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Subclass 491 Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Visa

Temporary visa providing a two-step pathway to PR for skilled workers willing to live in regional areas for three years.

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The Subclass 491 Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa replaced Subclass 489 on 16 November 2019, offering skilled migrants a straightforward route to permanent residence. This temporary visa requires applicants to live, work, and study in designated regional areas for three years before transitioning to permanent residence via the Subclass 191 visa.

The visa presents significant opportunities as regional area definitions now include cities like Perth, Adelaide, the Sunshine Coast, Canberra, Newcastle, Wollongong, Geelong, and Hobart. Only Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane are excluded from regional classification, providing applicants with diverse location options.

Applicants must meet strict eligibility criteria including skills assessment, English proficiency, points-based requirements, and age restrictions. The visa comes with several conditions around notification, regional residence, and evidence provision that applicants must strictly comply with.

Visa Streams

State or Territory Nominated

Nominated by a state or territory government based on skills demand in their region

Family Sponsored

Sponsored by an Australian citizen or permanent resident relative living in a regional area

Eligibility Requirements

For Applicants

Invitation required - must lodge an Expression of Interest (EOI)
Minimum 65 points on the New Points Test
Under 45 years of age at time of invitation
Valid skills assessment less than 3 years old (Subclass 485 assessments not acceptable)
Competent English (IELTS 6 or equivalent) unless holding passport from UK, Ireland, Canada, New Zealand, or USA
Genuine intention declaration to live, work, and study in a regional area with all family members

Conditions

Notify Department within 14 days of address, contact, passport, or employment changes
Live, work, and study in designated regional area (all family members)
Provide evidence of residential and employment addresses within 28 days if requested
Attend Department interview if requested

Occupation Lists

State Nominated Stream: STSOL, MLTSSL, and ROL combined
Family Sponsored Stream: MLTSSL only

Application Process

Step 1: Skills Assessment

Obtain a valid skills assessment in your nominated occupation that is less than 3 years old

Step 2: Points Calculation

Ensure you meet minimum 65 points on the New Points Test using factors like age, English proficiency, and qualifications

Step 3: Expression of Interest

Lodge an EOI declaring genuine intention to live, work, and study in a regional area

Step 4: Receive Invitation

Wait for invitation to apply for the Subclass 491 visa

Step 5: Visa Application

Submit complete visa application with supporting documentation

Step 6: Regional Residence

Live, work, and study in designated regional area for minimum 3 years while complying with all visa conditions

Costs & Processing Time

Fee Item Amount (AUD)

Primary applicant AUD $4,045

Additional applicant over 18 years AUD $2,025

Additional applicant under 18 years AUD $1,010

Second application charge (over 18 without Functional English) AUD $4,890

Processing Time

Processing timeframes vary. Before COVID-19, invitations were issued very quickly to eligible applicants.

Pathway to Permanent Residence

491 Regional

3 years regional residence

Living, working, and studying in designated regional area

191 PR

Apply for Subclass 191 Skilled Regional PR

Designated Regional Area Requirement

You and all family members must live, work, and study in a designated regional area. Regional areas include Perth, Adelaide, Sunshine Coast, Canberra, Newcastle, Wollongong, Geelong, and Hobart, excluding Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane.

Visa Restrictions

491 visa holders cannot apply for Subclass 858, 132, 186, 188, 189, 190, or 820/801 visas unless they have held their 491 visa for at least 3 years.

About the Subclass 491 Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Visa

Temporary visa providing a two-step pathway to PR for skilled workers willing to live in regional areas for three years.

Two flexible streams: State-nominated or family-sponsored options

Eligible for Medicare during visa period

Five-year visa duration with residency flexibility

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Frequently Asked Questions

What happens after 3 years on the 491 visa?

After living, working, and studying in a regional area for 3 years, you and your family members can apply for the Subclass 191 Permanent Residence visa, which came into effect on 16 November 2022.

Do I need employer sponsorship for this visa?

No, there is no requirement to be tied to an employer. You can work for any employer in your regional area, providing flexibility in your career choices.

Am I eligible for Medicare?

Yes, applicants for the Subclass 491 visa will be eligible for Medicare during their visa period.

What are the consequences of breaching visa conditions?

Breaching any of the four main conditions (notification, regional residence, evidence provision, or interview attendance) may result in visa cancellation.

How long is the visa valid for?

The Subclass 491 visa is granted for 5 years.

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