Visa 491 – Skilled Regional (Provisional) Visa Australia
Live and Work in Regional Australia with the Subclass 491 Visa
Book Your ConsultationThe Subclass 491 Skilled Regional (Provisional) Visa allows skilled professionals to live and work in regional Australia for up to 5 years, with a clear pathway to permanent residency through the Subclass 191 visa if eligibility is met.
Australia's regional areas offer excellent opportunities for skilled migrants to contribute to economic growth while enjoying a high quality of life in vibrant, welcoming communities.
What You Can Do on a 491 Visa
- Live in Australia for up to 5 years.
- Live, work, and study in a designated regional area.
- Travel freely in and out of Australia while your visa is valid.
- Apply for permanent residency (Subclass 191) after 3 years, if eligible.
Eligibility Criteria for Subclass 491
To apply for the Subclass 491 visa, you must:
- Be nominated by an Australian state or territory government or sponsored by an eligible family member living in regional Australia.
- Have an occupation on the relevant skilled occupation list.
- Obtain a positive skills assessment from the appropriate assessing authority.
- Be under 45 years of age at the time of invitation.
- Achieve a minimum of 65 points on the points test.
- Meet health and character requirements.
- Receive an invitation to apply after lodging an Expression of Interest (EOI).
Duration and Pathway to Permanent Residency
The Subclass 491 visa is valid for 5 years. After 3 years of living and working in a designated regional area and meeting income and eligibility criteria, you may apply for the Subclass 191 Permanent Residence (Skilled Regional) Visa.
Why Choose Regional Australia?
Quality Lifestyle
Regional areas offer high-quality healthcare, education, and lifestyle with less congestion and more affordable living costs.
Community Spirit
Experience welcoming communities that value skilled migrants and offer strong support networks.
Career Opportunities
Many regional areas have skill shortages, offering excellent employment prospects in your field.
Pathway to PR
The 491 visa provides a direct pathway to permanent residency after meeting the requirements.
Designated Regional Areas
Under the 491 visa program, regional Australia includes all areas except Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane. This means opportunities in:
- Major regional centers like Newcastle, Wollongong, Geelong, and the Gold Coast
- Smaller regional cities and towns across all states and territories
- Rural areas experiencing skills shortages
Application Process
Step 1: Check Eligibility
Confirm your occupation is on the relevant skilled list and you can meet the 65-point threshold.
Step 2: Skills Assessment
Obtain a positive skills assessment from the appropriate assessing authority for your occupation.
Step 3: Submit EOI
Lodge an Expression of Interest through SkillSelect, indicating your interest in regional migration.
Step 4: Obtain Nomination
Receive nomination from a state/territory government or eligible family sponsor.
Step 5: Visa Application
Apply for your visa within 60 days of receiving your invitation.
Income Requirement for PR Pathway
To qualify for permanent residency (Subclass 191) after 3 years, you must demonstrate you've earned at least the Temporary Skilled Migration Income Threshold (TSMIT) for 3 years while living in a regional area.
Why Choose Us?
Migrating to Australia can feel overwhelming, but with Nestway Immigration, you will receive:
- Expert guidance on eligibility and points calculation.
- Assistance with your EOI and documentation preparation.
- Support throughout your application process to avoid errors or delays.
- Professional, ethical service from a MARA-registered migration agent.
- Regional expertise to help you choose the best location for your skills and family.
- Ongoing support during your regional stay to meet PR requirements.