Are you a skilled worker looking to relocate to regional Australia? The Subclass 491 visa could be your best option. It’s a temporary visa that allows you to live, work, and study in Australia’s less crowded and peaceful regional areas, and later, you can apply for permanent residency.
Let’s understand the 491 visa simply and easily 👇
🏡 What is the 491 Visa?
The Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Visa, under Subclass 491, lets you:
- Stay in the regional area of Australia for up to 5 years
- Live, work, and study
- Bring your family members
- Apply for permanent residency (PR) later through the 191 visa
To get this visa, you must be either:
- Nominated by a state or territory, or
- Sponsored by a close family member who lives in regional Australia.
✅ Who Can Apply?
To apply, you must:
✔️ Be under 45 years old
✔️ Have a job on Australia’s Skilled Occupation List
✔️ Pass a skills assessment
✔️ Have good English, e.g., gain an IELTS score of 6 in each section
✔️ Gain a minimum of 65 points on the points test
✔️ Be nominated by a state or sponsored by a family member
✔️ Submit an EOI (Expression of Interest)
✔️ Meet health and character checks
📊 How Points Work (Simple Version)
You need 65 points or more to be eligible to apply. You will get the points for:
| 🧩 What it’s for | 🎯 Points |
|---|---|
| Age | Up to 30 |
| English level | Up to 20 |
| Work experience | Up to 20 |
| Education | Up to 20 |
| Partner’s skills | Up to 10 |
| State nomination or family sponsorship | +15 ✅ |
🪜 Step-by-Step Process
1. Check Your Job
Is your job on the Skilled Occupation List? If yes, great!
2. Get Your Skills Assessed
Submit your qualifications and experience to the relevant authority to verify if they meet Australian standards.
3. Take an English Test
IELTS, PTE, or TOEFL – make sure your scores meet the “Competent English” level.
4. Submit an EOI
Go to SkillSelect and submit your Expression of Interest. This indicates to the government that you wish to apply.
5. Get Nominated or Sponsored
Apply to a state or get help from a family member living in a regional area.
6. Get Invited
If selected, you’ll you’ll get an invitation to apply for the visa.
7. Apply for the visa
Log in to ImmiAccount, complete the form, upload your documents, and pay the applicable fee.
8. Wait for a Decision
You can expect to hear back within 6 to 12 months.
📋 Documents You’ll Need
🗂 Here’s a simple checklist:
👉 Ensure that all documents are translated into English.
- Passport
- Skills assessment result
- English test score
- Work letters & payslips
- School/university certificates
- EOI confirmation
- Nomination or sponsorship letter
- Health & police checks
- Family documents (if applying with them)
💰 Fees & Waiting Time
| Who’s applying? | Cost (AUD) |
|---|---|
| Main applicant | $4,640 |
| Partner (18+) | $2,320 |
| Child | $1,160 |
🕒 Processing time: Typically, it takes 6 to 12 months, but this may vary depending on the specific circumstances.
💵 Do You Need to Show Money (Proof of Funds)?
Some states or territories may require you to show proof of savings.
💡 Here is a general guide:
- For Single: $20,000 – $25,000
- For Couple: $30,000 – $35,000
- For Family of 4: $40,000 – $50,000
It shows you can support yourself after moving.
🎁 What Benefits Will You Get?
✅ Live and work in calm, growing regional areas
✅ Extra 15 points to help you qualify
✅ Path to permanent residency (Subclass 191 visa)
✅ Bring your family
✅ Great lifestyle with a lower cost of living
⚠️ Any Downsides?
❗ You must stay in a regional area (not Sydney, Melbourne, or Brisbane)
❗ You can’t apply for most other skilled visas right away
❗ You must meet work and income conditions to apply for PR later
❗ Access to some government support may be limited at first
🔗 Useful Links
- 💻 Visa info: immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/491
- 🧾 EOI & SkillSelect: immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/SkillSelect
- 🏢 State nomination info:
- 🌍Connect with a Trusted Immigration Consultancy Services: Visas Adviser
- 📞 Contact Details: +91 8744862245; info@VisasAdviser.com
📂 Sample Document Tips
| 📄 Document | 📎 Format |
|---|---|
| Skills assessment | PDF from an authority (like ACS) |
| English test | Score report (PDF) |
| Work reference | A letter with job title, duties, and dates |
| Nomination | PDF confirmation |
| Bank statement | For proof of funds (if needed) |
❓ Most Commonly Asked Questions
Q1. Can I live in Sydney with this visa?
❌ No. You must live in regional areas.
Q2. Can my family come with me?
✅ Yes. You can include your partner and children.
Q3. Can I change jobs or move?
✅ Yes, but stay in regional areas and tell immigration.
Q4. When can I apply for PR?
🕒 After 3 years of living and working in a regional area and earning a stable income.
💬 Helpful Tips
✔️ Start early – skills assessment and English tests take time
✔️ Keep all your documents in one folder
✔️ Double-check your EOI – make sure all info is true
✔️ If confused, talk to a migration agent
✔️ Follow updates from your chosen state or territory
🎉 In Short…
The Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Visa, under Subclass 491, is an excellent option if you are interested in working as a skilled worker in any regional area of Australia to build a new lifestyle with opportunities to grow your career and improve your prospects.