Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Visa – Subclass 491

Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Visa – Subclass 491

Visa Services

Skilled Regional 491 visa

Are you an aspiring professional wanting a promising career and exciting life in regional Australia? Skilled Regional Visa 491 is an amazing option for fulfilling this dream. We understand that Australian migration is not straightforward, and at VXL Education, we have the expertise to guide you through the entire process of acquiring the 491 visa. We enable people to follow their dreams in Australia with confidence, leveraging our extensive knowledge and vast experience. The complexities of immigration should not be a deterrent, and you should no longer worry, as VXL Education, an immigration consultant in Australia,  is offering a prospective consultation to help you advance in your life.

What is the 491 Visa?

The Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Visa Subclass 491 is a temporary visa that allows skilled individuals to be nominated by a state or territory government agency in Australia or sponsored by an eligible family member with residence in a specified regional area of Australia. It is a visa that enables you, together with your family members, to work, live, and study in specified regional parts of Australia for up to five years.

The provisional visa 491 is different from some other temporary skilled work visas in this regard that it has a transparent path to permanent residency with the Subclass 191 visa, as long as you meet these residency and income criteria. This qualifies it to be a very appealing alternative to capable migrants who are interested in taking part in the development of the region.

what is 491 visa

To be eligible for the 491 visa, you generally need to:

  • Be under 45 years of age at the time of invitation.
  • Have an occupation on a relevant skilled occupation list.
  • Obtain a suitable skills assessment for your nominated occupation.
  • Achieve at least 65 points on the Department of Home Affairs’ points test.
  • Have competent English language proficiency.
  • Be nominated by a state or territory government or sponsored by an eligible relative.
  • Meet health and character requirements.

eligibility criteria for 491 visa

Streams under Visa 491

The 491 visa primarily operates under two streams: the Main Applicant stream and the Subsequent Entrant stream. If you’re looking to bring your partner, learn more about our partner visa services, too.

Skilled Work Regional Visa – Main Applicant

This stream is for the primary skilled worker seeking to migrate to regional Australia.

  • What it is: It is the fundamental visa pathway of skilled migrants invited to apply following being nominated by a state or territory government, or being sponsored by an eligible family member in a specified regional area.
  • What can you do with this visa: A 491 visa helps you to work, study, and live in a specific regional state or area in Australia within five years. It is also flexible so that you can travel in and out of Australia severally times as long as you have a valid visa.
  • Stay period: This visa grants a stay of up to five years from the date of visa grant.
  • Cost: The base application fee for the main applicant is AUD 4,770. Additional fees apply for family members. There might also be a second instalment payable for some applicants if functional English is not met.
  • Processing time: The application processing times may vary; however, on average, 25% of applications will be processed within 6 months, 50% after 11 months, 75% after 16 months, and 90% after 17 months. These are approximate periods and are subject to change.
  • Eligibility criteria: Besides the above generic rules (age, occupation, skill assessment, points, English), you will have to be nominated by an Australian state or territory government, or be sponsored by an eligible relative. The occupation you have nominated should be present on the concerned skilled occupation list.
  • Visa Obligations: Being a visa holder of the 491 subclass, you will be required to reside, study, and work in a specified region. You also need to inform the Department of Home Affairs when circumstances change in terms of address, employment, and relationship status.

Skilled Work Regional Visa – Subsequent Entrant

This stream is for family members of a primary 491 visa holder who wish to join them in Australia.

  • What is it? The 491 subsequent entrant visa allows eligible family members of a current subclass 491 visa holder to join them in Australia. This includes partners and dependent children.
  • What can you do with this visa? Subsequent entries also have an option of living, working, and studying in the specific region allocated to the main holder of the visa. They also enjoy similar travelling rights to the main applicant.
  • Stay period: The visa of a subsequent entrant is linked to the visa of the main holder of the 491 visa, so that the subsequent entrant may stay in the country till the first visa expires.
  • Cost: The fee to apply for a visa for an extra applicant aged 18 years and above is AUD 2, 385 whereas AUD 1,190 is the fee to extend a visa to an applicant who is younger than 18 years old.
  • Processing times: Subsequent entrant visa processing times are not fixed.
  • Eligibility criteria: The candidate should be a family member of a holder of a subclass 491 visa. The requirement of subsequent entrants has no age restriction, but they must pass health and character standards and possess at least functional English (in case they are 18 years and above). In the case of nomination by the family 491 visa, the sponsor will have to be an Australian citizen or permanent resident or any eligible New Zealand national, aged 18 years and above, and a person often residing in a specified regional area.
  • Visa Obligations: Subsequent entrants are also bound by the same 491 visa requirements and conditions as the primary visa holder, including the obligation to live, work, and study only in designated regional areas.

