. 
• You have to be a primary holder of a 491 Visa. 
• Meet health and character requirements. 
• Meet the same regional living and work requirements as your main applicant.

Fees & Processing Times: Skilled Work Regional Visa (Subclass 491) 

Visa Stream	Fees	Processing Time
Main Applicant – Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Visa (Subclass 491)	From AU$ 4,910.00	Processing times vary, but you can check out the visa processing time guide tool
Subsequent Entrant – Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Visa (Subclass 491)	You can check the official website.	Processing times vary visa processing time guide tool

Length of Stay, Work Rights & Conditions: Skilled Work Regional Visa (Subclass 491) 

Applicant Type	Length of Stay	Work Rights	Regional & Visa Conditions
Main Applicant	Up to 5 years from visa grant	Can work full-time in designated regional areas	Must live, work, and study only in designated regional areas; comply with all visa conditions including notifications and evidence if requested
Subsequent Entrant	Valid for same period as primary visa	Can work full-time in regional areas	Must comply with same regional residence and visa conditions as the primary applicant; meet health and character requirements

Pathway to Permanent Residency: 491 to 191 Visa 

According to official Australian Government regulations, holders of the Skilled Work Regional Visa (Subclass 491) can transfer to permanent residency through the Permanent Residence (Skilled Regional) Visa (Subclass 191) in the following ways:

• Hold 491 Visa: At least 3 years on your Subclass491 visa is required before you can be eligible for the Subclass 191.
• Live & work in regional Australia: You cannot live, work, or study outside of the specified regional areas for 3 years.
• Meet Income Requirements: Provide ATO notice(s) of assessment showing sufficient income in regional work for the required period.
• Health & Character: You and eligible family members must still meet health and character requirements.
• No New Points or Nomination: Subclass 191 does not need a skills assessment or points test, and nomination your work history in the regions is enough.

How We Handle Your 491 Visa Application at migrateVerse?  

Our MARA-agents at migrateVerse make sure your Subclass 491 visa application is correct, compliant, and ready for approval. We help you with the requirements, nomination, and submission procedures at every stage.

1️⃣Check Eligibility & Occupation List

We help you to verify whether your occupation is on the skilled list, ensuring you get the minimum of 65 points score.

2️⃣Skills Assessment

Our experts help you to get a positive assessment of skills from the designated authority for your nominated occupation.

3️⃣ Complete English Test

We recommend on how to reach the required English proficiency level and can help you by submitting your results if needed.

4️⃣ Submit an Expression of Interest (EOI):

We help to submit your EOI via skillselect, choose the 491 Visa and specify the right state nomination or family sponsorship.

5️⃣ Secure Nomination/Sponsorship

We guide your state or territory nomination application; including ROI forms (Live in Melbourne for Victoria, or NSW Government sponsorship).

6️⃣ Invitation to Apply (ITA) 

If your nomination is approved and get selected by SkillSelect, we let you know what to do next to apply for your visa.

7️⃣ Submit Visa Application: 

We complete and submit your Subclass 491 Visa application online through ImmiAccount with all documents such as passport, skills assessment result and English results.

8️⃣ Health, Character Checks & Tracking

We help you in doing the medical examination and police clearances requested by the Department of Home Affairs. Also, we track your application side by side.

Why Choose Us for a Skilled Work Regional Visa (Subclass 491) 

With migrateVerse, our agents offer you honest and clear advice to ensure that you have the best possible chance of gaining your Subclass 491 Visa without any problem: 

Frequently Asked Questions

Find answers to the most common questions. If you still need help, feel free to contact our team.