Subclass 491 visa - Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Visa

What is a 491 Visa?

Subclass 491 visa is a skilled worked provisional visa designed for skilled workers who want to live and work in designated regional area of Australia.

This visa is valid for 5 years. However, you can apply for permanent residency (PR) through Subclass 191 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.

What Are the Benefits of Visa Subclass 491?

You can stay up to 5 years in Australia.
Settle, work, and study in a selected regional part of Australia.
Travel in and out of Australia without restrictions for the entire duration of your visa.
You may become eligible to apply for permanent residency (PR) once all requirements are met.
Regional areas have a lower cost of living, helping you reduce your personal expenses.
Access to Medicare and regional incentives.
You’ll receive 15 points that contribute toward your permanent residency application.

Who Is Eligible for the Subclass 491 Visa?

Applicants must be under the age of 45.
You must be either nominated by Australian state or territory or be sponsored by eligible family members or relatives.
Onshore applicants must be residing in a Regional Area at the time of nomination.
Your current occupation needs to be listed on Australia’s Skilled Occupation List (SOL).
You must complete a skills assessment for your nominated occupation.
You must achieve at least 65 points on the points test.
Applicants must demonstrate a competent level of English.
You must meet health and character criteria.
Your previous visa applications should not have been refused or cancelled.

How to Apply for Subclass 491 Visa?

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 application.

Step 5: Submit your application for the subclass 491 visa.

How Much Does the Subclass 491 Visa Cost?

Description	Amount (AUD)
491 Visa Primary Applicant	4,910.00
Additional Applicant Charge (18+)	2,455.00
Additional Applicant Charge (Under 18)	1,230.00
GST	0.00
Total	8,595.00

What Is the Processing Time for Subclass 491 Visa?

The processing time for 491 visas varies depending upon the various factors, including application volume, individual circumstances, or new updates in immigration policies:

Processing Stage	Estimated Timeframe (2025)
State Nomination Processing	1-6 months (varies by state)
Invitation to Apply (ITA)	1-12 months (depends on occupation demand & points)
Visa Application Processing	6-14 months
90% of applications finalized	Within 13 months (as per DHA)
50% of applications finalized	Within 11 months (as per DHA)

Frequently Asked Questions?

Who Can Sponsor Me for a 491 Visa in Australia?

You must be sponsored from either an eligible relative or a state or territory government of Australia.

Can I apply for the Subclass 491 visa from outside Australia?

Yes, you are eligible to apply from both inside and outside of Australia, but not while in immigration clearance.

Please note that if you are applying from within Australia, you must hold a substantive visa or a Bridging visa (A, B or C).

Can I Add My Family Members to the 491 Visa Application?

Your spouse or de facto partner and any dependent children are eligible family members and may be included in the subclass 491 visa application. Your spouse or de facto partner and any dependent children are eligible family members and may be included in the subclass 491 visa application.

How Much Does an Australia 491 Visa Cost?

The approximate cost of the 491 visa is AUD 4,910 for the primary applicant.

For each dependent family member aged 18 or over, the fee is around AUD 2,455, and for dependent children under 18, it's approximately AUD 1,230.

For the most up-to-date fee details, please refer to the Department of Home Affairs (DHA) website.

Is the 491 Visa a PR visa?

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).

Is It Easy to Get the 491 Visa?

The 491 visa is often easier to get than the 190, mainly because there’s a higher demand for skilled workers in regional Australia. The government is also actively promoting migration to these regional areas.

What Is the English Requirement for the 491 Visa?

Here is table showing the English requirements for the visa 190:

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

How Many Points Do I Need for a 491 Visa?

To apply for visa 491, you need at least 65 points to receive an invitation from the government.

Can I Change My Nominated Occupation After Getting the 491 Visa?

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 visa 491.

Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Visa – Subclass 491 Visa