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The skilled work regional provisional visa subclass 491 is meant for skilled migrants interested in working and living in regional areas of Australia. The visa employs a points test that necessitates state or territory nomination and sponsorship from an eligible relative. Individuals have to start off by making an Expression of Interest application using SkillSelect and then wait for an invitation to apply for the visa.
Understanding each stage before submitting an EOI can help applicants avoid incorrect claims and prepare the evidence needed for the final visa application.
The subclass 491 is a five-year temporary visa aimed at skilled migrants willing to reside, study, and work in particular regions of Australia. There are two pathways that candidates can follow: state or territory nomination, and eligible family sponsorship.
The visa entitles the holder to enter and leave Australia as long as the visa is valid. It can also provide a pathway to permanent residence through the Permanent Residence (Skilled Regional) visa 191 after meeting the relevant requirements.
Read more: Australia’s 491 Visa Explained: What You Need to Know
Applicants are required to satisfy skilled migration criteria based on point testing, have an eligible occupation and receive an invitation. They must also have a suitable skills assessment and meet English, health and character requirements.
The main 491 visa requirements include:
Points determine whether you meet the minimum threshold for an invitation. The following categories form the main points framework for the 491 regional visa:
| Category | Points | Criteria (Summary) |
|---|---|---|
| Australian study | 5 | At least one academic year |
| Age | Max 30 | 18–24: 25; 25–32: 30; 33–39: 25; 40–44: 15; 45+: 0 |
| Community language | 5 | NAATI accreditation |
| Skilled employment – Australia | Max 20 | 1–2 years: 5; 3–4 years: 10; 5–7 years: 15; 8–10 years: 20 |
| Partner skills | Max 10 | Skilled partner: 10; English-only partner: 5; single or eligible partner: 10 |
| Education | Max 20 | PhD: 20; Bachelor/Master: 15; Diploma/Trade: 10 |
| Regional study | 5 | Lived and studied in regional Australia |
| English language | Max 20 | Competent: 0; Proficient: 10; Superior: 20 |
| Nomination/sponsorship | 15 | State or territory nomination or eligible family sponsorship |
| Professional Year | 5 | Completed in Australia |
| Skilled employment – overseas | Max 15 | 3–4 years: 5; 5–7 years: 10; 8–10 years: 15 |
| Specialist education | 10 | Australian STEM master’s by research or PhD |
| Employment experience cap | Max 20 | Australian and overseas skilled employment combined |
For the 491 visa subclass, applicants need at least Competent English unless another applicable rule provides an exemption. Higher English results can also contribute points.
For tests taken on or after 7th August 2025, Home Affairs accepts the following tests when taken at a secure test centre:
| Test | Accepted for Australian Visa Purposes |
|---|---|
| Cambridge C1 Advanced | Yes |
| CELPIP General | Yes |
| IELTS Academic | Yes, including eligible OSR |
| IELTS General Training | Yes, including eligible OSR |
| LANGUAGECERT Academic | Yes |
| Michigan English Test (MET) | Yes, including eligible SSR |
| OET | Yes |
| PTE Academic | Yes |
| TOEFL iBT | Yes, with the Australian registration pathway |
The application for a 491 visa in Australia is not a single-step process. Eligibility must be confirmed before proceeding to register for SkillSelect, receive an invitation and then submit your visa application.
Confirm that your occupation is on the relevant skilled occupation list and check the requirements of your chosen state or territory. Calculate your points carefully and make sure you can support every claim with evidence.
Apply to the assessing authority responsible for your occupation. Your assessment must be suitable for the nominated occupation. Home Affairs requires a suitable assessment at the time of invitation and generally will not accept one issued more than three years before the invitation.
Take an approved English test at a secure test centre. Choose the test based on the score you need and allow enough time to retake it if necessary.
Create and submit an EOI through SkillSelect. An EOI is not a visa application, and there is no fee to submit one. You can submit it from inside or outside Australia.
If your EOI is competitive and you are selected, you may receive an invitation to apply. Home Affairs states that an estimated score of at least 65 points is required to be invited, but reaching 65 does not itself guarantee selection.
Where your pathway uses state or territory nomination, you must meet that jurisdiction’s requirements. Each state or territory can apply its own criteria, occupation priorities and application procedures.
If applying through family sponsorship, the relative must instead meet the requirements for an eligible sponsor.
After receiving an invitation, lodge the visa 491 application through the appropriate online system within the specified invitation timeframe. Check every answer against your EOI because unsupported or inconsistent claims can create problems.
Upload evidence for your identity, qualifications, employment history, English ability, skills assessment, relationship claims and other relevant requirements.
Complete the required medical examinations and provide police certificates or other character evidence when requested. Family members included in the application may also need to satisfy health and character requirements.
Read more: Difference Between 190 and 189, 491 Visa Australia
| Visa | Costs |
|---|---|
| Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa – Main applicant | From AUD 6,140.00 |
| Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa – Subsequent entrant | From AUD 6,140.00 |
Note: The cost of visa fees has been reduced from 1st July 2026 for citizens of Pacific Islands and Timor-Leste.
| Visa | 50% Application | 90% Application |
|---|---|---|
| Visa 491 Family Sponsored Regional | 3 Months | 6 Months |
| Visa 491 State/Territory Government Nominated Regional | 16 Months | 26 Months |
A successful 491 visa holder can stay in Australia for five years, live, work and study in designated regional areas, and travel in and out of Australia during the visa validity period. The regional requirement applies to the visa holder and accompanying family members who hold the visa.
You should keep evidence of your residence and activities in regional Australia because these records may become relevant when pursuing the permanent residence pathway.
Yes, eligible holders can pursue permanent residence through the Permanent Residence (Skilled Regional) visa subclass 191 after meeting the relevant requirements, including the required three-year period associated with the provisional regional pathway. The Australian visa 491 itself is not a permanent visa. If you would like further information regarding your eligibility, contact the best migration agent Adelaide.
You need at least 65 points to be eligible for an invitation. However, meeting 65 points does not guarantee an invitation. State nomination or eligible family sponsorship adds 15 points.
Yes. You can submit an EOI from inside or outside Australia. Your eligibility to lodge the visa application in Australia depends on your current visa conditions.
The 491 visa allows you to stay for five years from grant.
Yes, eligible family members can generally be included if they meet health and character requirements.
