Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Visa – Subclass 491

Live, Work, and Grow in Australia’s Regional Areas for Up to 5 Years

Subclass 491

Start Your Australian Journey in Regional Areas With the Subclass 491 Visa

The Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Visa – Subclass 491 offers skilled workers a pathway to live and work in designated regional areas of Australia. Sponsored by a state or territory government or a family member residing in regional Australia, this provisional visa is your gateway to permanent residency—if you meet key conditions.

Whether you’re a skilled professional looking for long-term opportunities or a graduate ready to begin your Australian career, Gill Migration Services provides expert guidance to help you secure your 491 visa successfully.

What Is the Subclass 491 Visa?

The 491 visa is a points-tested provisional visa that allows skilled migrants to live, work, and study in designated regional areas for up to 5 years. It also offers a pathway to permanent residency through the Subclass 191 visa, provided you meet certain income and residency requirements.

Key Features of the Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Visa – Subclass 491

  • Stay in Australia for up to 5 years.
  • Work and study only in designated regional areas.
  • Include eligible family members in your application.
  • Travel to and from Australia as many times as you like.
  • Apply for permanent residency (subclass 191) after 3 years if eligible.

Eligibility Criteria:

You may be eligible to apply for the 491 visa if:

  • You are nominated by a state or territory government, or
  • You are sponsored by an eligible relative living in a designated regional area.
  • You are under 45 years of age at the time of invitation.
  • You have a positive skills assessment for an occupation on the relevant skilled occupation list.
  • You have competent English (IELTS 6.0 or equivalent).
  • You meet the minimum 65 points on the points test.
  • You satisfy health and character requirements.

Two Streams of Subclass 491 Visa

1. State or Territory Nominated Stream

  • You must be nominated by an Australian state or territory government.
  • Your occupation must be on the state’s skilled occupation list.
  • Each state/territory has its own nomination criteria.

1. State or Territory Nominated Stream

  • You must be sponsored by an eligible relative (citizen or permanent resident) living in a designated regional area.
  • Your occupation must be on the MLTSSL (Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List).

What Are Designated Regional Areas?

Designated regional areas include most parts of Australia except major cities like Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane.

Examples include:

  • Gold Coast, Sunshine Coast (QLD)
  • Adelaide, Mount Gambier (SA)
  • Hobart, Launceston (TAS)
  • Perth, Bunbury (WA)
  • Canberra (ACT)
  • Darwin, Alice Springs (NT)

Living in these areas can provide migration incentives, more job opportunities, and faster PR pathways.

Required Documents Checklist

Here’s a typical list of documents needed:

  • Valid passport
  • Skills assessment for nominated occupation
  • English language test results
  • Expression of Interest (EOI) in SkillSelect
  • Nomination/Sponsorship documents
  • Points test documents (work experience, education, etc.)
  • Health and character documents
  • Relationship and identity documents (if applying with family)

Application Process Step-by-Step

  • Check your eligibility and occupation list.
  • Submit an EOI through SkillSelect.
  • Get nominated by a state/territory or sponsored by an eligible relative.
  • Receive invitation to apply.
  • Submit visa application online with all documents.
  • Await decision from the Department of Home Affairs.

🕑 Processing time varies, usually from 6 to 12 months depending on stream and completeness of your application.

What Happens After You Get the Visa?

  • You can live and work in regional Australia for 5 years.
  • You must live in a regional area to comply with visa conditions.
  • After 3 years of fulfilling income and residency requirements, you can apply for PR via Subclass 191.
  • Your family can join and enjoy regional benefits, schooling, and Medicare access (if eligible)

Advantages of the 491 Visa

  • Priority processing and extra points for regional nomination.
  • Pathway to permanent residency via the Subclass 191.
  • Better access to regional job markets and fewer applicants.
  • Lower cost of living compared to metro cities.
  • Support from state and territory governments for skilled migrants.

Why Choose Gill Migration Services?

  • Proven Track Record with Skilled Visa Approvals
  • Updated Occupation List & Nomination Guidance
  • Customised Support for State or Family Stream
  • Transparent, Ethical & Legally Compliant Advice
  • Complete Visa to PR Roadmap Support
  • Whether you’re just starting out or ready to submit your application, we help you navigate every step with clarity and confidence.

FAQ – Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Visa – Subclass 491

Can I move to a major city after getting a 491 visa?

No. You must live and work in a designated regional area to comply with visa conditions.

What are the income requirements for PR?

To apply for the 191 visa later, you need to earn at least AUD $53,900 per year for 3 years.

Can I switch from family sponsorship to state nomination?

No. Once invited under a specific stream, you must apply through that stream only.

Can I include my family?

Yes. You can include your spouse and dependent children.

Ready to Work and Build Your Future in Regional Australia?

Gill Migration Services is here to ensure your 491 visa journey is smooth, accurate, and future-ready.