Skilled Work Regional (Provisional)
(Subclass 491)

Overview

The Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa (subclass 491) is a points-tested provisional visa for skilled workers who want to live and work in regional Australia. This visa is a pathway to permanent residence through the subclass 191 visa.

Pathways

There are two pathways:

Eligibility Requirements

Nomination/Sponsorship:

• You must be nominated by a state or territory government OR
• You must be sponsored by an eligible family member residing in a designated regional area

Points Test:

• You must score at least 65 points (including regional nomination/sponsorship points)
• State/Territory nomination: 15 points
• Family sponsorship: 15 points

Occupation:

• Have an occupation on the relevant skilled occupation list
• Have a suitable skills assessment for that occupation

Age:

• Be under 45 years of age when invited to apply

English Language:

• Demonstrate competent English (IELTS 6.0 in each component or equivalent)

Health and Character:

• Meet health and character requirements

Visa Conditions

Regional Requirement:

• You must live, work and study only in a designated regional area
• Designated regional areas include all of Australia except Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane

Compliance:

• You must comply with all visa conditions to be eligible for permanent residence later

Visa Duration

5 years

Pathway to Permanent Residence

After holding the subclass 491 visa for at least 3 years, you may be eligible to apply for:

• Permanent Residence (Skilled Regional) visa (subclass 191)

Requirements for subclass 191:

• Lived in a designated regional area for at least 3 years
• Had a taxable income at or above the threshold for at least 3 years
• Complied with all visa conditions

Benefits