Subclass 491 / A regional direction
Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa (subclass 491) A different place. New possibilities.
There is more than one way to build your future in Australia. If regional life fits your plans, we can help you understand the 491 pathway and what it means for you and your family.
- Visa type
- Provisional, 5 years
- Selection
- Nomination or family sponsorship
- Eligible additional points
- 15 points
What this pathway offers
Think beyond one location.
The 491 is for invited skilled people with state or territory nomination, or eligible family sponsorship, who will meet the regional requirements.
Live in regional Australia
Live, work and study in designated regional areas while complying with the visa conditions that apply to you.
Bring your plans together
Eligible family members can be included and need to understand the relevant regional and visa obligations too.
Look towards the next stage
A separate application for the Permanent Residence (Skilled Regional) visa (subclass 191) may become available after you meet its requirements.
The requirements in context
What needs to line up.
The right pathway depends on both your profile and the nomination or sponsorship available to you. Start with these checks.
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Nomination or eligible family sponsorship
Meet a state's nomination process or confirm that a relative meets the sponsorship rules. Having a relative in Australia alone is not enough.
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Under 45 at invitation
Your age when invited matters. Consider upcoming birthdays when deciding what to prepare and when.
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Eligible occupation and assessment
Check the occupation list for your pathway and the requirements for suitable skills assessment evidence.
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At least Competent English
Use accepted evidence that meets the relevant timing and score requirements. Higher English levels may contribute points.
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At least 65 points
The total can include 15 points for qualifying nomination or sponsorship. Your evidence must support the invited score.
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Regional and other visa requirements
Plan for your location obligations, current visa status, family evidence, health and character requirements.
Regional does not always mean remote.
For migration purposes, designated regional areas include many cities and major centres outside Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane. The applicable postcode rules matter more than an everyday description of a place.
Check the official designated regional areas before planning a move, job or course. A state's nomination expectations and the conditions on your visa also need to be considered.
A plan you can follow
From your profile to the next step.
We explain the work involved, what depends on selection and the evidence to prepare before you proceed.
Submitting an EOI does not give you a bridging visa. If you are in Australia, your current visa expiry needs its own plan.
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Consider your regional plans
Discuss where you want to live, your work prospects and whether the regional commitments fit your family.
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Check nomination or sponsorship
Review a suitable state program or the eligibility of the relative who may sponsor you.
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Prepare your EOI and evidence
Bring your occupation, skills assessment, English and points claims together in an accurate SkillSelect profile.
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Complete selection and apply
Follow any state stages. If Home Affairs invites you, lodge the visa within 60 calendar days and meet the remaining criteria.
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Keep records for the future
After grant, comply with your visa conditions and retain relevant records for any later permanent residence application.
Preparation that makes sense
Bring the right evidence together.
Your checklist should reflect the claims you make. Depending on your circumstances, it may include:
- Identity, current visa history and relevant family documents.
- Qualifications, skills assessment, English and work evidence.
- Records supporting your claimed points.
- State nomination documents or evidence of the eligible relative's status, location and relationship.
- Information requested about your intended regional arrangements.
- Health, character and any additional documents required for your circumstances.
A little more clarity
Your 491 questions, made clearer.
These answers are a starting point. Your circumstances and the current requirements need to be considered together.
Who can be an eligible family sponsor?
The sponsor must meet age, immigration status, residence and family relationship requirements. They must be at least 18, usually resident in a designated area and an Australian citizen, permanent resident or eligible New Zealand citizen. We check the permitted relationship and the complete criteria.
Is the 491 a permanent visa?
No. It is a five-year provisional visa. You may later apply for the Permanent Residence (Skilled Regional) visa (subclass 191), subject to its requirements.
How does the subclass 191 pathway work?
Current requirements include holding an eligible visa for at least three years, compliance with its conditions and ATO notices of assessment for three income years out of the five years of the eligible visa. There is no current minimum income requirement. The other subclass 191 criteria still apply.
Can I move to Melbourne, Sydney or Brisbane on a 491?
You must comply with the designated regional conditions on your visa. Those cities are outside the standard designated regional definition. Check your grant conditions and get advice before changing your living, work or study arrangements.
Your next step starts with you
Make room for a regional possibility.
Tell us about your skills and the places you could see yourself living. We can help you work through the requirements and practical next steps.