Looking to build a life in Australia with more space, lifestyle benefits, and long-term oppor
tunities? The Subclass 491 Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Visa is designed for skilled professionals who want to live, work, and eventually settle permanently in regional Australia—with support from a state, territory, or eligible relative.
At Migration Guru, we help skilled applicants navigate the nomination, points test, and visa application process—ensuring a clear and strategic path toward permanent residency.
What Is the Subclass 491 Visa?
The Subclass 491 Visa is a points-tested provisional visa for skilled workers nominated by a state or territory government or sponsored by an eligible family member living in regional Australia.
With this visa, you can:
• Stay in Australia for up to 5 years
• Live, work, and study in designated regional areas
• Travel freely in and out of Australia while the visa is valid
• Apply for permanent residency (Subclass 191) after 3 years, if eligible
Eligibility Criteria
To apply for the Subclass 491 visa, you must:
• Be nominated by a state or territory, or sponsored by an eligible relative
• Submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) and be invited to apply
• Have a suitable skills assessment for an occupation on the relevant skilled occupation list
• Be under 45 years of age at the time of invitation
• Score at least 65 points on the points test
• Meet English language, health, and character requirements
What Is Considered ‘Regional Australia’?
Most locations outside of Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane are classified as designated regional areas. This includes all of Tasmania, South Australia, Northern Territory, and regional areas of NSW, Queensland, Victoria, and WA.
Regional areas offer:
✔️ Priority visa processing
✔️ Access to regional migration incentives
✔️ Strong demand in healthcare, trades, agriculture, IT, and education
Permanent Residency Pathway
After holding the Subclass 491 visa for 3 years, you may be eligible to apply for the Subclass 191 Permanent Residence (Skilled Regional) visa if you:
• Lived and worked in regional Australia during your stay
• Met the minimum income requirements for 3 consecutive years
• Complied with visa conditions
Can Family Members Be Included?
Yes. You can:
• Include your partner and dependent children when you apply
• Add family members later as subsequent entrants
Family members must meet the health and character requirements.
Subsequent Entrant Stream
This stream is for members of the family unit of a primary 491 visa holder who wish to join them in regional Australia. The visa duration matches the primary applicant’s visa.
Why Choose Migration Guru?
Subclass 491 is a competitive regional visa with multiple steps and strict evidence requirements. At Migration Guru, our team of MARA-registered agents provides:
✔️ Full EOI and nomination strategy
✔️ State and territory-specific guidance
✔️ Skills assessment support
✔️ Bridging visa and onshore compliance help
✔️ Permanent residency planning via the Subclass 191 pathway
Contact Migration Guru Today
- Phone: +61-7-3036 3800
- Email: info@migrationguru.com.au
- Website: migrationguru.com.au
- Facebook: Migration Guru