State Nomination Requirements for Subclass 491

state nomination requirements for 491 visa

The Australian states and territory governments have different sets of state-based nomination criteria and priority occupation lists that their state and territories use to nominate skilled migrants under the subclass 491 visa. These needs may vary on a regular basis according to the needs and skills gap required in that area. For instance:

  • New South Wales (NSW): Often focuses on specific regional areas and may have different streams for onshore and offshore applicants, as well as those with regional NSW study or employment.
  • Victoria (VIC): Typically requires a commitment to live and work in regional Victoria for a certain period and may prioritise occupations in high-demand sectors.
  • South Australia (SA): Known for its diverse occupation lists and various pathways, including those for international graduates and applicants with close family in SA.

Tracking recent changes in state nomination requirements is essential because they can significantly influence your eligibility and the success of being invited to apply. It is important to realise these nuances to apply successfully to the 491 visa.

491 Visa Skilled Occupation List

The basic condition used in getting the subclass 491 visa is that your nominated occupation should appear in the corresponding Skilled Occupation List (SOL). The Department of Home Affairs constantly updates this list. Furthermore, the relevant assessing authority has to issue you with a positive skills assessment reflecting the nominated occupation. This evaluation confirms that you can practice in Australia in terms of your skills and your qualifications.

Although there is a general Skilled Occupation List, various states and territories can issue their priority occupation lists, which take into consideration the individual industry needs. As an example, there could be a larger need for a registered nurse or a software engineer in one of the states, and this would be a preference of the nominations.

What Benefits Do You Get From Subclass 491?

benefits of 491 visa

The 491 visa Australia offers numerous advantages for skilled migrants:

  • Access to Medicare: As a provisional visa holder, you and your family generally gain access to Australia’s public healthcare system, Medicare.
  • Pathway to PR (Subclass 191): This is a key benefit. After holding the subclass 491 visa for three years, and meeting specific income and residency requirements in a designated regional area, you become eligible to apply for the Permanent Residence (Skilled Regional) visa (subclass 191).
  • Long-term stay: You can enjoy a long-term stay in Australia and work with a visa giving you a maximum of 5 years before settling down, and gaining an offset in a regional community.
  • Ability to live and work in regional Australia and include family members: The migration visa promotes the settlement of skilled workers in regional Australia, as most regions have a high quality of living, low cost of living, and well-established communities. You will be able to add eligible family members to your application, which will mean that your entire family will be able to join this journey together with you. The skilled work regional provisional visa subclass 491 is developed to include a family.

491 Visa Conditions and Obligations

Once your subclass 491 visa is granted, you are subject to specific conditions and obligations. These are critical to maintain your visa validity and ensure your pathway to permanent residency. Key conditions include:

  • Live, Work, and Study in Designated Regional Areas: This is the most important condition. You must genuinely intend to live, work, and study only in a part of Australia that is a designated regional area. This means you cannot reside in major metropolitan cities like Sydney, Melbourne, or Brisbane.
  • No Limitations to Metro Cities: While you have the flexibility to move between different designated regional areas, you are restricted from moving to non-regional areas.
  • Reporting Obligations to the Government: You are required to inform the Department of Home Affairs within 14 days of any changes to your residential address, email, phone number, passport details, employer address, or work location. You may also be required to attend an interview if requested by the Department.
  • Commitment to Regional Australia: When you apply for state nomination, you often commit to living and working in that specific regional area for a certain period, typically two years. While the visa condition itself allows movement between designated regional areas, states may follow up on this moral commitment.

Adhering to these 491 visa conditions is crucial for a smooth transition to permanent residency.

How to Apply for a Subclass 491 Visa?

Applying for a 491 visa Australia involves several key steps:

  1. Skills Assessment: The first crucial step is to obtain a positive skills assessment for your nominated occupation from the relevant assessing authority.
  2. Expression of Interest (EOI) in SkillSelect: You must then submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) through SkillSelect, the Department of Home Affairs’ online system. In your EOI, you indicate your interest in applying for a skilled visa and provide details about your qualifications, experience, and points.
  3. State/Family Nomination: If you are seeking state nomination, states or territories review EOIs and issue invitations based on their specific needs and criteria. If you have an eligible family member, they can sponsor your application.
  4. Invitation to Apply: If your EOI is successful and you meet the nomination/sponsorship criteria, you will receive an invitation to apply for the visa.
  5. Lodging the Visa: Once invited, you have a limited timeframe (usually 60 days) to lodge your complete visa application with all supporting documents and pay the visa application charge.
  6. Awaiting Outcome: The Department of Home Affairs assesses your application, and you will be notified of the outcome.

Navigating these steps can be complex, and this is where VXL Education provides invaluable assistance.

How VXL Education Helps You Get a 491 Visa

VXL Education is your trusted partner throughout your 491 visa journey. Our comprehensive services are designed to simplify the process and maximise your chances of success:

Skills Assessment Guidance

We guide you through the intricate process of obtaining a positive skills assessment, advising on the correct assessing authority and required documentation.

