Subclass 491 Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Visa

The Subclass 491 visa lets invited skilled workers live and work in designated regional areas of Australia for up to five years — and it opens a pathway to permanent residence through the Subclass 191 visa. Nomination decisions are made by states and territories, and sponsorship eligibility is set by law — what we do is prepare your Expression of Interest, nomination evidence and visa application so your case is presented accurately and at its strongest.

Who this visa is for

At the time you're invited to apply, you generally need to:

• Be under 45 years of age
• Nominate an occupation on the applicable skilled occupation lists for this visa
• Have a suitable skills assessment for your nominated occupation (an assessment obtained for a Subclass 485 application is not valid here)
• Have at least competent English (a higher level may be needed for some occupations)
• Score at least 65 on the points test
• Be nominated by a state or territory government, or be sponsored by an eligible relative living in a designated regional area

How the application works

We start with an eligibility assessment, prepare your skills assessment, then lodge your Expression of Interest. If you're seeking state nomination, we prepare the evidence the state requires; if you're relying on family sponsorship, we confirm your relative meets the sponsorship criteria. Once you're invited, we lodge your complete visa application within the required timeframe.

Living in regional Australia and next steps

As a 491 holder you must live, work and study only in designated regional areas, and keep the Department updated on your circumstances. After holding the visa for at least three years and meeting the requirements in force — including regional residence and compliance with your visa conditions — you may become eligible for the permanent Subclass 191 visa.