Apply for the Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) subclass 491 visa with the help of Search Education and live and work in designated regional areas of Australia.
Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Subclass 491 Visa is designed for skilled workers who want to live and work in a designated regional area of Australia. This visa is valid for 5 years. However, you can apply for permanent residency (PR) through the subclass 191 visa after living in a designated regional area for at least 3 years from the date your visa is granted.
Designated regional areas of Australia include Perth, Adelaide, Canberra, Newcastle, Gold Coast, Hobart, and others, excluding major cities like Sydney, Brisbane, and Melbourne. Some of the benefits of the 491 visa are:
To qualify for the 491 visa, one must meet the following requirements:
The fees for applying for the 491 visa depend on the number of applicants and visa streams, but generally:
| Description | Amount (AUD) |
| 491 Visa Primary Applicant | From AUD 6,140.00 |
| Additional Applicant Charge (18+) | From AUD 3,070.00 |
| Additional Applicant Charge (Under 18) | From AUD 1,535.00 |
The 491 visa processing time varies depending on various factors, including application volume, individual circumstances, and new updates in immigration policies:
| Processing Stage | Estimated Timeframe |
| State Nomination Processing | 1-6 months (varies by state) |
| Invitation to Apply (ITA) | 1-12 months (depends on occupation demand & points) |
| Visa Application Processing | |
| Family Sponsored Regional | 50% processed in 3 months, 90% processed in 6 months |
| State/Territory Government Nominated Regional | 50% processed in 15 months, 90% processed in 23 months |
The step-by-step guide for the 491 visa application process is outlined below:
Step 1: Confirm your eligibility for the subclass 491 visa.
Step 2: Lodge an Expression of Interest (EOI) via SkillSelect.
Step 3: Wait to receive an invitation to apply for the 491 visa.
Step 4: Collect all necessary documents for your subclass 491 visa application.
Step 5: Submit your application for the subclass 491 visa.
The Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Visa (Subclass 491) is designed for skilled workers who want to live, work, and study in designated regional areas of Australia while building a pathway towards permanent residency. Understanding the eligibility criteria, regional nomination requirements, and Points Test is essential for a successful application.
At Search Education, our MARA-registered migration agent provides personalised guidance on skills assessments, regional nomination pathways, Points Test calculations, and Expression of Interest (EOI) submissions through SkillSelect. From your first consultation to the final visa outcome, we're here to make the process clear, informed, and stress-free.
Book a consultation today and let Search Education help you take the next step towards your regional migration journey in Australia with the Subclass 491 visa.
For the 491 visa, you must be sponsored by either an eligible relative or a state or territory government of Australia.
Yes, you are eligible to apply for the 491 visa from both inside and outside of Australia, but not while in immigration clearance.
Note: If you are applying from within Australia, you must hold a substantive visa or a Bridging visa (A, B, or C).
Your spouse or de facto partner and any dependent children are eligible family members and may be included in the 491 visa application. Your spouse or de facto partner and any dependent children are eligible family members and may be included in the 491 visa application.
The approximate cost of the 491 visa is 6,140.00 AUD for the primary applicant.
For each dependent family member aged 18 or over, the fee is around AUD 3,070.00, and for dependent children under 18, it's approximately AUD 1,535.00.
For the most up-to-date fee details, please refer to the Department of Home Affairs (DHA) website.
Although the 491 visa isn’t a direct PR pathway, it allows you to apply for permanent residency after living in a designated regional area for at least 3 years and meeting the other requirements set by the Department of Home Affairs (DHA).
The 491 visa is often easier to apply for than the 190 visa, mainly due to the higher demand for skilled workers in regional Australia. The government is also actively promoting migration to these regional areas.
Here is a table showing the English requirements for a 491 visa:
| Test | Score |
| IELTS | Minimum score of 6. 0 in all four bands |
| PTE | Minimum score of 50 in all four components |
| TOEFL iBT | Overall score of 64, with a minimum score of 12 in Listening, 13 in Reading, 21 in Writing, and 18 in Speaking |
To apply for a 491 visa, you need at least 65 points to receive an invitation from the government.
If you intend to change your nominated occupation after being granted the 491 visa, you must inform the Department of Home Affairs. The new occupation must be listed on the Skilled Occupation List, and you must continue working in a designated regional area of Australia.
As this can be a complex and potentially stressful process, it’s strongly recommended that you select your nominated occupation carefully before applying for a 491 visa.
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