491 — Skilled Work Regional (Subclass 491)

Australia•Oceania

Open

491 — Skilled Work Regional (Subclass 491)

Work PR PathwayThis visa can lead to permanent residency, the right to live and work here indefinitely without renewing your visa. Dependents Allowed

At a Glance

Processing Time

90-730 days

Application Fee

4,910 AUD

Stay Duration

5 years

Renewable

Job Offer

Not Required

Dependents

Allowed

PR Pathway

Available

Remote Work

Not Required

Apply Now Official Information

Living in Australia

Cost of Living

1% cheaper than United States

Avg SalaryA$67,200

Quality of Life

190/200

Full Country Guide

Overview

Points-tested provisional visa for skilled workers willing to live and work in regional Australia. Nominated by a state/territory or sponsored by an eligible family member.

The Skilled Work Regional (Subclass 491) is a provisional Australian visa for points-tested skilled workers willing to live in designated regional areas. Applicants need state or territory nomination or a regional family sponsor, at least 65 points, and a positive skills assessment for a listed occupation.

The 5-year provisional stay costs AUD 4,910 and is non-renewable. Holders may change employers within regional areas and include dependants, who may work without restriction. After 3 years of regional residence and work, permanent residence is available via Subclass 191. Dual intent is permitted.

This visa is ideal for skilled professionals in healthcare, tech, trades or education who are willing to settle in regional Australia and want a clear pathway to permanent residence.

Stay & Extensions

Initial grant

5 years

Annual Cap & Quota

~25,000/year

Conversion Paths

Visas you can typically switch to from this status.

191 — Permanent Residence — Skilled Regional (Subclass 191)

Australia

191 — Permanent Residence — Skilled Regional (Subclass 191)

ValidityIndefinite

Processing7-14 months

View Visa Details

Requirements

ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS

Be under 45 years of age

Have a suitable skills assessment for the nominated occupation

Have an occupation on a relevant skilled occupation list

Be invited to apply by the Department of Home Affairs

Be nominated by a state or territory government agency or sponsored by an eligible relative

Satisfy the points test (minimum 65 points)

Have at least competent English

Meet health and character requirements

Sign the Australian values statement

KEY CRITERIA

Education

vocational or higher

REQUIRED DOCUMENTS

Valid passport

Proof of age (e.g., birth certificate)

Positive skills assessment

Evidence of English language proficiency

Invitation to apply (SkillSelect)

Nomination or sponsorship approval documents

Evidence of points claimed in EOI

Character documents (e.g., police clearances)

Health examination results

Relationship evidence (if including partner/dependents)

Advantages & Considerations

Key Benefits

Pathway to permanent 191 visa
Regional areas have more demand
Lower competition than 189/190
5 bonus points for regional nomination

Worth Knowing

Must live/work in regional area
Provisional — not permanent immediately
Must apply for 191 after 3 years
Regional area restrictions

Application Process

Check occupation on skilled list: Verify your occupation is on the skilled occupation list

Get skills assessment: Obtain positive assessment from relevant assessing authority

Calculate points: Assess if you have 65+ points using points calculator

Create ImmiAccount: Register on the immigration portal

Lodge Expression of Interest: Submit EOI through SkillSelect

Receive invitation: Await invitation to apply (if selected)

Submit visa application: Lodge complete visa application with all documents

Pay visa fee: Pay AUD 4,910 application fee

Await decision: Monitor application status

Application Forms

Go to application portal

SkillSelect EOI	—
Online visa application	—

Verified Claims (25)

Last verified May 31, 2026

Application Steps	Check occupation on skilled list: Verify your occupation is on the skilled occupation list; Get skil…	immi.homeaffairs.gov.au
Dependent Visa	Included	immi.homeaffairs.gov.au
Fee Breakdown	Base application charge: 4910 AUD	visasidekick.com.au
Fees	AUD 4,910	visasidekick.com.au
Forms	SkillSelect EOI; Online visa application	immi.homeaffairs.gov.au
Included Nationalities	—	immi.homeaffairs.gov.au
Job Offer Required	false	immi.homeaffairs.gov.au
Application Portal	https://online.immi.gov.au/	immi.homeaffairs.gov.au

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