SUBCLASS 491 SKILLED WORK REGIONAL VISA (PROVISIONAL)Australia Skilled Work Regional Visa (Subclass 491) — Regional Pathway to PR Advisory

The 491 is a provisional visa, valid for up to five years, for skilled workers who are nominated by a state or territory or sponsored by an eligible relative to live, work and study in a designated regional area. Only the Department of Home Affairs decides whether it is granted.

No. It is provisional. After meeting the requirements, including at least three years of regional residence and work and the income requirement, you may apply for permanent residence through the subclass 191.

Nomination by a state or territory, or sponsorship by an eligible relative, adds 15 points. The 15 points apply only if you are nominated or sponsored, and nomination is not automatic.

For skilled migration, it is defined by postcode and generally covers all of Australia except Greater Sydney, Greater Melbourne and Greater Brisbane. Older sources also excluded Perth and the Gold Coast, so check the Home Affairs postcode tool.

You can live, work and study only in designated regional areas, which include many cities and towns. Moving to Sydney, Melbourne or Brisbane during the visa can jeopardise your pathway to permanent residence.

The 191 is a permanent visa for eligible holders of the 491 or similar regional provisional visas who have lived and worked in a designated regional area for at least three years and met the income requirement. It has been available since November 2022.

A minimum taxable-income requirement applies for the three years. Recent summaries cite AUD 53,900 a year, but the rule is set by a legislative instrument, so confirm the current figure with Home Affairs and keep your tax records.

You can apply once you have held the 491 for at least three years, complied with its conditions and met the income requirement. Gaps in work, part-time work or leaving a regional area can delay eligibility.

Yes, and several states consider offshore applicants mainly for the 491 rather than the 190. Each state sets its own rules, so check the stream you plan to use.

The 2026–27 planning level for the 491 is 14,110 places, a sharp fall from the previous year, while the 190 and employer-sponsored levels rise. Fewer places can mean more competition.

The main applicant charge is about AUD 6,140 from 1 July 2026, with additional applicants charged extra, and some states charge a nomination fee. Skills assessments, English tests and medicals are additional. Confirm all amounts with Home Affairs.

Yes, if you have an eligible relative who lives in a designated regional area and meets the sponsorship requirements. The 15 points apply, and the sponsor takes on obligations, so check eligibility early.

Not for the visa itself. Some states prefer or require evidence of a job offer, residence or ties to the state, so check the stream you plan to use.

Generally yes. A partner and dependent children can usually be included, and each additional applicant pays a charge and must meet health and character requirements. They must also follow the regional conditions.

Your pathway to the 191 depends on living and working in a designated regional area and earning the required income. Plan realistically for the labour market in your target region, and speak to us about your options.

The 190 is a permanent visa, while the 491 is provisional and requires regional living for at least three years before applying for PR. The 491 adds 15 points rather than 5.

The subclass 494 is a provisional regional visa for workers sponsored by an employer in a designated regional area, with its own pathway to the 191. It is a separate employer-sponsored option.

Yes. The May 2026 Budget announced reforms to favour younger, better-educated and higher-skilled migrants. Specific settings had not been announced when we compiled this page, so plan for change and check Home Affairs.

No, you can apply yourself. But if you pay anyone for immigration assistance on an Australian visa, Australian law requires that person to be a registered migration agent or a lawyer. Check any agent on the OMARA public register.

No. Visatrix Global is an independent advisory firm. Only the nominating state decides nomination and only the Department of Home Affairs decides whether a visa is granted. No consultant can guarantee either, or later PR, or processing times. We help you assess your options and prepare an accurate, well-organised application.