Skilled Work Regional Visas (491)
- Skilled Visas
- Skilled Work Regional Visas (491)
Who is this Visa for?
You (the applicant) are a skilled worker seeking to live and work in designated regional areas of Australia. You must be nominated by an Australian state or territory government or sponsored by an eligible family member residing in a regional area.
This is a points-tested provisional visa that does not require employer sponsorship.
Your occupation must be on the relevant skilled occupation list, you must hold a positive skills assessment, and you must meet the points-tested criteria, including age, English language ability, qualifications, and skilled work experience.
Skilled Visas
Everything you need to know about this visa
The Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Visa (subclass 491) is a five-year points-tested visa allowing skilled workers to live and work in designated regional areas of Australia. The visa requires either state/territory nomination or eligible family sponsorship. Holders of the 491 visa must live, work, and study in regional Australia and comply with ongoing visa conditions. After meeting specific requirements — such as living and working in a regional area for at least three years and meeting minimum income thresholds — you may become eligible to apply for permanent residency via the subclass 191 visa.
Key Points at a Glance
- Regional provisional visa – Valid for up to five years, with a pathway to permanent residency.
- Nomination or family sponsorship required – You must be nominated by a state/territory or sponsored by an eligible family member in a regional area.
- Occupation requirements – Your occupation must be on the skilled list, and you must have a positive skills assessment.
- Points-tested – Eligibility is based on points for age, qualifications, English proficiency, and work experience.
- Regional living requirement – You must live, work, and study in a designated regional area.
- Family included – Eligible family members can be included, with full work and study rights in regional areas.
- Pathway to PR – Leads to eligibility for the Subclass 191 Permanent Residence (Skilled Regional) visa.
You can read more about the Skilled Work Regional Visas (subclass 491) on the Department of Home Affairs website
