Your Pathway to Permanent Residency in Regional Australia
The Subclass 491 Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Visa is a 5-year visa for skilled workers who want to live and work in regional Australia. It is a points-tested visa that requires nomination by an Australian state/territory or an eligible family member living in a designated regional area. After 3 years, holders can apply for permanent residency through the Subclass 191 Visa
Key Benefits of the Subclass 491 Visa
✅ Live and work in regional Australia for 5 years
✅ Pathway to permanent residency (Subclass 191) after 3 years
✅ Extra points for state/family nomination (makes it easier to qualify)
✅ Bring eligible family members (partner & dependent children)
✅ Access to Medicare (Australia’s public healthcare system)
Eligibility Requirements
1. Occupation on the Skilled Occupation List
✔ Must be on the Combined Skilled Occupation List
2. Points Test (Minimum 65 Points Required)
✔ +15 Points for state/territory nomination
✔ +10 Points for family sponsorship
Points are awarded for:
- Age (max points for 25-32 years)
- English proficiency (IELTS 6.0 minimum)
- Work experience (Australian or overseas)
- Education qualifications
- Australian study requirement (if applicable)
3. Nomination Requirement
✔ Must be nominated by:
- An Australian state/territory, OR
- An eligible family member living in a designated regional area
4. Age Limit
✔ Must be under 45 years at time of invitation
5. English Language Requirement
✔ Competent English (IELTS 6.0 or equivalent)
6. Skills Assessment
✔ Must obtain a positive skills assessment for your occupation
7. Health & Character Checks
✔ Must meet health and character requirements
Designated Regional Areas
✔ All of Australia EXCEPT: Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Gold Coast, Perth
✔ Includes cities like:
- Adelaide (South Australia)
- Hobart (Tasmania)
- Canberra (ACT)
- Darwin (Northern Territory)
- Regional NSW, VIC, QLD, WA
How the 491 Visa Process Works
- Check Eligibility – Confirm occupation & points
- Skills Assessment – Get assessed by the relevant authority
- Submit EOI (Expression of Interest) – Via SkillSelect
- Receive Nomination – From a state or family sponsor
- Get Invited to Apply – By Home Affairs
- Lodge Visa Application – Within 60 days of invitation
- Visa Grant – Processing time: 6-12 months
Pathway to PR (Subclass 191 Visa)
After 3 years on the 491 visa, you can apply for permanent residency if you:
✔ Have lived & worked in a regional area for at least 3 years
✔ Meet the minimum taxable income requirement (currently $53,900 AUD/year)
Why Choose the 491 Visa?
🔹 Lower points requirement than Subclass 189/190
🔹 Priority processing for regional visas
🔹 No employer sponsorship needed
🔹 Family-friendly – Spouse & children can be included
How Immigrad Can Help
✅ Free Points Assessment – Calculate your eligibility
✅ State Nomination Strategy – Match you with the best regional location
✅ Skills Assessment Support – Connect with assessing bodies
✅ Visa Application Assistance – Avoid delays & refusals
Start Your Regional Visa Journey Today
📞 Call: [+61 434 294 670]
✉️ Email: [info@immigrad.com.au]
🌐 Website: [www.immigrad.com.au]
Book a Free Consultation
Official Resources
Home Affairs – 491 Visa
Regional Occupation Lists
Note: Immigration regulations change frequently. While we maintain current knowledge, we recommend verifying information with the Department of Home Affairs or consulting a registered migration agent.