Skilled Work Regional
(Subclass 491)
Start your Australian journey in a regional community. This 5-year visa offers a high point boost and a direct path to permanent residency.
Visa Duration
5 Years
Provisional status
Point Boost
+15 Points
From state nomination
Pathway
PR 191
After 3 years regional
Base Cost
From $4,770
Primary applicant
Understanding the 491 Visa
The Skilled Work Regional Visa (Subclass 491) is designed to encourage skilled professionals to settle in regional areas of Australia, where their talents are most needed.
Unlike permanent visas that let you live anywhere from day one, the 491 is a provisional visa valid for 5 years. It requires you to commit to living, working, and studying in a designated regional area. Most of Australia excluding Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane is classified as "regional."
The major benefit is the substantial 15-point boost you receive from the state or territory nomination, which significantly increases your chances of being invited. After just 3 years of regional residency and meeting basic requirements, you become eligible to apply for full Permanent Residency.
The Regional Advantage
Regional Australia offers a high quality of life, lower cost of living, and a more accessible path to residency.
Regional Boundaries
Designated regional areas are defined by postcodes. Currently, this includes almost all of Australia except the major metropolitan hubs of Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane. You have the flexibility to move between different regional areas during your 5-year stay.
Points & Nomination
- 15 Bonus Points: Nomination by a state or territory automatically awards you 15 points toward your EOI score.
- State Led Selection: Each state creates its own occupation lists based on local economic needs, giving you more options to find a match for your skills.
Benefits & Conditions
Key Features of the 491 Visa
Explore the unique features that make this regional pathway a popular choice.
Regional Freedom
Live, work, and study in any designated regional area of Australia. This covers almost all of Australia except the major cities like Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane.
Outcome
5-Year Provisional Stay
Key Condition
Must be nominated by a state or territory, or sponsored by an eligible relative.
Language
Requires at least Competent English.
Who Can Apply?
You must meet these core benchmarks as well as your nominating state's regional requirements.
Age Limit
You must be strictly under 45 years old when you receive your invitation.
Regional List
Occupation must be on the regional skilled occupation list.
Points Test
Score at least 65 points on the test (including the +15 point boost).
Skills & Health
Positive skills assessment, Competent English, and pass strict checks.
Roadmap
The Application Lifecycle
A simplified step by step horizontal guide to your 491 visa journey.
Submit EOI
Lodge your EOI via SkillSelect indicating interest in regional areas.
State Nom
Apply for and secure official nomination from your target state.
Application
Submit your full visa application within 60 days of invitation.
Verification
Complete medical exams and international character checks.
Visa Grant
Receive your 5-year visa and move to your chosen regional area.
Claiming Your Points
The 491 visa offers the highest point boost of any skilled migration category:
- State Boost: Automatically receive 15 points for being nominated by a state or territory.
- Standard Categories: Claim points for Age, English skills, Work experience, and Qualifications.
- Partner & Study: Gain extra points for Australian study or having a skilled partner.
Application Costs
*Does not include costs for state nomination fees, skills assessments, English tests, medical exams, and police clearances.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Ready to explore regional Australia?
Start your pathway to permanent residency with a regional visa. Our experts will help you find the right state and occupation match.