491 Skilled Work Regional Visa

The Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa (subclass 491) lets eligible skilled workers and their family members live, work and study in designated regional Australia for up to five years. It is a provisional visa, with a possible permanent residence pathway through subclass 191.

Nomination, sponsorship and eligibility

A primary applicant needs state or territory nomination, or sponsorship by an eligible relative. You must be invited, have an eligible occupation and suitable skills assessment, generally be under 45 when invited, and meet competent English and the other criteria.

The minimum points benchmark is 65, including applicable nomination or sponsorship points. Reaching it does not guarantee nomination or invitation. State nomination requirements and occupation availability must be checked separately.

Eligible family members may apply as subsequent entrants. The former 489 extended-stay rules for holders of subclasses 475, 487, 495 and 496 are not 491 pathways.

Which locations are regional?

Most locations outside Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane are designated regional areas, including Perth and the Gold Coast. Check the official postcode list and your visa conditions before choosing where to live and work.

Permanent residence through subclass 191

Eligible holders may apply for the 191 Regional Provisional stream after holding an eligible regional provisional visa for at least three years. You must meet the other requirements, including substantial compliance with visa conditions and providing the required ATO notices of assessment. Do not assume that simply spending three years in a regional area guarantees permanent residence.

Government application charge

From 1 July 2026, the standard base 491 visa application charge is $6,140. Additional family-member charges may apply, and specified applicants qualify for lower charges. Check the fee estimator.

Read the Home Affairs 491 information and 191 requirements. PocketLegal can assess your occupation, points and nomination options.