State Nomination or Family Sponsorship

Our specialists will not only explain to you the differing requirements of the state nominations but will also help you to create an impressive application to help you achieve a nomination or help you seek assistance in gaining a family sponsorship of your skilled regional visa.

Expression of Interest (EOI) in SkillSelect

We carefully organise and submit your Expression of Interest (EOI) into SkillSelect, with all the details as accurate as possible, so you would not lack points, but you have a high probability of being given an invitation.

Visa Application Preparation

Our team assists you in compiling all necessary documents, including health and character clearances, and meticulously prepares your visa application to meet all Department of Home Affairs requirements.

Post-Visa Support

Beyond visa grant, we offer guidance on your initial settlement in regional Australia, helping you understand your 491 visa conditions and obligations.

Why VXL Education for 491 Visa Journey

Choosing VXL Education means partnering with a team dedicated to your success:

  • Registered Migration Agents: Our team comprises highly experienced and registered migration agents who are up-to-date with the latest immigration laws and policies.
  • Offices in Australia and Nepal: With a presence in both Australia and Nepal, we offer convenient and accessible support, whether you are onshore or offshore.
  • Support for both main applicants and family entrants: We cater to both main applicants and those seeking a 491 subsequent entrant visa, ensuring a smooth process for the entire family.
  • Assistance with skills assessment, EOI, nomination, and visa lodgement: We provide end-to-end support, covering every critical stage of the visa application process.
  • High success rate: Our expertise and meticulous approach have resulted in a high success rate for our clients.

VXL education help for 491 visa

Start Your Australian 491 Visa Journey with VXL Migration and Education Consultants

The realisation of your dream of living and working in the energetic regional communities in Australia is closer. The Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Visa Subclass 491 is an awesome opportunity, and VXL Migration and Education Consultants are willing to make the magic happen. Having the knowledge of skilled regional migration that includes visa subclass 491 means that we provide personal guidance and do not quit on you.

Make the first step toward your future in Australia. Book today to get a free consultation with the VXL Migration and Education Consultants. We can assist you in overcoming the hurdles and make your dream of having a contribution and succeeding in regional Australia come true.

We enable people to follow their dreams in Australia with confidence, whether you’re applying for a 491, a Student Visa, Visitor Visa, Skilled Nominated Visa Subclass 190, or Skilled Independent Visa Subclass 189.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a 491 visa in Australia?

The 491 visa (Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa) is a prospective visa intended to be a temporary work visa for skilled workers nomination by an Australian state or territory or who have immediate family members who sponsor these skilled workers to reside and work in specified regions of Australia in regional areas up to five years period with the provision to gain permanent residency status.

Is the 491 visa permanent?

The 491 visa is not a permanent visa; it is a provisional (temporary) visa. It, however, gives a direct way to permanent residency under the Subclass 191 visa after fulfilling some conditions within three years.

Can I apply from outside Australia?

Yes, the 491 visa can be applied for both inside and outside Australia, as long as the candidate is qualified for every requirement.

Can I include my family in the 491 visa?

Yes, you can include eligible family members (partner and dependent children) in your initial 491 visa application, or they can apply separately as subsequent entrants.

How long does the latest 491 visa take?

Processing times vary. As a general guide, 25% of applications are processed in 6 months, 50% in 11 months, 75% in 16 months, and 90% in 17 months.

Which Australian states are open for a 491 visa?

All Australian states and territories participate in the 491 visa program (NSW, VIC, QLD, SA, WA, TAS, NT, ACT). However, their specific nomination requirements and occupation lists differ and can change.

What is the minimum score for a 491 visa?

You need to achieve a minimum of 65 points on the Department of Home Affairs’ points test to be eligible for an invitation to apply for the 491 visa. Higher points can increase your chances of invitation.

Can a 491 visa holder buy a house in Australia?

Yes, a 491 visa holder can generally purchase residential property in Australia, but they may be subject to foreign investment rules and require approval from the Foreign Investment Review Board (FIRB).

Do I need IELTS for a 491 visa in Australia?

You need to demonstrate “competent English” for the main applicant, which typically means achieving a minimum score in an approved English language test like IELTS (e.g., 6.0 in each band), PTE Academic, or others. Subsequent entrants aged 18 or over generally require “functional English.”

What are the new rules for 491 in 2025?

Recent changes in 2025 for the 491 visa have focused on expanding the eligible occupation list, updating the points system to give more weight to regional experience, and reinforcing the government’s commitment to supporting regional communities. It’s crucial to stay updated on the latest policy changes.

How can I move from 491 to PR?

To move from a 491 visa to Permanent Residency, you typically need to hold your 491 visa for at least three years, live and work in a designated regional area for that period, and meet specific minimum taxable income thresholds for at least three of those years. You can then apply for the Permanent Residence (Skilled Regional) visa (Subclass 191).

 

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