What is a Subclass 491 Visa?
The 491 Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa requires nomination from an Australian State or Territory government or sponsorship from an eligible Australian relative, with the commitment that applicants will settle in a regional area of Australia.
Applicants undergo evaluation through a points-based system, where factors like age, English language proficiency, work experience, and education contribute to their overall score. Additional points are contributed by the nominating relative or State/Territory Government, which is particularly attractive for older applicants to counteract a low age score.
A condition of the visa limits all visa holders to living, working, and studying in regional Australia. This is to ensure skills are brought to the areas of most need, and to support regional communities to grow and thrive.
Requirements for a 491 Visa
Nomination – State or Territory Pathway
This visa pathway requires nomination from an Australian State or Territory government, with the expectation that applicants will settle in that State/Territory and address localized skill shortages.
Each State and Territory Government has their own eligibility requirements in addition to the 491 visa. This can include:
- State/Territory occupation lists
- Work experience requirements – either number of years or working in that State/Territory
- Higher English language requirements
- Higher overall points on the EOI
Invitations are triggered by the State/Territory Government and do not form part of Immigration’s invitation rounds.
There are limits on the number of Subclass 491 invitations each State or Territory can issue per financial year.
Nomination – Family Sponsored Pathway
This visa pathway requires sponsorship from an eligible Australian Citizen or Permanent Resident relative who is:
- 18 years of age or older
- Usually resident in a designated regional area of Australia (set by postcode, generally anywhere outside Brisbane, Sydney, or Melbourne)
- Related to the primary applicant or partner/spouse
An eligible relative includes:
- Parent
- Child
- Sibling (including step and adoptive siblings)
- Aunt/Uncle (including step and adoptive Aunt/Uncle)
- Niece/Nephew (including step and adoptive Niece/Nephew)
- Grandparent
- First Cousin
Invitations in the Family Sponsored pathway are triggered by Immigration as part of their invitation rounds.
Visa Application
Applicants must:
- be under 45 years of age
- nominate an occupation:
- on any of the available skilled occupation lists, that is also on that that is also on the State/Territory’s sponsorship list – State Nominated pathway
- from the Medium-Long Term Skills Shortage List (MLTSSL) – Family Sponsored pathway
- obtain the specified skills assessment for the nominated occupation
- demonstrate at least Competent English (secondary applicants over 18 must show Functional English)
- meet health and character requirements
The 491 is a provisional visa, meaning holders are monitored and have specific reporting conditions. Once they have lived and worked in Australia for at least 3 years, a pathway to permanent residency via the subclass 191 Permanent Residence (Skilled Regional) visa.
How much does a 491 visa application cost?
As of 1 July 2025, the government application fees are as follows:
Expression of Interest – Nil
State Nomination Fee – Varies
Visa Application – Main Applicant – $4,910
Visa Application – Dependent Applicant over 18yrs of age (each) – $2,455
Visa Application – Dependent Applicant under 18yrs of age (each) – $1,230
How long does a 491 take to process?
As of 29 July 2025, Immigration advises the current processing times are as follows:
| Application Type | 50% processed within | 90% processed within |
| Family Sponsored | 22 Months | 27 months |
| State/Territory Government Nominated Regional | 19 months | 25 months |
Why Choose AVIE for Immigration Services?
Personalized Guidance – Every migration journey is unique, and we provide tailored advice to match your circumstances and goals.
Expert Problem-Solving – Our team has extensive experience handling complex visa situations and finding tailored solutions to meet client needs.
Dedicated Support – We intentionally cap our agents’ caseloads to ensure you receive the time, care, and dedication you deserve. You’re never just a number with us.
Avoid Mistakes – Avoid costly delays and reapplications—our expertise ensures visa applications are done right the first time.
Stress-Free Process – We handle the complexities of visa applications, so you can focus on planning your new life in Australia.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
When I hold this visa, can I work remotely for an employer?
Immigration expects that the employer would have a branch office or site located in the regional area of Australia to comply with condition 8579.
The visa holder may be in breach of this condition if they work from home/remotely for an employer who does not have a presence in the regional area.
My employer needs me to visit the head office in Brisbane/Sydney/Melbourne. Is this okay?
Condition 8579 is not intended to prevent a visa holder from engaging in incidental activities outside a regional area, such as holidays or work-related travel/training.
However, Immigration will closely scrutinise time spent outside the regional area where:
- the holder spends more than 90 days in total per annum outside the regional area, or
- the holder spends more than 60 continuous days outside the regional area, or
- there is a pattern of extended and/or frequent absences that are indicative of employment outside the regional area.
Can I study on a 491 visa?
Yes, the 491 Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Visa allows both you and your family members to live, work, and study in designated regional areas of Australia for up to five years. This visa not only supports employment but also provides the opportunity to pursue education during your stay in regional Australia.
Is a 491 visa a permanent visa?
No, the 491 visa is a provisional visa. It allows you and your family to live, work, and study in Australia for up to five years. After holding the visa for three years, you may become eligible to apply for permanent residency.