Stream
Main applicant
Full eligibility, step-by-step guide and what happens after grant.
View full detailsSubclass 491 · Provisional
Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Visa (Subclass 491)
Live, work and study in regional Australia for 5 years, with a pathway to permanent residency after 3 years. Nomination or family sponsorship adds 15 points.
Stay5 years
Visa costFrom AUD6,140
Points65 points minimum
PathwayPR via subclass 191
About the Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Visa (Subclass 491)
The Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa (subclass 491) lets skilled workers live and work in designated regional areas of Australia for 5 years. You must be nominated by a state or territory government agency, or sponsored by an eligible relative living in a designated regional area.
After holding the 491 for at least 3 years and meeting the income requirement, you may apply for the Permanent Residence (Skilled Regional) visa (subclass 191).
With this visa you can
- Stay in Australia for 5 years
- Live, work and study in a designated regional area
- Travel to and from Australia as many times as you want while the visa is valid
- Apply for permanent residence after 3 years
You must
- Be nominated by a state or territory, or sponsored by an eligible relative
- Have an occupation on the relevant skilled list
- Have a suitable skills assessment
- Be invited to apply and satisfy the points test (65+)
- Be under 45 at invitation, with at least Competent English
Your road to PR: the 491 to 191 pathway
Hold your 491 for at least 3 years, live and work in a designated regional area, and provide ATO notices of assessment for 3 income years. Then apply for the subclass 191 permanent visa.
Streams of This Visa
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Stream
Subsequent entrant
Full eligibility, step-by-step guide and what happens after grant.
View full detailsBased on Department of Home Affairs information (October 2026). Visa costs, thresholds, occupation lists and processing times can change, so always confirm current details on the Department of Home Affairs website or ask our team. This page is general information, not migration advice for your circumstances.
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Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Visa (Subclass 491) FAQs
Straight answers to the questions we hear most.
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State or territory nomination, or eligible family sponsorship, for the 491 adds 15 points to your score.
Yes. After holding the 491 for at least 3 years and meeting the requirements, including ATO notices of assessment for 3 income years, you can apply for the Permanent Residence (Skilled Regional) visa (subclass 191).
You must live, work and study in a designated regional area of Australia.
A state or territory government agency can nominate you, or an eligible relative living in a designated regional area can sponsor you.
From AUD6,140 for the main applicant, with concessions in limited circumstances.
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