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491 — Skilled Work Regional (Subclass 491)
AustraliaAustralia•Oceania
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491 — Skilled Work Regional (Subclass 491)

Work PR PathwayThis visa can lead to permanent residency, the right to live and work here indefinitely without renewing your visa. Dependents Allowed

At a Glance

Processing Time

3 months – 2 years

Estimated Cost

AUD $6,140

Stay Duration

5 years

Not renewable

Renewal

Not renewable

Family

Dependents allowed

PR Pathway

Yes

Sponsor

No job offer needed

Work

Remote not required

Apply Now Official Information
Australia flag

Living in Australia

Cost of Living
2% more than United States
Avg SalaryA$73,000
Quality of Life
187/200
Full Country Guide

Overview

Points-tested provisional visa for skilled workers willing to live and work in regional Australia. Nominated by a state/territory or sponsored by a qualifying family member.

The Skilled Work Regional (Subclass 491) is a provisional Australian visa for points-tested skilled workers willing to live in designated regional areas. Applicants need state or territory nomination or a regional family sponsor, at least 65 points, and a positive skills assessment for a listed occupation.

The 5-year provisional stay costs AUD 6,140 and is non-renewable. Holders may change employers within regional areas and include dependants, who may work without restriction. After 3 years of regional residence and work, permanent residence is available via Subclass 191. Dual intent is permitted.

This visa is ideal for skilled professionals in healthcare, tech, trades or education who are willing to settle in regional Australia and want a clear pathway to permanent residence.

Australia

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Stay & Extensions

Initial grant5 years

Annual Cap & Quota

~25,000/year

Conversion Paths

Visas you can typically switch to from this status.

191 — Permanent Residence - Skilled Regional (Subclass 191)
Australia flagAustralia

191 — Permanent Residence - Skilled Regional (Subclass 191)

ValidityIndefinite
Processing7 months – 1.2 years
View Visa Details

Requirements

PUBLISHED REQUIREMENTS

Be under 45 years of age

Have a suitable skills assessment for the nominated occupation

Have an occupation on a relevant skilled occupation list

Be invited to apply by the Department of Home Affairs

Be nominated by a state or territory government agency or sponsored by a qualifying relative

Satisfy the points test (minimum 65 points)

Have at least competent English

Meet health and character requirements

Sign the Australian values statement

KEY CRITERIA

Education

vocational or higher

REQUIRED DOCUMENTS

Valid passport

Proof of age (e.g., birth certificate)

Positive skills assessment

Evidence of English language proficiency

Invitation to apply (SkillSelect)

Nomination or sponsorship approval documents

Evidence of points claimed in EOI

Character documents (e.g., police clearances)

Health examination results

Relationship evidence (if including partner/dependents)

Advantages & Considerations

Key Benefits

  • Pathway to permanent 191 visa
  • Regional areas have more demand
  • Lower competition than 189/190
  • 5 bonus points for regional nomination

Worth Knowing

  • Must live/work in regional area
  • Provisional — not permanent immediately
  • Must apply for 191 after 3 years
  • Regional area restrictions

Application Process

1

Check occupation on skilled list

Verify your occupation is on the skilled occupation list

2

Get skills assessment

Obtain positive assessment from relevant assessing authority

3

Calculate points

Assess if you have 65+ points using points calculator

4

Create ImmiAccount

Register on the immigration portal

5

Lodge Expression of Interest

Submit EOI through SkillSelect

6

Receive invitation

Await invitation to apply (if selected)

7

Submit visa application

Lodge complete visa application with all documents

8

Pay visa fee

Pay AUD 6,140 application fee

9

Await decision

Monitor application status

Application Forms

Go to application portal
SkillSelect EOI—
Online visa application—

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