Live, Work, and Build a Future in Regional Australia
The Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Visa - Subclass 491 allows skilled professionals and their families to live, work, and study in designated regional areas of Australia for up to 5 years. It also opens a pathway to permanent residency through the Subclass 191 visa, provided all requirements are met.
What Is Subclass 491?
This provisional visa is designed to boost skilled migration to regional areas of Australia. It supports economic growth and community development outside major cities while giving skilled migrants and their families an opportunity to build a long-term future in Australia.
Key Features of the 491 Visa
- Stay in Australia for up to 5 years
- Live, work, and study only in designated regional areas
- Travel in and out of Australia freely while the visa is valid
- Apply for permanent residency via Subclass 191 after 3 years (from November 16, 2022)
- Include eligible family members in your visa application
Designated Regional Areas
Visa holders must live, work, and study in designated regional areas of Australia. These are locations outside major metropolitan cities and are designed to promote balanced migration across the country.
Note: If your nomination is withdrawn, your visa may not be granted.
Pathway to Permanent Residency
After holding the Subclass 491 visa for at least 3 years, and meeting income and residency requirements, you may apply for the Permanent Residence (Skilled Regional) Visa - Subclass 191.
Until then, Subclass 491 holders cannot:
- Apply for a Subclass 820 Partner visa
- Be granted any of the following:
- Subclass 132 (Business Talent)
- Subclass 186 (Employer Nomination Scheme)
- Subclass 188 (Business Innovation and Investment)
- Subclass 189 (Skilled Independent)
- Subclass 190 (Skilled Nominated)
- Subclass 858 (Global Talent)
Include Your Family
You can include your partner and dependent children in your visa application. Family members must meet health and character requirements.
- Add them at the time of initial application
- Add dependent children later (before a decision is made on your application)
Cost of the 491 Visa
- Main applicant: From AUD 4,770.00
- Additional applicants: Extra charges for each accompanying family member
- Second instalment (if applicable): AUD 4,890.00 for applicants 18+ with less than functional English
Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible for the Subclass 491 visa, you must:
- Be nominated by an Australian state or territory, or sponsored by an eligible relative residing in a regional area
- Score at least 65 points on the points test
- Have an occupation listed on a relevant Skilled Occupation List
- Have your skills assessed by the relevant assessing authority
- Demonstrate at least Competent English
- Meet health and character requirements
How PassX Immigration Can Help
At PassX Immigration, we make your journey to Australia through the Subclass 491 visa smooth, efficient, and stress-free.
With thousands of successful immigration stories and the support of registered MARA agents, our team provides expert guidance at every step.
Our premium services include:
- Tailored free eligibility assessment
- Guidance for state or territory nomination or family sponsorship
- Full support for skill assessments and documentation
- Preparation and submission of your visa application
- Strategic planning for your permanent residency pathway (Subclass 191)
Get Started Today
Are you a skilled professional planning to live and work in regional Australia, or seeking a better lifestyle for your family? Contact PassX Immigration and take the first step toward your Australian dream.