Skilled Work Regional

Regional Visa (Subclass 491)

The Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa (subclass 491) is a points-tested provisional visa for skilled workers who want to live and work in regional Australia. It provides a pathway to permanent residence after 3 years.

Processing Time

6-14 months

Visa Application Fee

AUD $4,640

Need Help?

+61 479 171 282

Eligibility Requirements

Be under 45 years of age at the time of invitation

Have a positive skills assessment in an occupation on the relevant skilled occupation list

Score at least 65 points on the points test (including 15 bonus points from nomination)

Have competent English (IELTS 6 or equivalent in each component)

Be nominated by a state/territory government or sponsored by an eligible relative living in regional Australia

Meet health and character requirements

Submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) via SkillSelect

Benefits

Live and work in regional Australia for 5 years

Receive 15 additional points for regional nomination

Access to Medicare benefits

Pathway to permanent residence (subclass 191) after 3 years

Include family members in your application

Lower competition compared to metropolitan areas

Access to additional state-specific incentives

Documentation Required

Ensure you have the following documents ready for your application.

1

Valid passport

2

Skills assessment from relevant authority

3

English language test results

4

State/territory nomination or family sponsorship

5

Employment references and evidence

6

Educational qualifications and transcripts

7

Police clearance certificates

8

Health examination results

9

Evidence of genuine intention to live in regional Australia

10

Commitment to regional residency declaration

Frequently Asked Questions

What areas are considered 'regional Australia'?

Regional Australia includes all of Australia except Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane metropolitan areas. Cities like Perth, Adelaide, Gold Coast, and all of Tasmania are considered regional.

How can I get permanent residence from a 491 visa?

After living and working in regional Australia for at least 3 years and meeting the income threshold (currently $53,900 per year), you can apply for the Permanent Residence (Skilled Regional) visa (subclass 191).

What are the work requirements for the 491 visa?

You must live and work in regional Australia. While there's no specific occupation requirement, you should work in your nominated occupation or a related field to maximize your chances for the pathway to permanent residence.

Can I move to a major city after getting permanent residence?

Yes, once you receive permanent residence through the subclass 191 visa, you are free to live and work anywhere in Australia, including major cities.

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