Skilled Migration
Skilled Work Regional visa (Subclass 491)
The Subclass 491 is a points-tested provisional visa for skilled workers willing to live and work in regional Australia. Nomination by a state or sponsorship by an eligible relative adds 15 points, the largest boost of any skilled visa. It runs for 5 years and is the pathway to permanent residence through the Subclass 191.
Visa type
Provisional, 5 years
Nomination
State or relative (+15 points)
Location
Designated regional area
Leads to
Permanent residence (191)
How this works
- Us:We get your documents application-ready, match you with a registered migration agent we have vetted, and stay on the matter until it is lodged.
- Registered agent:A registered migration agent gives the migration advice and lodges your application.
- The Department:The Department of Home Affairs decides. No outcome is guaranteed.
Who it is for
- Skilled workers open to living, working, and studying in a designated regional area.
- Applicants who need the 15-point boost to be competitive.
- People comfortable with a provisional visa first, then a permanent 191 once the conditions are met.
What this pathway involves
Regional nomination or family sponsorship
You need a state or territory nomination, or sponsorship by an eligible relative living in a designated regional area. This adds 15 points.
A positive skills assessment
Your nominated occupation must be assessed by the relevant assessing authority and be eligible for the 491.
An invitation through SkillSelect
You submit an Expression of Interest and are invited to apply. You cannot apply directly.
Under 45 and at least competent English
The standard skilled-visa age and English thresholds apply.
Commitment to a designated regional area
You must live, work, and study only in a designated regional area, which is everywhere except Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane.
An eye on the 191 from day one
The 491 is a stepping stone. Meeting the regional-residence and income conditions is what unlocks permanent residence later.
How the process works
- 1
Skills assessment
A registered migration agent confirms your occupation, and we organise and prepare the evidence to obtain a positive assessment from the right assessing authority.
- 2
Find your regional sponsor or nominator
A registered migration agent identifies which states nominate your occupation, or whether an eligible relative can sponsor you. We gather the supporting documents.
- 3
Prepare your EOI and nomination
We build your SkillSelect EOI and nomination or sponsorship file to a lodgement standard. A registered migration agent finalises the points claim and lodges.
- 4
Receive your invitation
If nominated or sponsored, you are invited to apply within the time allowed.
- 5
Lodge the visa application
We prepare a thorough file. A registered migration agent lodges the application and deals with the Department.
- 6
Plan the 191 transition
Once granted, we help you organise and track the regional-residence and income records you will need for permanent residence.
Questions about the Skilled Work Regional
Related visas
Skilled Migration
Permanent Residence Regional (191)
PR after meeting the regional 491 requirements.
Learn moreSkilled Migration
Skilled Nominated (190)
Skilled workers nominated by a state or territory.
Learn moreSkilled Migration
Skilled Independent (189)
Skilled workers with no sponsor, invited via SkillSelect.
Learn moreNot sure where to start?
Tell us about your situation. We get your file application-ready and match you with a registered migration agent for the advice and lodgement, and we stay on it the whole way. No obligation.