Skilled Work Regional Visa (Subclass 491)
Looking to build your future in Australia’s growing regional communities?
The Subclass 491 Skilled Work Regional visa allows skilled workers and their families to live, work and study in designated regional areas for up to five years.
It was introduced to replace the old 489 visa and gives a pathway to permanent residency through the 191 visa.
What is the 491 visa?
This provisional visa lets you and your family stay in Australia’s regional areas for five years. To be eligible for the 491 visa you must:
- Receive nomination from an Australian state/territory government or sponsorship from an eligible relative in a regional area.
- Lodge an Expression of Interest (EOI) in SkillSelect and be invited to apply.
- Be under 45 years of age, have an occupation on the 491 list and pass a points test.
- Hold a positive skills assessment.
The visa is points-tested; additional points are available if you have a state nomination or eligible relative sponsor (15 points), professional year (5 points) or a skilled eligible partner (5 to 10 points).
A condition (8579) restricts you to living, working and studying only in regional areas. Regional Australia excludes Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane but includes cities such as Perth, Gold Coast, Sunshine Coast, Newcastle/Lake Macquarie, Wollongong/Illawarra, Geelong, Adelaide, Hobart and Canberra. You may move between these regions.
491 Visa Benefits
Summary of the 491 visa:
- You must be on the 491 occupations list and be nominated by a state/territory or sponsored by an eligible relative.
- Points-tested with a 45‑year age limit and positive skills assessment.
- Granted for five years; you need to live and work in a regional area for three years before applying for any permanent residence (subclass 191).
- Regional Australia covers all areas except Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane; you can move between regional areas.
- 491 Cost: The Department charges around AU $4,910 for the main applicant and $2,455 for a spouse(a second instalment charge for around $5k may apply if the dependent who is 18 year or older and has less than functional English).
Benefits include:
- Priority processing of regional applications.
- Incentives for migrants to stay long‑term through workforce and community participation.
- Access to Medicare and other regional incentives, plus the ability to travel in and out of Australia during the visa’s validity.
Who can sponsor me for the 491 visa?
There are two pathways:
1. Nomination by a state/territory government
Each state/territory sets its own criteria for who it will nominate. Generally, you need skills in an occupation that the state requires and must commit to living and working there.
2. Sponsorship by an eligible relative (family stream)
For the family stream, your occupation must be on the Medium and Long‑term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL). Your sponsor must be:
- At least 18 years old and an Australian citizen, permanent resident or eligible New Zealand citizen.
- Usually resident in a regional area.
- Your or your partner’s eligible relative (parent, child, sibling, aunt/uncle, nephew/niece, grandparent or first cousin).
They do not need to live in the same state as you, but must continue to meet sponsorship obligations. Sponsorship must be approved before the visa can be granted.
Eligibility & Requirements
To qualify for the 491 visa you must:
- Have nomination or sponsorship as above.
- Meet the points test (at least 65 points).
- Have your occupation on the 491 list and obtain a suitable skills assessment in your nominated occupation under a suitable occupation list.
- Be under 45 and meet English language requirements, plus health and character requirements.
- Comply with previous visa conditions and have no outstanding debts to the Australian government.
- You cannot apply for most other skilled permanent visas or partner visas for three years after receiving the 491visa.
Step‑by‑Step Application Guide
- Check your occupation and points – ensure your occupation is on the 491 list and that your points meet the threshold.
- Submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) in SkillSelect, indicating which state(s) or family stream you are interested in.
- Obtain nomination or sponsorship – meet the state’s specific criteria or arrange sponsorship from an eligible relative.
- Wait for invitation – if selected, you will receive an invitation to apply.
- Gather documents – identity documents, skills assessment report, English test results, nomination/sponsorship letter, employment and qualification evidence, medicals and police checks etc.
- Lodge your 491 application and pay the government fees.
- Comply with visa conditions – live, work and study in a regional area for at least three years. You may move between regional areas but cannot live in Sydney, Melbourne or Brisbane.
- Apply for permanent residency – after three years and meeting income and residency requirements, you can apply for the Subclass 191 Permanent Residence (Skilled Regional) visa.
Don’t just take our word for it,
book a consultation!
Request an appointment today for your initial consultation with one of our experts. Call us on 03 9111 0009
How Nexor Group can help
The Subclass 491 visa offers a clear pathway to permanent residency for skilled professionals committed to regional Australia. Nexor’s migration specialists can:
- Assess your eligibility and points score.
- Help you choose the best state or family sponsorship pathway.
- Prepare your documentation and manage your EOI and visa application.
- Support you through the 3‑year regional residency period towards your permanent visa.
Contact Nexor today to start your journey toward living and working in Australia’s vibrant regional communities.
491 Visa FAQs
The 491 is a provisional visa that provides a clear pathway to permanent residency through the Subclass 191 visa once you meet the residency requirements after holding a 491 visa for 3 years.
Don’t just take our word for it,
book a consultation!
Request an appointment today for your initial consultation with one of our experts. Call us on 03 9111 0009
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