Australia•OceaniaSkilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa (subclass 491)
At a Glance
Processing Time
~304 days
Application Fee
3,145 AUD
Stay Duration
5 years
Renewable
No
Job Offer
Not Required
Dependents
Allowed
PR Pathway
Available
This visa can lead to permanent residency — the right to live and work here indefinitely without renewing your visa.Remote Work
Not Required
Overview
Provisional visa for skilled workers to live and work in Australian regional areas. Points-based with lower requirements than 189. Pathway to permanent residency after 3 years.
The Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa (subclass 491) is for skilled workers willing to work and live in Australian regional areas outside major cities. It's designed to address regional skills shortages and provides a pathway to permanent residency after 3 years of regional employment.
Annual Visa Allocation
33,000 visas per year
The quota is part of the annual Migration Program planning levels for the Skilled Regional category. Places are allocated to state and territory governments for nomination. Unused places do not roll over to the next program year.
No lottery system
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Requirements
Financial
Minimum Income
73,000 AUD
per year
Personal
Criminal Record Policy
case_by_case
Education
Bachelor or higher
Professional
Experience
3+ years
Language
English
Intermediate
English
Intermediate
English
Intermediate
English
Intermediate
English
Intermediate
Documentation
Applicant Documents
Valid passport
With sufficient validity
Skills assessment
Positive assessment from relevant authority
Regional sponsorship
Nomination from state, territory or employer
English language evidence
IELTS, TOEFL, PTE or equivalent
Qualifications and experience
Certificates, transcripts, reference letters
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Advantages
- Lower points requirement than 189
- Pathway to permanent residency
- Access to regional areas with lower competition
- May be easier to get sponsorship
Considerations
- Restricted to regional areas
- 3-year regional work requirement for PR transition
- Provisional status initially
- Limited job mobility
Application Process
Check occupation on skilled list
Verify occupation is on skilled occupation list
Get skills assessment
Obtain positive assessment from relevant assessing authority
Identify regional sponsor
Find state, territory or employer willing to sponsor
Apply for sponsorship
Submit sponsorship application to relevant authority
Receive nomination
Await regional sponsorship approval
Lodge visa application
Submit complete visa application
Pay visa fee
Pay AUD 3,145 application fee
Await decision
Monitor application status
Application Forms
Skilled Work Regional visa application
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