Comprehensive Overview | Australian General Skilled Migration Program
The Subclass 491 – Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Visa allows skilled professionals to live, work, and study in designated regional areas of Australia for up to 5 years. This visa provides:
- A 5-year stay in Australia
- Unlimited travel in and out of Australia while the visa remains valid
- Eligibility to apply for Permanent Residency (Subclass 191)after meeting the requirements
- State/Territory nomination OR sponsorship by an eligible relative
- Requirement to have your occupation on the relevant Skilled Occupation List
- A positive skills assessment
- An invitation to apply via SkillSelect
- Minimum 65 pointson the Points Test
The Subclass 491 visa forms part of the General Skilled Migration (GSM) Program, which is designed to attract skilled workers to support Australia’s regional development.
Introduction:
The Department of Home Affairs introduced the Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Visa – Subclass 491 as a replacement for the former Subclass 489 visa. This visa became effective on 16 November 2019.
A new permanent pathway, the Permanent Residence (Skilled Regional) Visa – Subclass 191, commenced in November 2022, enabling eligible Subclass 491 visa holders to transition to Australia PR after fulfilling the requirements.
Applicants must be nominated by a State or Territory Government OR sponsored by an eligible relative residing in a regional area. The visa operates under the points-based system, which allocates additional points for regional nomination or family sponsorship.
Eligibility Criteria | Subclass 491 – Skilled Migration Australia
To qualify under the Skilled Work Regional Visa, applicants must meet the following:
General Requirements
- Be under 45 years of ageat the time of receiving the invitation
- Submit an Expression of Interest (EOI)through SkillSelect
- Score at least 65 pointson the Points Test
- Hold a suitable Skills Assessment
- Occupation must appear on the Skilled Occupation List for Subclass 491
- Meet the Healthand Character requirements
If you turn 45 after submitting your EOI but before receiving an invitation, you become ineligible.
State & Territory Nomination RequirementsÂ
Each Australian state/territory sets its own nomination criteria based on regional labour market needs and skilled shortages. Requirements often include demonstrating employability, ties to the state, or financial capacity.
New South Wales (NSW) – Regional NSW Requirements
- A valid 12-month job offerin a designated regional area OR
- 5 years job experiencein your nominated occupation OR
- An eligible family memberliving in regional NSW
Queensland
- Occupation must appear on the Queensland Offshore Skilled Occupation List (QSOL)
- Minimum 2 years of work experiencein the nominated occupation
South Australia
- Occupation must be on SA’s Skilled Occupation List
- Additional requirements apply for occupations listed under Supplementary Skilled List
- Graduates from South Australian universitiesreceive special priority
Tasmania
- Study history in Tasmania
- Family residing in Tasmania
- Job offer from a Tasmanian employer
- A few occupations in Category 3Aremain open without a job offer
Processing Time & Visa Fee
- The Department of Home Affairs has no fixed processing timefor Subclass 491 applications
- The visa application charge starts from AUD 4,045
Transition to Permanent Residency – Subclass 191
To qualify for the Permanent Residence (Skilled Regional) Subclass 191Â visa, applicants must:
- Hold an eligible regional provisional visa (Subclass 491 or 494)
- Have lived, worked, and earned taxable income for at least 3 yearsin a designated regional area
- Meet the required minimum income thresholdfor 3 years
- Ensure both primary and secondary applicants have complied with all visa conditions
Australia Points TestÂ
The Points Test determines your ranking for Australian Skilled Migration.
Qualification Points
| Diploma | 10 points |
| Bachelor/MBA | 15 points |
| PHD | 20 points |
English Language Points
| IELTS 6 (Competent English) | 0 points |
| IELTS 7 (Proficient) | 10 points |
| IELTS 8 (Superior) | 20 points |
Age Points
| 18–24 years | 25 Points |
| 25–32 years | 30 Points |
| 33–39 years | 25 Points |
| 40–44 years | 15 Points |
Australian Work Experience
| 1 year | Â 5 Points |
| 3 Years | 10 Points |
| 5 Years | 15 Points |
| 7 Years | 20 Points |
Overseas Work Experience
| 3 Years | 5 Points |
| 5 Years | 10 Points |
| 8 Y ears | 15 Points |
Additional Points
| Australian Study Requirement | 5 points |
| STEM Master’s/PhD in Australia | 10 points |
| Credentialed Community Language (CCL) | 5Â points |
| Professional Year in Australia | 5Â points |
| Study in Regional Australia | 5Â points |
Partner Skills
| Spouse with Competent English | 5 Points |
| Spouse with Competent English + Skill Assessment | 10 points |
| Single applicant or partner is an Australian PR/Citizen | 10 Points |
Nomination/Sponsorship Points
| State/Territory Nomination (Subclass 491) | 15 Points |
| State Nomination (Subclass 190) | 15 Points |
| Family Sponsored 491 | 15 Points |
