Provisional (Pathway to PR)
The Skilled Work Regional visa (subclass 491) is a 5-year provisional visa for skilled workers willing to live and work in regional Australia. It provides 15 bonus points and offers a pathway to permanent residence through subclass 191 after 3 years.
Duration
5 years (provisional)
Processing
6-14 months (varies: 25% in 6 months, 50% in 11 months, 75% in 16 months, 90% in 17 months)
Min. Points
65 points
Application Fee
AUD $4,115 (primary applicant) + state nomination fees ($200-$800) + additional costs for dependents
Live, work, and study in designated regional Australia for up to 5 years
Gain an additional 15 points from regional nomination
Include family members in your application
Access to Medicare
Unlimited travel in and out of Australia during visa validity
Pathway to permanent residence via subclass 191 after 3 years
All sponsored employment time counts toward PR (even if you change employers)
Be under 45 years of age at the time of invitation
Score at least 65 points including the 15-point regional nomination bonus
Have an occupation on the regional skilled occupation list
Obtain a positive skills assessment from the relevant authority
Be nominated by an Australian state/territory or sponsored by an eligible family member in regional Australia
Have competent English proficiency
Live and work in a designated regional area
Meet health and character requirements
Significant 15-point bonus makes it much easier to qualify
Lower competitive points threshold than 189 and 190
Five-year visa duration provides long-term stability
Clear pathway to permanent residence after 3 years of regional living and work
Changing employers doesn't reset your PR eligibility timeline
Experience lifestyle benefits of regional Australia
Priority processing for permanent residence
Eligible for permanent residence via subclass 191 after 3 years of living and working in regional Australia and meeting income requirements
Department of Home Affairs
Official visa information page
Important: Visa requirements and fees may change. Always verify current information on the official Department of Home Affairs website before applying.