The Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Visa (Subclass 491) is a points-tested provisional visa that allows skilled workers to live, work, and study in designated regional areas of Australia. Applicants must be nominated by a state or territory government or sponsored by an eligible family member living in a designated regional area, and be invited to apply through SkillSelect.

 

The visa is administered by the Department of Home Affairs as part of Australia’s General Skilled Migration (GSM) programme.

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What Is the Skilled Work Regional Visa (Subclass 491)?

The visa 491 is a temporary (provisional) visa designed to support population growth and workforce needs in regional Australia.

Key features:

• Provisional visa (not permanent at grant)

• Valid for 5 years

• Requires regional nomination or family sponsorship

• Points-tested under SkillSelect

• Pathway to permanent residence available

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Unlike the subclass 189 and 190 visas, the 491 visa is region-restricted and includes specific post-grant conditions.

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What You Can Do With a 491 Visa

With a granted subclass 491 visa, you can:

• Live, work, and study only in designated regional areas

• Travel to and from Australia while the visa is valid

• Include eligible family members in your visa

• Apply for permanent residence later (subject to eligibility)

• Access Medicare

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Holders must comply with regional residence and work conditions throughout the visa period.

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Core Eligibility Requirements for the 491 Visa

To be eligible for a Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa (subclass 491), you must meet all requirements at the time of invitation.

• Age

  • Under 45 years old

• Skills Assessment

  • Hold a positive skills assessment for your nominated occupation

  • Issued by the relevant assessing authority

• Occupation

  • Occupation must be eligible for the 491 visa

  • Occupation availability may depend on nomination pathway

• Points Test

  • Score at least 65 points to submit an Expression of Interest (EOI)

  • Points are used for ranking, not approval

• Nomination or Sponsorship. You must be either:

  • Nominated by a state or territory government, or

  • Sponsored by an eligible family member residing in a designated regional area

• English Language

  • Meet the minimum English language requirement set by Home Affairs

• Health and Character

  • Meet Australia’s health and character requirements

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Meeting eligibility requirements does not guarantee nomination, sponsorship, or invitation.

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Nomination and Sponsorship Pathways for the 491 Visa

The visa 491 has two nomination pathways:

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State or Territory Nomination

• Nomination by an Australian state or territory government

• Criteria vary between states and territories

• Selection is based on regional workforce needs

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Family Sponsorship

• Sponsorship by an eligible relative

• Sponsor must live in a designated regional area

• Sponsor must meet eligibility and residence requirements

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Both pathways require an invitation to apply through SkillSelect.

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Points Test Explained for the 491 Visa

The 491 visa points test ranks applicants within SkillSelect.

Points may be awarded for:

• Age

• English language ability

• Skilled employment

• Educational qualifications

• Other recognised GSM factors

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Key distinctions:

• Regional nomination or family sponsorship provides additional points

• Points improve competitiveness but do not guarantee invitation

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Applicants are ranked against others within the same occupation and pathway.

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How SkillSelect Works for the Subclass 491 Visa

The SkillSelect process for the 491 visa generally involves:

1. Completing a skills assessment

2. Submitting an Expression of Interest (EOI)

3. Seeking state/territory nomination or family sponsorship

4. Receiving an invitation to apply

5. Lodging a visa application

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There is no fixed schedule for invitations. Outcomes depend on programme planning and regional priorities.

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Conditions and Obligations of the 491 Visa

The subclass 491 visa includes specific conditions, such as:

• Living, working, and studying only in designated regional areas

• Providing address updates when required

• Complying with all visa conditions

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Failure to meet regional conditions may affect future visa options.

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Pathway to Permanent Residence

Holders of the 491 visa Australia may be eligible to apply for permanent residence through a regional permanent visa, subject to meeting requirements such as:

• Minimum income threshold

• Period of residence in a designated regional area

• Compliance with visa conditions

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Permanent residence is not automatic and depends on meeting all criteria at the time of application.

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491 Visa Processing Time

The 491 visa processing time begins after a valid visa application is lodged following an invitation.

Processing times vary depending on:

• Application completeness

• Nomination or sponsorship pathway

• Health and character checks

• Case complexity

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Time spent waiting for nomination or sponsorship is not included in processing time.

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491 Visa Cost

The 491 visa cost includes:

• Visa application charge for the primary applicant

• Additional charges for secondary applicants

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Applicants should also budget for:

• Skills assessment fees

• English language testing

• Health examinations

• Police certificates

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All fees are set by Home Affairs and may change.

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Common Misunderstandings About the 491 Visa

• The 491 visa is permanent at grant

• You can live anywhere in Australia

• Regional nomination guarantees permanent residence

• Processing time includes waiting for nomination

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These assumptions often lead to unrealistic expectations.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa (subclass 491) permanent?
No. It is a provisional visa with a pathway to permanent residence.

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Can I move to a non-regional area on a 491 visa?
No. You must live, work, and study in designated regional areas.

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Do I need a job offer for a 491 visa?
Not always. Requirements depend on the nomination or sponsorship pathway.

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Can family members be included in a 491 visa application?
Yes. Eligible family members can be included.

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Understanding the Skilled Work Regional Visa Pathway

The visa 491 provides a structured regional migration pathway for skilled workers willing to live and work outside Australia’s major cities.

While it offers additional points and broader occupation access, it also includes clear regional obligations and a provisional status. Understanding eligibility, nomination or sponsorship pathways, and post-grant conditions is essential before relying on this visa.