Skilled Work Regional · Subclass 491

Subclass 491 Visa: Regional Skilled Pathway

A 5-year provisional visa for skilled workers who will live and work in regional Australia, adding 15 points and leading to permanent residence.

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Reviewed by Muskaan Ahuja, Registered Migration Agent (MARN 2418455) · Last reviewed

In short: The Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa (subclass 491) lets skilled workers live and work in a designated regional area for up to five years. Nomination by a state or territory, or sponsorship by an eligible relative living in a regional area, adds 15 points. After three years you may apply for the permanent 191 visa.

Who this visa suits

  • Skilled workers short of points for the 189 or 190
  • People happy to live outside Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane
  • Applicants with an eligible relative in a regional area
Key facts
TypeProvisional, up to 5 years
Points+15 for regional nomination or family sponsorship
Where you liveA designated regional area (most of Australia outside Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane)
Pathway to PRPermanent Residence (Skilled Regional) visa (191) after 3 years, with a minimum taxable income
FamilyPartner and dependent children can be included

Official information: Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa (491). Part of our Skilled migration services.

Requirements

The main requirements. We check each one against your situation before you apply.

Nomination or family sponsor

A state or territory, or an eligible relative living in a designated regional area.

Eligible occupation

On the relevant list for the nominating state.

Skills assessment

A positive, valid assessment.

Under 45

At invitation.

65+ points

Including the 15 regional points.

Regional living

You must live, work and study only in designated regional areas.

Document checklist

Most applications need the following. Your exact list depends on your circumstances; we give you a personalised checklist.

  • Skills assessment and English results
  • Evidence for every point claimed
  • State nomination documents, or your relative’s proof of residence and relationship
  • Police certificates and health examinations
  • Identity and family documents

Costs

Government visa charges (indicative range)*
VisaMain applicantNotes
Skilled Work Regional (491)AUD 6,000–6,500*Main applicant; family members pay extra.

*Indicative range only. Government visa charges change often (usually each 1 July) and depend on your circumstances and family members. Your total cost may also include our professional service fee and other costs such as health checks, police certificates, skills assessments and translations. Terms and conditions apply. Confirm the current amount for your family in the official Visa Pricing Estimator, or ask us for a fixed written quote before any work starts.

Step by step

  1. Check regional optionsCompare states and family sponsorship.
  2. EOI and nominationLodge an EOI and apply for state nomination (or nominate family sponsorship).
  3. InvitationYou are invited to apply.
  4. Lodge within 60 daysWith evidence for every claim.
  5. Live and work regionallyKeep records of where you live and work.
  6. Apply for the 191After 3 years of regional living and income.

Common mistakes and refusal reasons

  • Moving to a non-regional city while on the visa
  • Not keeping payslips, tax returns and address records for the 191
  • Relying on a relative who does not meet the residence rules
  • Points changing before invitation

Compare with the 190 (permanent, +5) or the regional employer-sponsored 494.

Recent changes

1 July 2026: Charge rose to AUD 6,000–6,500*.

Questions

Can’t see your question? Ask a registered migration agent in a free 15-minute consultation.

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Is Melbourne a regional area?
No. Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane are not designated regional areas for the 491; most other parts of Australia are.
How do I get PR from a 491?
After living and working in a regional area for three years and meeting the income requirement, you may apply for the 191 visa.
Can a relative sponsor me?
Yes, an eligible relative who lives in a designated regional area and meets the residence rules can sponsor you.
Can I change regional areas?
Generally yes, as long as you stay within designated regional areas. Check your nomination commitments first.
Registered agent available

Talk to us about your visa.

Book a free 15-minute consultation with a registered migration agent (MARN 2418455).

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  • Registered migration agentMuskaan Ahuja, MARN 2418455
  • Free 15-minute consultationBy phone, online or at our Hawthorn office
  • Reply within 1 business dayCall, WhatsApp or the Free Profile Assessment
  • Fixed-fee quote in writingBefore any work starts, no hidden charges