Subclass 491
The 491 Regional Visa
The Subclass 491 (Skilled Work Regional) visa is a provisional residency visa for invited skilled workers who are nominated by a State or Territory government or sponsored by an eligible family member.
Unlike employer-sponsored visas, the 491 is a points-tested pathway that grants you the freedom to work for any employer in your field within regional Australia.
Main Requirements Across All Streams:
- Expression of Interest (EOI): You must lodge an EOI through the SkillSelect system and be formally invited by the Department of Home Affairs.
- Points Test: You must achieve a minimum of 65 points on the Australian points test (this includes the 15-point bonus from your state nomination or family sponsor).
- Age Limit: You must be under 45 years of age at the time the invitation is issued.
- Skills Assessment: You must hold a Positive Skills Assessment in an occupation on the relevant skilled occupation lists.
- English Proficiency: You must demonstrate at least Competent English (e.g., IELTS 6.0 or PTE 50 in each component) at the time of invitation.
State/Territory Nominated Stream
What it is for: For skilled workers nominated by an Australian State or Territory government to meet specific local labour shortages.
What it allows: 5 years of residency in regional Australia; full work and study rights; and access to Medicare.
Key Requirements:
- Be nominated by a State or Territory government agency.
- Meet the specific nomination criteria for that state (e.g., current employment in the region or a job offer).
- Occupation must be on the state's specific MLTSSL, STSOL or ROL.
Income Threshold: While the visa grant itself has no income floor, many states (like NSW) require applicants in certain pathways to earn at least the TSMIT ($76,515) to be eligible for nomination.
Length of Stay: Up to 5 years.
Family Sponsored Stream
What it is for: For skilled workers who have an eligible relative living in a designated regional area who is willing to sponsor them.
What it allows: 5 years of residency in regional Australia; full work and study rights; and access to Medicare.
Key Requirements:
- Occupation must be on the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL).
- Sponsor must be an eligible relative (parent, child, sibling, aunt/uncle, or cousin) who is an Australian citizen or PR.
- Sponsor must be usually resident in a designated regional area.
Length of Stay: Up to 5 years.
Subsequent Entrant
What it is for: For the partners and dependent children of an existing 491 visa holder who want to join them in Australia.
What it allows: Live, work, and study in regional Australia for the remaining duration of the primary applicant's visa.
Key Requirements:
- Be a member of the family unit of a primary 491 visa holder.
- Meet all health and character requirements.
- Provide evidence of a genuine relationship (marriage or 12-month de facto).
Length of Stay: Valid until the primary 491 visa holder's visa ends.
Maintaining compliance
The 491 visa is a conditional grant. To protect your future Permanent Residency, you must adhere to several critical conditions.
- Condition 8579 (The Regional Rule): You and all family members must live, work, and study only in designated regional areas.
- Condition 8578 (Notification): You must notify the Department within 14 days of any change to your residential address, phone number, email, or employer's address.
- Condition 8515 (Initial Entry): For those applying offshore, you must not marry or enter a de facto relationship before you first enter Australia.
The 491 Application Process
1. Preparation
Obtain your Positive Skills Assessment and your English test results.
2. EOI Lodgement
Submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) via SkillSelect. This is not a visa application; it is a request to be invited.
3. State Nomination / ROI
Many states require a separate Registration of Interest (ROI). If selected, the state will nominate you, granting you the 15-point bonus.
4. The Invitation
Once nominated, you receive an official Invitation to Apply from the Department of Home Affairs.
5. Visa Lodgement
You have 60 days to submit your complete visa application and pay the application fee.
For 491 Visa Applicants
The 491 visa is the strongest strategic choice for applicants who fall short of the high points required for the 189 or 190 visas. The 15-point bonus is often the difference between a successful invitation and time spent in the EOI pool.
Immilex assists you in maximising your points, from partner skills to regional study and ensuring your EOI is competitive. We also help you prepare for the Subclass 191 Permanent Residency pathway. To qualify for the 191 visa after 3 years, you must provide three years of Australian Taxation Office (ATO) Notices of Assessment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Curious about this visa application process? We've compiled some frequently asked questions to guide you.
Yes. Unlike many temporary visas, 491 holders are eligible to enrol in Medicare, providing access to subsidised healthcare while you work toward your permanent residency.
Yes. You are not tied to the specific state that nominated you once the visa is granted, provided you stay within designated regional areas. However, you should check your specific state nomination agreement, as some states require a commitment to stay for the first 2-3 years. For immigration purposes, 'Regional Australia' almost includes everywhere except Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane. This means you can live and work in major, highly developed cities like Perth, Adelaide, the Gold Coast, Hobart, and Canberra
Yes. You are not tied to the specific state that nominated you once the visa is granted, provided you stay within designated regional areas. However, you should check your specific state nomination agreement, as some states require a commitment to stay for the first 2-3 years.
Claim Your 15-Point Advantage
A 491 visa is a 5-year bridge to your future. Contact us at Immilex for an assessment of your points and a technical strategy to secure your state nomination.