Subclass 491 Visa – Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Visa
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491 Skilled Work Regional Visa
The Subclass 491 Skilled Work Regional Visa is a pathway for skilled workers and their families to live and work in regional areas of Australia. This visa aims to address labor shortages and promote economic growth in regional areas by encouraging skilled migrants to settle there.
The 491 visa is part of the General Skilled Migration (GSM) program but is specifically designed to encourage migration to designated regional areas of Australia. It is important to note that this regional focus excludes major cities like Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane.
After holding the 491 visa and satisfying the regional residence requirement, applicants can apply for the Subclass 191 Permanent Residence (Skilled Regional) visa.
Requirements to apply for a Skilled Work Regional Visa (Subclass 491)
Points-Tested Visa: Applicants for the 491 visa must undergo a points-based assessment, where points are awarded based on factors such as age, English language proficiency, skilled employment, qualifications, and regional nomination.
Conditions:
- 491 visa holders are required to live, work, and study only in regional areas of Australia.
- They must reside in a designated regional area for a minimum of three years to be eligible for permanent residency.
- Visa holders must comply with Australian laws and regulations during their stay.
Duration: The 491 visa is a provisional visa that allows the holder to live and work in a regional area for up to five years.
The 494 visa has the following requirements to apply:
- Be nominated or invited to apply by a government agency
- Be sponsored by an eligible relative
- Have an occupation on a relevant skilled occupation list
- Complete an appropriate skills assessment
- Satisfy the points test
- Be aged under 45 years
- Meet the minimum standards of English language proficiency
Types of 491 visas
There are two pathways to access the 491 skilled work visa:
Main applicant stream
As the principal applicant, you must meet all the eligibility criteria and be nominated or sponsored by an eligible relative or sponsor. Once you receive the 491 visa, your family members can apply via the subsequent entrant stream.
Subsequent entrant stream
If your family member holds a subclass 491 visa, you can apply for the same visa through the subsequent entrant stream.
To apply for the Subclass 491 visa, you must:
- Submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) through SkillSelect
- Score at least 65 points, including 15 points for regional nomination/sponsorship
- Be invited to apply by the Department of Home Affairs
- Meet all eligibility and nomination/sponsorship requirements
Points are awarded for:
- Age
- English language proficiency
- Work experience
- Educational qualifications
- Australian study
- Partner’s skills
- Professional Year Program
- NAATI accreditation
- Regional study
- Nomination by a state/territory OR family sponsorship (+15 points)
To apply, you must:
- Be under 45 years of age at the time of invitation
- Nominate an occupation on the relevant skilled occupation list
- Obtain a positive skills assessment for your nominated occupation
- Meet competent English language requirements
- Be nominated by a state/territory government or sponsored by an eligible relative in a regional area
- Satisfy health and character requirements
Designated regional areas include all of Australia except:
- Sydney
- Melbourne
- Brisbane
This includes major cities like Adelaide, Perth, Canberra, Gold Coast, Hobart, Darwin, and other regional towns and communities.
You must demonstrate competent English with one of the following:
- IELTS: Minimum 6.0 in each band
- PTE Academic: Minimum 50 in each band
- TOEFL iBT, OET, CAE: Equivalent acceptable scores
All applicants and included family members must:
- Complete a health examination with an approved panel physician
- Provide police clearance certificates from countries lived in for 12+ months in the last 10 years (from age 16)
Including Family Members in Your Application
Eligible family members include:
- Your spouse or de facto partner
- Your or your partner’s dependent children or stepchildren
All family members must meet health, character, and financial requirements.
How BFES Global Assists with the 491 Visa
Our migration team guides you through every step, including:
- Checking eligibility and calculating points
- Identifying the best state/territory or family sponsorship option
- Preparing and lodging your EOI on SkillSelect
- Assisting with skills assessments and documentation
- Managing the state nomination/family sponsorship process
- Applying for your visa with complete support
- Planning the transition to Subclass 191
