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Subclass 491 — Skilled Work Regional

A provisional visa for skilled workers who want to live and work in regional Australia.

NN
Nilesh Nandan
Immigration Lawyer · BBus(Accy) LLB MBA · Last updated March 2026
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Overview

The Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa (subclass 491) is a five-year provisional visa for skilled workers who are nominated by a state or territory government or sponsored by an eligible family member. This visa is designed to encourage skilled workers to settle in regional Australia and provides a pathway to permanent residency after three years. I can help you explore this exciting new visa option.

The subclass 491 visa offers a number of benefits, including 15 additional points towards your points test, priority processing of your visa application, and access to a wider range of occupations. To be eligible, you must be nominated by a state or territory government or sponsored by an eligible family member residing in a designated regional area.

After holding the subclass 491 visa for at least three years and meeting certain requirements, you will be eligible to apply for the Permanent Residence (Skilled Regional) visa (subclass 191). This is a direct pathway to permanent residency for those who are committed to living and working in regional Australia.

Key Facts

Visa TypeProvisional (5 years)
SponsorshipNomination by a state or territory government or sponsorship by an eligible family member
Additional Points15 points
Pathway to PREligible for subclass 191 visa after 3 years

How I Work — Step by Step

1

Eligibility and Pathway Assessment

I will assess your eligibility for the subclass 491 visa and will help you determine the most suitable pathway for you, whether it be state nomination or family sponsorship.

2

Nomination or Sponsorship Application

I will assist you in preparing and lodging a strong application for nomination or sponsorship.

3

Visa Application

Once you have been nominated or sponsored, I will prepare and lodge your visa application with the Department of Home Affairs.

4

Pathway to Permanent Residency

I will provide you with ongoing advice and support as you work towards meeting the requirements for the permanent subclass 191 visa.

What I Do

  • Assess your eligibility for the Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa (subclass 491).
  • Advise on the state nomination and family sponsorship options available to you.
  • Assist you in preparing and lodging a strong application for nomination or sponsorship.
  • Guide you through the visa application process.
  • Prepare and lodge your visa application with all the required documents.
  • Manage all communication with the Department of Home Affairs and the nominating or sponsoring body.
  • Provide advice on the pathway to permanent residency through the subclass 191 visa.

Who Is This For?

  • Skilled workers who are willing to live and work in regional Australia.
  • Applicants who need a significant points boost to be competitive.
  • Individuals who have an eligible family member residing in a designated regional area.
  • People who are looking for a clear and structured pathway to permanent residency.

Common questions about

What is considered a regional area?+
For immigration purposes, a regional area is defined as any area outside of Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane. I can provide you with a list of designated regional areas.
What are the requirements for the permanent subclass 191 visa?+
To be eligible for the permanent subclass 191 visa, you must have held a subclass 491 visa for at least three years, have complied with the conditions of your visa, and have met a minimum taxable income requirement. I can provide you with detailed information on these requirements.
Can I move to a different regional area after my visa is granted?+
Yes, you can move to another designated regional area after your visa is granted. However, you must continue to live and work in a designated regional area to be eligible for the permanent subclass 191 visa.
Who is an eligible family member for sponsorship?+
An eligible family member for sponsorship is a parent, child, sibling, aunt, uncle, or grandparent who is an Australian citizen, Australian permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen and who is usually resident in a designated regional area. I can assess your family member's eligibility to sponsor you.

Free Guide: Navigating Australia's Skilled Visa Pathways

Employer-sponsored or points-tested? Onshore or offshore? My free guide breaks down the main pathways, the points test, and the mistakes that delay or derail applications. Clear, practical, no jargon.

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The information on this page is general in nature and does not constitute legal advice. Thoughts only — not legal advice.

Important: The information on this website is provided for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Immigration law in Australia is complex, fact-specific, and subject to frequent change under the Migration Act 1958 (Cth), the Migration Regulations 1994, and departmental policy. You must seek independent, qualified legal advice tailored to your specific circumstances before making any immigration decision or taking any action. Viewing this website does not create a solicitor-client relationship. Terms of Use | Full Disclaimer

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MyVisa Australia Pty Ltd ABN 65 092 524 359 (service entity for MyVisa Lawyers Pty Ltd ABN 54 607 960 547). Nilesh Nandan is an admitted solicitor and Australian legal practitioner admitted to the High Court of Australia, authorised to provide immigration assistance under the Migration Act 1958. As a legal practitioner regulated by the New South Wales Law Society, Nilesh is not required to be registered with the Office of the Migration Agents Registration Authority (OMARA). Nilesh Nandan BBus(Accy), LLB, MBA, MMIA — Head of Practice. Member: Law Council of Australia · Migration Institute of Australia (MMIA) · MIA Character & Cancellation Advisory Board · MIA Disciplinary Committee 2026 · New South Wales Law Society · Australian Asian Lawyers Association · Ku-ring-gai Chamber of Commerce. *Based on publicly available Google reviews. No other individual immigration lawyer in Australia has more reviews, across more locations, sustained over a longer period, with a comparable satisfaction rating.

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