We understand better that enim ad minim veniam, consectetur adipis cing elit, sed do

Contact Info

Pay Online

Australia Skilled Work Regional Visa (Subclass 491)

  • Home
  • Australia Skilled Work Regional Visa (Subclass 491)

About Australia Skilled Work Regional Visa (Subclass 491)


The Australia Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Visa (Subclass 491) offers skilled workers a 5-year temporary visa to live, work, and study in designated regional areas outside Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane. Available through state/territory nomination (15 bonus points) or family sponsorship from relatives in regional areas, this points-tested pathway targets occupations on the Regional Occupation List to fill critical workforce gaps in healthcare, IT, engineering, trades, and agriculture.

Key pathway to permanent residency: After living and working 3 years in regional Australia (Perth, Adelaide, Gold Coast, Canberra, Newcastle, etc.) while meeting minimum taxable income thresholds, Subclass 491 holders qualify for the Subclass 191 Permanent Residence (Skilled Regional) visa. With 15,000 dedicated places annually in 2026, it provides priority processing and faster PR pathways compared to metropolitan skilled visas.

Eligibility Criteria of Australia Skilled Work Regional Visa (Subclass 491)

  1. Age Requirement – Applicants must be under 45 years old when receiving the invitation to apply for the Subclass 491 visa. This age limit ensures candidates remain in their productive working years to contribute effectively to regional economies. Points are awarded on a sliding scale: maximum 30 points for ages 18-24 years, gradually decreasing through age brackets to 15 points for ages 40-44 years.
  2. Occupation and Skills Assessment – The nominated occupation must appear on the Regional Occupation List or the specific state/territory skills list for which you’re applying. A positive skills assessment from the relevant Australian assessing authority (such as Engineers Australia, VETASSESS, or Trades Recognition Australia) is mandatory, confirming your qualifications and experience meet Australian standards for the nominated role. This assessment remains valid for three years.
  3. Nomination or Family Sponsorship – You must secure either state/territory government nomination (awarding 15 bonus points) or sponsorship from an eligible relative who lives in a designated regional area. Each state manages limited annual quotas with specific criteria—some require prior regional work experience, job offers, or residency commitments. Family sponsors must be Australian citizens, permanent residents, or eligible New Zealand citizens living in regional postcodes.
  4. Points Test via SkillSelect – A minimum score of 65 points is required through the SkillSelect Expression of Interest system, including the 15 points from regional nomination/sponsorship, though competitive scores typically exceed 80 points in 2026 invitation rounds. Points accumulate across age, English proficiency, skilled work experience, qualifications, and regional factors. Higher-ranked EOIs receive priority invitations based on occupation ceilings and state allocations.
  5. English Language Proficiency – Competent English is the minimum requirement, demonstrated through IELTS 6.0 across all bands (or PTE Academic 50 equivalent, TOEFL iBT 64, OET B, or Cambridge C1 Advanced 169). Proficient English (IELTS 7.0) earns 10 points while superior English (IELTS 8.0) provides the maximum 20 points. Test results remain valid for three years from the test date.
  6. Skilled Work Experience – At least one year of post-qualification skilled employment is required in your nominated occupation, though three or more years significantly boost points (up to 20 points for 8+ years combined Australian/overseas experience). Australian regional work experience receives additional preference from states, and employment must align with ANZSCO skill levels 1-3.
  7. Health and Character Requirements – All applicants and family members must meet Australia’s health standards through comprehensive medical examinations conducted by approved panel doctors. Police clearance certificates are required from every country where you’ve lived for 12 months or more since turning 16 years old. Serious criminal convictions or health conditions creating significant public costs may lead to refusal.
  8. Regional Living Commitment – Post-visa grant, you must live, work, and study exclusively in designated regional areas for three continuous years while meeting minimum taxable income thresholds (approximately AUD 53,900 annually) to qualify for permanent residency via Subclass 191. Regional areas encompass Perth, Adelaide, Gold Coast hinterland, Canberra, Newcastle, Hobart, and all locations outside Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane.

Fees & Processing Time For Australia Skilled Work Regional Visa (Subclass 491)

CategoryPrimary Applicant (AUD)Additional Applicant 18+ (AUD)Child Under 18 (AUD)Processing Time (Months)
Visa Application Fee4,9102,4551,2305–13 (75% processed)
Second Installment4,8902,4451,2257–17 (90% processed)
State Nomination Fee300–850N/AN/A1–5 (varies by state)
Skills Assessment500–1,500N/AN/AVaries by occupation
English Test (IELTS/PTE)350–400N/AN/AResults in 5–13 days
Medical/Police Checks500–800Per personPer person2–4 weeks

Step by step apply for Australia Skilled Work Regional Visa (Subclass 491)

Step 1: Confirm Eligibility – Check you meet core requirements: under 45 years old, occupation on MLTSSL/STSOL list, valid skills assessment, Competent English (IELTS 6+ each band), minimum 65 points including 15 from nomination/sponsorship, and either state/territory nomination or eligible family sponsor in regional area.

Step 2: Obtain Skills Assessment – Apply to relevant assessing authority (VETASSESS, Engineers Australia, etc.) with qualifications and 3+ years relevant work experience. Submit employment references and documents. Costs AUD 500-1,500, takes 8-12 weeks. Positive outcome mandatory.

Step 3: Prove English Proficiency – Take IELTS/PTE/OET test for Competent English minimum. Superior scores give extra points. Results valid 3 years, cost AUD 350-400, available in 5-13 days. Book early as slots fill fast.

Step 4: Secure State/Territory Nomination or Family Sponsorship – Apply for nomination from state/territory (NSW, VIC, QLD, etc.) – most common pathway. Need job offer/employment in regional area for many states. Pay nomination fee AUD 300-850. Alternative: family sponsor living in regional postcode.

Step 5: Submit Expression of Interest (EOI) – Register on SkillSelect, claim 65+ points (including 15 nomination points). Include skills assessment, English scores, work experience. States select from pool. Free step, but competitive – higher points = faster invitation.

Step 6: Receive Invitation to Apply (ITA) – Department of Home Affairs issues ITA based on points ranking. Valid 60 days. States may pre-select you. Check SkillSelect weekly. No ITA = cannot proceed.

Step 7: Lodge Visa Application & Pay First Fee – Within 60 days of ITA, submit online ImmiAccount application. Upload passport, skills assessment, English, nomination letter. Pay first installment: Primary AUD 4,910, Adult AUD 2,455, Child AUD 1,230.

Step 8: Complete Health & Character Checks – Book eMedical health exams (AUD 500-800/person). Get police clearances from all countries lived 12+ months (age 16+). Submit within 12 months validity. Takes 2-4 weeks.

Step 9: Pay Second Installment – After health/character clearance, pay second fee: Primary AUD 4,890, Adult AUD 2,445, Child AUD 1,225. Completes total fees (~AUD 10,000+ main applicant).

Step 10: Visa Grant & Move to Regional Area – Processing: 5-12 months average. 5-year provisional visa granted. Must live/work/study in designated regional area (not Sydney/Melbourne/Brisbane). Can travel freely.

Search

Contact Us


Start your future confidently,
Get Free Consultation call with Experts

Call Us