Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Visa (Subclass 491): Main Applicant

From AUD6,140 for the main applicant, plus charges for family members.

You can include members of your family unit. Family members aged 18 or over need functional English, or must pay a second instalment of the visa charge.

A state or territory government agency must nominate you, or an eligible relative must sponsor you. About state nomination.

A relative aged 18 or over who usually lives in a designated area and is an Australian citizen, permanent resident or eligible NZ citizen: a parent, child, sibling, aunt or uncle, niece or nephew, grandparent or first cousin (including step and adoptive relatives) of you or your partner.

You must be under 45 when invited.

You must have a suitable skills assessment for your occupation when invited.

This is a points-tested visa. Nomination or family sponsorship adds 15 points. Check your points.

You need at least Competent English when invited. For example, at least IELTS 6 in each of the four components, or PTE Academic scores of at least 47 listening, 48 reading, 51 writing and 54 speaking. Other accepted tests have equivalent scores, and holders of certain passports (UK, USA, Canada, New Zealand or Republic of Ireland) are treated as having Competent English.

Your occupation must be on the combined list of eligible skilled occupations for the 491.

You and family members applying with you must meet the health requirement, and those aged 16 or over the character requirement. Permanent and provisional visa applicants, and family members applying with them, must have health examinations with an approved panel physician. Temporary visa applicants might need them, depending on the visa and their circumstances. For the character requirement, Home Affairs may ask for police certificates and Form 80.

Applicants 18 or over read the Life in Australia booklet and sign the Australian Values Statement, government debts must be repaid or arranged, and previous refusals or cancellations are considered.

Travel in and out of Australia as often as you like while the visa is valid.

This visa cannot be extended.

After 3 years, you may be able to apply for the Permanent Residence (Skilled Regional) visa (subclass 191).