The Subclass 491 Visa is a points-tested regional visa that allows skilled workers and their families to live, work, and study in designated regional areas of Australia for up to 5 years. It provides a pathway to permanent residency (Subclass 191) after meeting residency and income requirements.
Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Visa - Subclass 491
The Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Visa (Subclass 491) provides skilled workers and their families the opportunity to live, work, and study in designated regional areas of Australia for up to 5 years. This visa is a gateway to Permanent Residency (Subclass 191) after meeting specific requirements.
Key Features of the Subclass 491 Visa
- Duration: Valid for up to 5 years.
- Pathway to PR: Eligibility for Subclass 191 Permanent Residency after 3 years.
- Regional Focus: Must live and work in designated regional areas.
- Points-Tested: Applicants are assessed using the points-based system under the General Skilled Migration (GSM) program.
Eligibility Requirements
- Nomination or Sponsorship:
- Be nominated by a State or Territory government, or
- Be sponsored by an eligible family member residing in a designated regional area.
- Occupation: Nominate an occupation on the relevant Skilled Occupation List.
- Points Test: Meet the minimum points requirement. Points are awarded for:
- Age
- Educational qualifications
- Work experience (Australia and internationally)
- English proficiency
- Australian study experience
- STEM qualifications
- Health and Character: Meet Australian health and character requirements.
- Age: Be under 45 years at the time of invitation.
- Expression of Interest (EOI): Submit an EOI via SkillSelect and receive an invitation to apply.
Points Allocation for Subclass 491 Visa
- Nomination/Sponsorship: Receive 15 points for State/Territory government nomination or eligible family sponsorship in a regional area.
- Partner Points:
- 10 points if your spouse or de facto partner has a positive skills assessment in an eligible occupation and meets competent English requirements.
- 10 points if you are single or your partner is an Australian citizen or permanent resident.
- 5 points if your spouse or de facto partner has Competent English but does not meet the skilled assessment requirement.
- STEM Qualifications: 10 points if you hold a relevant qualification in Science, Technology, Engineering, or Mathematics (STEM) as per the skilled occupation list.
Designated Regional Areas
Eligible regional locations include:
- Most areas outside Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane, including Perth, Adelaide, Canberra, Gold Coast, Hobart, and regional New South Wales, Victoria, and Queensland.
Excluded regions:
- Sydney
- Brisbane
- Melbourne
Pathway to Permanent Residency
The Subclass 491 Visa can lead to the Subclass 191 Permanent Residency Visa after meeting the following conditions:
- Regional Stay and Work: Live, work, or study in a designated regional area for 3 years.
- Minimum Income Requirement: Earn a minimum of AUD 53,900 annually for 3 consecutive years.
Limitations on Other Visa Applications
Holders of the Subclass 491 Visa may face restrictions on applying for other visas under the GSM program during their provisional period.
Steps to Apply for the Subclass 491 Visa
- Check Eligibility: Ensure you meet the eligibility criteria for the visa.
- Submit an Expression of Interest (EOI): Lodge your EOI through SkillSelect and wait for an invitation.
- Obtain Nomination or Sponsorship: Secure nomination from a State/Territory government or sponsorship from an eligible family member.
- Apply for the Visa: Submit your visa application online through the Department of Home Affairs portal.
- Provide Supporting Documents: Attach necessary documents such as skills assessment, proof of sponsorship/nomination, and evidence of meeting the points requirement.
Benefits of the Subclass 491 Visa
- Live and Work:Stay in designated regional areas for up to 5 years.
- Family Inclusion: Include eligible family members in your application.
- Pathway to PR: Transition to permanent residency (Subclass 191) after fulfilling the required residency and taxable income conditions.
- Work Flexibility: Work in any designated regional area in any occupation (subject to visa conditions).
Ready to Apply?
The Skilled Work Regional Visa (Subclass 491) is your pathway to a brighter future in Australia’s thriving regional areas.
Book an appointment with Global Vision Migration today to get expert guidance on your visa application. Let us help you take the first step toward your Australian dream!
Disclaimer: This content is for general guidance only and does not constitute legal advice. For the most accurate and up-to-date information, visit the Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa (subclass 491).
Schedule a Consultation with Global Vision Migration for Expert Immigration Advice and Assistance
FAQs for the Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Visa – Subclass 491
To qualify, you must:
- Be nominated by a State/Territory government or sponsored by an eligible family member in a regional area.
- Have an occupation listed on the Skilled Occupation List.
- Meet the minimum points requirement under the General Skilled Migration (GSM) system.
- Be under 45 years of age when invited.
- Satisfy English, health, and character requirements.
Most areas in Australia outside Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane are classified as designated regional areas, including Perth, Adelaide, Canberra, Gold Coast, Hobart, and regional towns in NSW, VIC, and QLD.
To transition to Permanent Residency (Subclass 191), you must:
- Live and work in a regional area for at least 3 years.
- Earn a taxable income of at least AUD 53,900 per year for 3 consecutive years.
- Meet all visa conditions without any breaches.
Yes! You can include your spouse/partner and dependent children, and they will have full work and study rights in designated regional areas.
Yes, you can change employers as long as you continue living and working in a designated regional area. However, you cannot move to a metropolitan city like Sydney, Melbourne, or Brisbane.
At Global Vision Migration, we provide expert visa assistance, ensuring a fast, stress-free, and successful application process. Our team ensures all documents meet Home Affairs requirements, increasing your chances of approval.
