If you’re exploring realistic and promising ways to secure permanent residency (PR) in Australia, the Subclass 491 Regional Visa is worth considering. Designed to attract skilled workers to regional areas, this visa allows applicants and their families to live, work, and study in designated regional locations. It also provides a clear pathway to permanent residency via the Subclass 191 visa. But the key question remains: is the 491 visa the fastest route to Australian PR? Let’s break it down.
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What Is the Subclass 491 Regional Visa?
The Subclass 491 visa is a points-tested visa that permits skilled workers to reside and work in regional Australia for up to five years. Unlike other skilled visas, it specifically targets areas outside major metropolitan centers, helping to boost workforce numbers in regions with skill shortages.
To apply for this visa, you must either:
- Receive a nomination from a state or territory government or
- Be sponsored by an eligible family member living in a designated regional area.
Once you meet the three-year residency and income requirements in a regional location, you can transition to permanent residency through Subclass 191.
Key Benefits of the Subclass 491 Visa
Applicants often view the 491 visa as a reliable and relatively faster route to PR for several reasons:
- Faster State Nomination Processing
States and territories often process 491 nominations quickly due to regional quotas and workforce needs. - Lower Points Threshold
Compared to Subclass 189 or 190 visas, the points requirement for 491 is generally lower, making it easier to qualify. - Broader Occupation Options
Regional states maintain their own skilled occupation lists, which expands the chances for applicants to qualify. - Clear Pathway to PR
After three years of living and working in a regional area and meeting income criteria, you can apply for Subclass 191 permanent residency. - Extra Points Advantage
Receiving a 491 nomination grants an additional 15 points on your points test—a significant boost toward selection.
Must Read: What Is the Difference Between Subclass 491 And Subclass 189?
Is the Subclass 491 the Fastest Way to PR?
While direct PR visas such as Subclass 189 might seem ideal, they are highly competitive with higher point cut-offs and fewer invitations. The Subclass 491 visa offers advantages that can accelerate your path to PR:
- Priority processing in regional areas
- Easier nomination criteria
- Dedicated quotas for regional applicants
Many new PR holders begin their journey on a 491 visa, fulfill the three-year residency requirement, and then apply for Subclass 191, bypassing the prolonged wait for a Subclass 189 invitation.
Requirements for Subclass 491 Visa
To be eligible, applicants must:
- Be under 45 years of age
- Have a positive skills assessment
- Meet English language requirements
- Score at least 65 points on the immigration points test
- Hold a qualification listed on the relevant Skilled Occupation List
- Be sponsored by a family member or nominated by a state/territory in a regional area
- Submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) through Skill Select
Popular States for Subclass 491
Almost every Australian state and territory participates in this program, with some regions offering more flexibility:
- South Australia: Known for accommodating work experience and occupation variations.
- Tasmania: Welcoming to graduates and skilled professionals.
- Regional New South Wales: Covers areas outside major cities within the state.
- Regional Queensland: Excellent opportunities for trade and health sector workers.
Each state has its own occupation list and nomination rules, so checking regional-specific requirements is essential.
Transitioning to PR After Subclass 491
The ultimate goal of the 491 visa is permanent residency. Once you have lived and worked in a regional area for three years and meet the taxable income threshold, you can apply for Subclass 191. The good news: there’s no need for an additional nomination, points test, or EOI submission for this transition.
Why Consider the Subclass 491 Visa in 2025?
Australia actively encourages migration to regional areas to address skill shortages. Choosing a 491 visa means:
- Access to regional nominations
- Priority processing for applicants outside metro areas
- Simplified pathway to PR compared to more competitive visas
For skilled professionals willing to relocate to regional areas, the 491 visa provides a strategic, streamlined approach to achieving Australian permanent residency.
How Apical Immigration Experts Can Assist
Navigating Australia’s visa system can be complex. Apical Immigration Experts provide comprehensive support, including:
- Profile assessment and points calculation
- Guidance on skills assessment
- Assistance with state or family nominations and EOI submissions
- Documentation and application support
- Post-landing services
With experienced MARA-registered consultants, your visa journey becomes smoother, faster, and more transparent.
- Email: info@immigrationxperts.com
- Call us: +91-9999467686, +91-8447-696555
Conclusion:
The Subclass 491 Regional Visa is a highly promising route to Australian permanent residency. Its lower point requirements, flexible occupation options, and structured path to PR via Subclass 191 make it an attractive option—especially for applicants facing competition in Subclass 189 or 190 categories.
For those considering relocation to regional Australia, the 491 visa can be a calculated, faster, and reliable path to securing your future in the country.
