Global Vision Migration Lawyers provides expert legal advice across Australian visas, permanent residency, and citizenship. Our immigration lawyers and registered migration agents assist individuals, families, and businesses with skilled migration, employer-sponsored visas, partner visas, and the strategic resolution of visa refusals and appeals nationwide.

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Skilled Regional – SC 491

Skilled Work Regional Visa – Subclass 491 (Provisional)

The Skilled Work Regional Visa Subclass 491 is a points-tested provisional visa for skilled workers nominated by an Australian state or territory government or sponsored by an eligible family member residing in designated regional Australia.

This visa is valid for five years and provides a structured pathway to permanent residency through the Subclass 191 Permanent Residence (Skilled Regional) visa. Applicants must meet occupation eligibility, obtain a positive skills assessment, achieve the required points score, and commit to living and working in regional Australia.

Why Choose the Skilled Work Regional Visa 491?

Regional Opportunities

Access employment and lifestyle opportunities in designated regional areas of Australia.

Additional 15 Points

Receive 15 extra points toward the skilled migration points test.

5-Year Validity

Live, work and study in regional Australia for up to five years.

Pathway to PR

Eligible to apply for Subclass 191 permanent visa after meeting income criteria.

Include Family

Add eligible spouse and dependent children in the same visa application.

Full Work Rights

Work in any eligible occupation within regional Australia.

Eligibility Criteria

  • Occupation must be on relevant skilled occupation list.
  • Positive skills assessment from approved authority.
  • Under 45 years of age at time of invitation.
  • Competent English or higher level.
  • Minimum 65 points including 15 points for nomination/sponsorship.
  • Meet health and character requirements.

Nomination & Sponsorship Options

Pathway Details
State/Territory Nomination Nomination by regional state government based on occupation demand.
Family Sponsorship Sponsored by eligible relative living in designated regional area.

Points Test Overview

Factor Maximum Points
Age Up to 30 points
English Proficiency Up to 20 points
Skilled Employment Up to 20 points
Educational Qualification Up to 20 points
Regional Nomination/Sponsorship 15 Points

Application Process

Step Description
Step 1 Obtain positive skills assessment.
Step 2 Lodge Expression of Interest (EOI) in SkillSelect.
Step 3 Apply for state nomination or family sponsorship.
Step 4 Receive invitation to apply.
Step 5 Lodge visa application within 60 days.

Pathway to Permanent Residency (Subclass 191)

Requirement Details
Regional Residence Live and work in designated regional area.
Income Threshold Meet minimum taxable income requirement for 3 years.
Compliance Maintain visa conditions throughout provisional period.

Why Choose Global Vision Migration?

  • Accurate regional eligibility assessment.
  • Strategic EOI and nomination planning.
  • Comprehensive documentation support.
  • Long-term PR pathway guidance.

Start Your Skilled Work Regional Visa 491 Journey

Secure a regional pathway to Australian permanent residency. Contact Global Vision Migration for expert points assessment and complete visa support.

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Other Skilled Visas & Education

01.
Skilled Independent – SC 189

A points-tested permanent visa for skilled workers without sponsorship, allowing full work and living rights anywhere in Australia.

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02.
Skilled Nominated – SC 190

A permanent visa for skilled workers nominated by a state or territory under the points-based migration system.

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03.
Skilled Regional – SC 491

A five-year provisional visa for skilled workers nominated for regional Australia with a pathway to permanent residency.

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04.
Graduate Temporary – SC 485

A temporary visa for recent graduates to live, study, and work in Australia while gaining valuable skilled experience.

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05.
Skilled Regional – SC 887

A permanent visa for eligible regional provisional visa holders who meet residency and work requirements.

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06.
Permanent Residence – SC 191

A permanent regional visa for eligible provisional holders meeting income and residency conditions in Australia.

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07.
Student Visa – SC 500

A visa allowing international students to study full-time in Australia with limited work rights during study.

 Read More
08.
Student Guardian – SC 590

A visa for parents or guardians to stay in Australia and support an international student under 18 years.

 Read More

The Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Visa (Subclass 491) is a points-tested visa for skilled workers nominated by a state or territory government, or sponsored by an eligible family member living in a designated regional area of Australia. It is valid for 5 years.

Applicants must:
• Have an occupation on the relevant Skilled Occupation List.
• Obtain a positive skills assessment.
• Lodge an Expression of Interest (EOI).
• Be nominated by a state/territory OR sponsored by eligible family in regional Australia.
• Score at least 65 points (including 15 nomination/sponsorship points).
• Be under 45 years of age at time of invitation.
• Meet English, health, and character requirements.

Subclass 491 provides:
• 5-year provisional visa.
• Full work and study rights in regional areas.
• Access to Medicare (subject to eligibility).
• A pathway to permanent residency through Subclass 191.

After holding Subclass 491 for at least 3 years and meeting minimum taxable income requirements, applicants may be eligible to apply for the Permanent Residence (Skilled Regional) Visa – Subclass 191.

Most locations outside major metropolitan cities (such as Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane) are classified as regional areas. Specific regional classifications are determined by the Australian Government.

Yes. You can include eligible family members such as your spouse or partner and dependent children. All applicants must meet health and character requirements.

Yes. Subclass 491 visa holders must live, work, and study only in designated regional areas during the visa validity period to maintain eligibility for permanent residency.