Subclass 491 Skilled Regional Visa – Step-by-Step Application Guide
Want to Live and Work in Regional Australia?
Planning to stay for up to five years in designated regional areas of Australia?
The Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Visa – Subclass 491, recently introduced by the Australian Government, could be your opportunity!
About the Subclass 491 Visa
The 491 Visa is a provisional visa designed for skilled workers and their families who wish to live, work, and study in specified regional parts of Australia for up to five years.
Holders of this visa may also become eligible to apply for Permanent Residency (Subclass 191) after three years, provided all conditions are met.
Key Eligibility Criteria
To apply for the Subclass 491 visa, applicants must:
- Be nominated by a state or territory government OR
- Be sponsored by an eligible family member living in a designated regional area.
Recognized Regional Areas
Regional locations include Perth, Adelaide, Canberra, Gold Coast, and Hobart.
Note: Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane are not considered regional areas.
How Points Are Calculated for the 491 Visa
The points-based system used for the Subclass 491 is similar to other visas under the General Skilled Migration program.
Applicants are awarded points for factors such as:
- Age
- Educational qualifications
- Overseas and Australian work experience
- English language proficiency
- Australian study requirements
Recent changes in the points system also allow applicants to score additional points, such as:
- 15 points – if nominated by a state/territory government OR sponsored by a family member in a regional area.
- 10 points – if you have a skilled spouse or de facto partner.
- 10 points – if you are single, or your partner is an Australian citizen/permanent resident.
- 5 points – if your partner has competent English (but is not an Australian citizen or PR).
- 10 points – if you hold qualifications in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics).
Invitation to Apply
Your eligibility for an invitation depends on:
- Whether you have a skilled partner or are single.
- Whether your partner has Competent English.
- Whether your partner cannot demonstrate English skills or does not qualify for skilled partner points.
Can 491 Visa Holders Apply for Other Visas?
Applicants holding a Subclass 491 visa have certain restrictions when it comes to applying for other visas under the General Skilled Migration program.
Pathway to Permanent Residency (Subclass 191 Visa)
The Subclass 491 visa provides a five-year stay in regional Australia. After fulfilling the required conditions, applicants can apply for the Permanent Residency Subclass 191 visa.
To qualify for the 191 visa, you must:
- Live, work, or study in a regional area for at least three years on a 491 visa.
- Show minimum annual earnings of AUD 53,900 for three consecutive years.
Application Process for Subclass 491 Visa
Applying for the Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Visa (Subclass 491) involves several key steps:
1. Check Eligibility
Ensure you meet the basic requirements such as:
- Age under 45 years
- Competent English skills
- Relevant occupation listed on the Skilled Occupation List
- Positive skills assessment
2. Submit an Expression of Interest (EOI)
- Lodge an EOI through SkillSelect.
- Indicate your interest in the 491 visa.
- Highlight your qualifications, skills, and work experience to score points.
3. Obtain a Nomination or Sponsorship
- Secure nomination from a state or territory government OR
- Receive sponsorship from an eligible family member living in a regional area.
4. Receive an Invitation to Apply
- Based on your points score and eligibility, you may receive an invitation from the Department of Home Affairs.
5. Prepare and Lodge Visa Application
- Submit your online visa application within 60 days of receiving the invitation.
- Attach all supporting documents, including:
- Skills assessment results
- English test scores
- Identity and relationship documents
- Health and character certificates
6. Undergo Health & Character Checks
- Complete required medical examinations.
- Provide police clearance certificates from countries you have lived in.
7. Await Visa Decision
- The Department of Home Affairs will review your application.
- Processing times may vary depending on individual cases.
8. Visa Grant & Conditions
- If approved, you will receive the 491 visa valid for 5 years.
- You must live, work, or study in a designated regional area.
- After meeting the requirements for 3 years, you can apply for the Subclass 191 Permanent Residency visa.
Why Choose Apical Immigration Experts for the Subclass 491 Visa
Apical Immigration Experts specialise in regional skilled migration and provide end-to-end support for the Subclass 491 pathway. We help you secure nomination or sponsorship, prepare a competitive EOI, and navigate conditions so you can live and work in regional Australia with confidence.
Our Key Advantages
- Regional nomination expertise — deep experience with state/territory nomination criteria and family-sponsorship rules for regional areas.
- Points-maximising strategy — targeted advice to improve your EOI score (partner points, STEM points, regional study points, etc.).
- Tailored application support — personalised document checklists, skills-assessment mapping, and invitation readiness reviews.
- Strong evidence package — professionally prepared employment references, relationship proofs, and regional ties evidence to strengthen nomination/sponsorship.
- Post-grant planning — guidance on meeting 491 conditions, regional work/study obligations, and the pathway to Subclass 191 PR.
- Clear communication & fast turnaround — transparent fees, realistic timelines, and prompt responses at every stage.
FAQs – Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Visa (Subclass 491)
The Subclass 491 is a provisional, points-tested visa for skilled workers nominated by an Australian state/territory or sponsored by an eligible family member in a designated regional area. It allows holders and their families to live, work and study in regional Australia for up to five years.
You can apply if you have a skilled occupation on the relevant skilled list, a positive skills assessment, competent English, meet the points requirement (including nomination/sponsorship points) and are nominated by a state/territory or sponsored by an eligible regional relative.
Lodge an Expression of Interest (EOI) in SkillSelect and include all relevant details. If your points score and profile meet selection thresholds and you secure nomination or family sponsorship, you may receive an invitation to apply.
491 holders may live, work and study in designated regional areas and include family members in the application. The visa is valid for five years and carries regional residence/work obligations; travel and other entitlements depend on the visa grant conditions.
After living and working (or studying) in a designated regional area for the required period (generally three years) and meeting the minimum income or other criteria, you may be eligible to apply for permanent residency under the Subclass 191 (or other applicable PR pathways) once eligible conditions are satisfied.
Sumit Katyal
