Skilled Regional (Provisional) 491 Visa: A complete guide

The Skilled Regional (Provisional) Visa – Subclass 491 is the key skilled regional visa that is granted for 5 years. The 491 (Provisional) Visa offers full working rights and a pathway to Permanent Residency in Australia after you satisfy certain conditions. Along with the 491 Family Sponsored Visa, the Skilled Regional (Provisional) 491 Visa is part of the General Skilled migration program.

This article provides essential information on the Skilled Regional (Provisional) 491 Visa. Key information in this article:

Benefits of the 491 Visa

Eligibility criteria of the 491 Visa

Application steps

Tips for applying for the 491 Visa

Benefits of the Skilled Regional (Provisional) 491 Visa

Pathway to Permanent Residency: The Skilled Regional (Provisional) 491 enables the applicant to stay in a designated regional area for 5 years and offers a pathway to Permanent Residency after 3 years of staying in the designated area and meeting the minimum income requirements.

Full living, working and study rights: The Visa allows applicants to enjoy full working rights in a designated regional area.

Full travel rights: The Skilled Regional (Provisional) 491 Visa offers full travel rights as long as you have a valid visa.

Sponsorship: Unlike some other visas, the Skilled Regional (Provisional) 491 Visa does not require employer, family, or federal sponsorship. Instead, you need to be invited by your region’s state or territory government.

Additional points – Regional sponsorship offers 15 additional points for your visa as opposed to the 5 extra points you will receive under the general state/territory nomination.

Eligible criteria for the Skilled Regional (Provisional) 491 Visa

Eligible occupations: Your occupation must be on the Skilled Occupation list.

Skills Assessment – You must hold a positive Skills Assessment from a relevant authority at the time of your application.

English language requirements – You need to demonstrate competent English to be eligible to apply for the Skilled Regional (Provisional) Visa – Subclass 491.

Minimum points requirement– You must hold a minimum of 65 points under the points test system to apply for the 491 Skilled Regional Visa.

Age requirements – You must be less than 45 years old at the time of the application.

Health and character requirements – You must satisfy the Australian health and character requirements to apply for the 491 Visa.

Skilled Regional (Provisional) 491 Visa application steps

Conduct eligibility test – Before applying for the Visa, you must be sure that you meet the eligibility criteria. To avoid any delays or rejections, contact us today and we can confirm your eligibility for the Skilled Regional (Provisional) 491 Visa.

Receive a positive Skills Assessment – You must have a positive Skills Assessment from a relevant authority to apply for the 491 Visa. A verified Skills Assessment confirms your educational and work qualifications to the Department.

Submit your Expression of Interest (EOI) – You must submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) to be invited to apply for the Skilled Regional (Provisional) 491 Visa. Submitting an EOI is free, but please note that an EOI is not a guarantee that you will be invited to apply for the 491 Visa.

Wait for an invitation – You must be invited to apply for the Skilled Regional (Provisional) Visa. We recommend you explore additional visa options that may be suited to you, including other visas that are part of the General Skilled Migration (GSM) program.

Apply for the Skilled Regional (Provisional) 491 Visa – You can apply for the Visa once you receive an invitation. Each Visa has different processing times, and it is important to understand your visa conditions while you wait to know your rights.

Moving from Skilled Regional (Provisional) 491 Visa to Permanent Residency

The Skilled Regional (Provisional) 491 Visa is a highly sought after visa and offers a pathway to Permanent Residency. Once you have held the visa for 3 years by staying and working in a designated regional area you may apply for Permanent Residency under Subclass 191. You must also meet the taxable income threshold to be eligible for Permanent Residency. You will be asked to provide evidence of income and proof of residence.

Tips for applying for the Skilled Regional (Provisional) 491 Visa

Stay informed – You should regularly check the official state/territory and Department of Home Affairs (DOHA) website to stay updated with migration and visa changes.

Maximise your points – It is advised to maximise your points total as the Skilled Regional (Provisional) 491 Visa is point tested. You can maximise your score by taking one of the standardised tests such as IELTS or PTE. Additionally, the 491 Visa also offers 15 additional points as the visa focusing on designated regional areas.

Obtain a Skills Assessment – Make sure you apply for a Skills Assessment from a relevant authority before you apply for the Skilled Regional (Provisional) 491 Visa.

Seek professional advice – To navigate the extensive process of the 491 Visa, we advise you to get in touch with a registered and experienced agent who can support you on your Australian Permanent Residency journey via the Skilled Regional (Provisional) stream.

In conclusion, the Skilled Regional (Provisional) 491 Visa is an excellent option for those who are in highly skilled occupations, living and working in a designated regional area. The Visa falls under the General Skilled Migration (GSM) program; therefore, you need to score a minimum of 65 points and get a positive skills assessment. Finally, there is a pathway for Permanent Residency available for this visa if you stay in the designated area for 3 years and meet the income threshold.

With the support of our experienced agents, you can:

Understand the Skilled Regional (Provisional) 491 Visa’s eligibility criteria

Take the necessary steps to apply the for the 491 Visa

Explore other visa options that may suit you

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Contact our experienced migration specialists today to simplify your 491 Visa process and maximise your success!

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the Skilled Regional (Provisional) 491 Visa, and how long is it valid?

The 491 Visa is a temporary visa that allows skilled workers to live, work, and study in a designated regional area of Australia for up to 5 years. It provides a pathway to Permanent Residency (PR) if certain conditions are met.

How can I apply for Permanent Residency after holding the 491 Visa?

You may apply for Permanent Residency (Subclass 191) after 3 years, provided you:

Live and work in a designated regional area for at least 3 years.

Meet the minimum taxable income requirement (currently AUD 53,900 per year for 3 consecutive years).

What are the key eligibility requirements for the 491 Visa?

To apply, you must have an occupation on the Skilled Occupation List, obtain a positive Skills Assessment from a relevant authority, be under 45 years old at the time of application, score at least 65 points on the points-based system and meet English language proficiency and health & character requirements.

Do I need an employer to sponsor me for the 491 Visa?

No, employer sponsorship is not required. Instead, you need nomination from a state or territory government.

How long does it take to process the 491 Visa application?

Processing times vary based on individual circumstances, demand, and Department of Home Affairs policies. Please check the global processing times for accurate information.

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Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not provide any legal or professional advice. You should seek the advice of a qualified expert before making any decisions based on this article.

Bill Mitroulas

Head of Migration at Questra Immigration. Managing and overseeing the growth and performance of Questra’s team of migration agents, while maintaining a client-centric and quality-driven approach. A registered migration agent since 2015 and a member of the Migration Institute of Australia, with over 15 years’ experience in international education and 11 years in Australian Migration law.

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Published Sep 7 | 2025