Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Visa (Subclass 491)
The Subclass 491 Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa lets skilled workers live, work and study in designated regional Australia for five years, with a clear pathway to permanent residence through the Subclass 191 visa. It requires nomination by a state or territory government, or sponsorship by an eligible relative living in a designated regional area, and it adds 15 points – the largest points boost of the skilled visas – in exchange for a commitment to regional Australia.
Book a 30-minute consultation with a qualified migration agent — AUD $300.
Key features
- A provisional (temporary) visa, valid for five years.
- Requires state/territory nomination OR sponsorship by an eligible relative in a designated regional area.
- Adds 15 points to your points score — the largest skilled boost.
- You must live, work and study in a designated regional area.
- Provides a pathway to permanent residence through the Subclass 191.
- You can include your partner and dependent children.
Eligibility at a glance
- A nominated occupation on the relevant skilled occupation list for the 491.
- A positive skills assessment from the relevant assessing authority.
- Under 45 years of age at the time of invitation.
- At least Competent English (higher levels can earn extra points).
- At least 65 points including the 15 nomination/sponsorship points.
- State/territory nomination or eligible family sponsorship, plus health and character requirements.
The definition of “designated regional area”, occupation lists, points and the 191 requirements are set by the Department and change over time. Confirm the current rules with the Department of Home Affairs before relying on them.
2026 Update – occupation list: The Core Skills Occupation List (CSOL) applies to the employer-sponsored 482 and 186 visas, not the 491. The 491 continues to draw on the MLTSSL, STSOL and Regional Occupation List, together with state lists.
Where can you live on a 491?
The 491 requires you to live, work and study in a designated regional area. The Department defines regional Australia broadly — most of the country qualifies, with the major cities excluded. Because the boundaries and excluded areas can change, confirm that your intended location qualifies before you commit.
The pathway to permanent residence (Subclass 191)
The 491 is designed as a stepping stone to the Subclass 191 permanent visa. In general, after holding the 491 and living and working in a designated regional area for at least three years — and meeting the taxable income requirement (evidenced by three ATO Notices of Assessment) and visa conditions — you may be eligible to apply for permanent residence through the 191. Keeping careful records throughout your provisional period is important, and the current income figure and conditions should be confirmed with the Department.
2026 Update – how the 191 works: To move from the 491 to the 191, you generally need to have held the 491 for at least three years, complied with condition 8579 (living and working in a designated regional area), and provided three ATO Notices of Assessment meeting the required taxable income. There is currently no fixed dollar figure in the regulation — the amount is set by a separate legislative instrument and should be confirmed with the Department.
Is the 491 right for you?
The 491 suits applicants who are open to regional Australia and want the largest points boost and a structured route to permanent residence – particularly where a 189 or 190 is out of reach on points. We can help you weigh the regional commitment against your goals and identify a suitable state or sponsor pathway, including for applicants in Türkiye and the Philippines.
Book a 30-minute consultation with a qualified migration agent — AUD $300.
Frequently asked questions
What is the Subclass 491 visa?
The Subclass 491 Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa is a points-tested provisional visa, valid for five years, for skilled workers nominated by a state or territory or sponsored by an eligible relative in a designated regional area. It adds 15 points and provides a pathway to permanent residence through the Subclass 191.
Where can I live on a 491 visa?
You must live, work and study in a designated regional area. The Department defines regional Australia broadly — most of the country qualifies, with the major cities of Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane excluded. Because the excluded areas can change, confirm that your intended location qualifies before relying on it.
How do I get permanent residence from a 491?
The 491 leads to the Subclass 191 permanent visa. In general, after holding the 491 for at least three years, living and working in a designated regional area, complying with condition 8579, and providing three ATO Notices of Assessment meeting the required taxable income, you may be eligible to apply for the 191. There is currently no set dollar income figure in the regulation; the amount is set by a separate instrument and should be confirmed with the Department.
How many points do I need for a 491?
You need at least 65 points, which includes the 15 points added by state/territory nomination or eligible family sponsorship. As with other skilled visas, meeting the minimum does not guarantee an invitation.
Which occupation list applies to the 491?
The Subclass 491 can draw on the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List, the Short-term Skilled Occupation List and the Regional Occupation List, together with state nomination lists. The Core Skills Occupation List (CSOL) does not apply to the 491. These change frequently, so confirm your occupation against the current lists.