Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Subclass 491 Visa

The Skilled Work Regional (Provisional), Subclass 491 visa provides an opportunity for a stay in Australia of up to 5 years.

The Subclass 491 visa is a provisional visa for skilled workers who want to live and work in a designated regional area of Australia. It is a replacement for the previous Skilled Regional (Provisional) Subclass 489 visa (first provisional stream).

How to qualify

To qualify for the Subclass 491 visa you must be sponsored by an eligible relative or you need to be nominated by a state or territory government agency.

Other requirements include having an occupation on the relevant skilled occupation list, obtaining a suitable skills assessment for the occupation, demonstrating you have at least competent English language skills as well as attaining sufficient number of points on the points test.

Visa conditions

With the Subclass 491 visa you can travel to and from Australia as often as you want, and you may also undertake studies during the validity period of the visa. Subclass 491 visa holders are to live, work and study in a designated regional area of Australia.

Path to permanent residency

Eligible holders of the Subclass 492 visa may apply for permanent residence through the Permanent Residence (Skilled Regional) Subclass 191 visa. The Subclass 191 visa is scheduled to commence on 16 November 2022.

You may include family members in your application and they will also need to meet health and character requirements.