Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Visa (Subclass 491)

Subclass 491 Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) is a provisional visa for skilled workers desiring to live and work in regional Australia. 

Most locations of Australia outside major cities (Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane) are classed as designated regional areas for migration purpose including Perth, Gold Coast, Sunshine Coast, Lake Macquarie, Illawarra, Geelong, Newcastle, Wollongong, Adelaide, Hobart and Canberra. 

491 visa holders can stay in Australia for 5 years and they can apply for permanent residence after 3 years.

They must meet the income threshold requirement and live/work in a regional area.

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Eligibility

To become eligible, the candidate must be: 

  • Be nominated to apply by a state or territory government agency, or an eligible relative must sponsor the candidate
  • Be under 45 years
  • Have an occupation on a relevant skilled occupation list
  • Have a suitable skills assessment for the occupation
  • Satisfied the points test
  • Be invited to apply
  • Meet health and character requirements

 

Skilled Work Regional (Provisional visa) – Main Applicant

This is a provisional visa for skilled workers who want to work and live in regional Australia.
 
Individuals under this program can stay in Australia for 5 years.  They can also travel to and from Australia while the visa is valid. 
 

 

Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa – Subsequent entrant

This visa is for a member of the family unit of someone who holds a Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa (subclass 491).
 
To qualify, individuals must be one of the members of the family unit, of a subclass 491 visa holder. They can stay in Australia for 5 years.  
 
 

Independent Migration 

No

Employer Nomination

No

State/Territory Government Nomination

Yes

Family/Relative Sponsorship

Yes

Permanent Migration Pathway

Yes

The visa holder will be eligible to apply for a permanent visa after having worked for three years on 491 visa.

Employment Prospects

491 Visa (Skilled Work Regional Visa) Provisional replaced the 489 family and state sponsored visas