SKILLED MIGRATION
Skilled Work Regional Visa
Subclass 491
A provisional regional visa for invited skilled workers nominated by a state or territory government or sponsored by an eligible family member.
VISA TYPE
Provisional → PR pathway
NOMINATION / SPONSORSHIP
State/territory or eligible family
GOVERNMENT VISA CHARGE
From AUD $6,140*
ESTIMATED PROCESSING TIME
Family Sponsored 3 - 6 months* State or Territory Nominated 16 - 26 months*
*Government charges and processing times are indicative and subject to change. Current at September 2026.
Who is the Skilled Work Regional 491 visa for?
Skills. Regional migration. 15 points. A pathway to permanent residence.
The Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa (subclass 491) is a points-tested visa for skilled workers who are nominated by an Australian state or territory government or sponsored by an eligible family member living in a designated regional area.
Applicants submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) through SkillSelect and must receive an invitation before applying. State and territory nomination criteria vary between jurisdictions, while family-sponsored applicants must meet the requirements applicable to that pathway.
Nomination or eligible family sponsorship for subclass 491 contributes 15 points towards the points test. The visa is provisional and provides a pathway towards the Permanent Residence (Skilled Regional) visa (subclass 191) after the relevant requirements are met.
Key requirements for a Skilled Work Regional 491 visa
01
Eligible occupation
The nominated occupation must be available for the relevant subclass 491 pathway.
02
Skills assessment
A suitable skills assessment for the nominated occupation is required before submitting the EOI
03
Points test
Applicants need at least 65 points, including the 15 points provided by subclass 491 nomination or eligible family sponsorship.
04
Nomination or family sponsorship
The applicant must obtain state or territory nomination or meet the requirements for sponsorship by an eligible family member in a designated regional area.
05
Invitation to apply
An EOI and nomination or sponsorship do not themselves constitute a visa application. An invitation is required before lodging the subclass 491 visa.
06
Age, English & other requirements
Age and English requirements apply together with health, character and other visa criteria.
01
Assess eligibility
Check the occupation, skills assessment, points position and potential state nomination options.
How the Skilled Work Regional 491 process works
02
Obtain skills assessment
Complete the required assessment for the nominated skilled occupation.
03
EOI & nomination/sponsorship
Submit the appropriate EOI and pursue state nomination or the eligible-family sponsorship pathway.
04
Receive an invitation
If invited, lodge the visa application within the applicable invitation period.
05
Regional pathway to PR
If granted, the subclass 491 provides a regional pathway with potential eligibility for subclass 191 permanent residence.
Things to check before pursuing a subclass 491 visa
State nomination criteria
States and territories set their own occupation priorities and nomination requirements, which can change during a program year.
Choosing the regional pathway
State nomination and family sponsorship are different pathways with different eligibility requirements. The appropriate option should be identified before the EOI strategy is settled.
Regional requirements
The subclass 491 carries regional living, working and study conditions. The practical implications should be understood before choosing this pathway.
Permanent residence planning
The subclass 491 is provisional rather than permanent. The requirements relevant to the eventual subclass 191 pathway should be understood from the outset.
Not sure whether the 491 visa regional pathway is realistic for you?
Regional skilled migration depends on your occupation, points position and the nomination or sponsorship pathway available to you. We can assess your options and the potential pathway to permanent residence before an EOI strategy is prepared.