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The Subclass 491 visa, officially called the Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa, is an Australian visa designed for skilled workers who want to live and work in regional Australia. It is a points-tested, temporary visa that allows migrants to stay in Australia for up to 5 years and provides a clear pathway to permanent residency (PR).
This visa is especially suitable for skilled professionals who are unable to secure enough points for direct PR visas but are willing to work in regional areas.
Purpose of the Subclass 491 Visa
The main goal of the Subclass 491 visa is to encourage skilled migrants to settle in regional parts of Australia where there is a shortage of workers. By doing so, it supports regional economic growth while offering migrants strong job opportunities and PR options.
Key Features of Subclass 491 Visa
The Subclass 491 visa allows you to:
- Live, work, and study in designated regional areas of Australia
- Stay in Australia for up to 5 years
- Include eligible family members in your application
- Travel in and out of Australia freely during the visa period
- Apply for permanent residency after meeting eligibility conditions
Who Can Apply for Subclass 491 Visa?
You may be eligible if you:
- Have an occupation listed on the relevant skilled occupation list
- Receive a nomination from a state or territory government or sponsorship from an eligible relative living in regional Australia
- Score at least 65 points in the points test
- Are under 45 years of age at the time of invitation
- Meet English language, skills assessment, and health requirements
State Nomination vs Family Sponsorship
There are two main pathways under the Subclass 491 visa:
- State or Territory Nomination
You are nominated by an Australian state or territory government based on your occupation, skills, and work experience. - Family Sponsorship
You are sponsored by an eligible family member who lives and works in a designated regional area of Australia.
Both pathways require you to live and work only in regional areas.
Regional Areas Under Subclass 491 Visa
Regional Australia includes most parts of the country except major cities like Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane. Popular regional destinations include Adelaide, Perth, Hobart, Canberra, and many regional towns with strong employment demand.
Pathway to Permanent Residency
One of the biggest advantages of the Subclass 491 visa is its PR pathway. After holding the visa for at least 3 years, you may apply for the Subclass 191 Permanent Residence (Skilled Regional) visa, provided you:
- Have lived and worked in a regional area
- Meet the minimum taxable income requirement
- Comply with visa conditions
Benefits of Subclass 491 for Migrants
- Lower points requirement compared to direct PR visas
- Extra points for regional nomination or family sponsorship
- Strong demand for skilled workers in regional areas
- Faster invitations in some states
- Affordable living costs compared to major cities
Is Subclass 491 Visa Right for You?
The Subclass 491 visa is ideal if you are:
- A skilled worker aiming for Australian PR
- Willing to live and work in regional Australia
- Looking for a realistic and achievable migration pathway
For many first-time migrants, it acts as a stepping stone toward permanent settlement in Australia.
January 26, 2026
