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Subclass 491
Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa
A five-year provisional visa for skilled workers nominated by a state or territory, or sponsored by an eligible relative, to live and work in regional Australia.
Who this visa is for
Skilled workers willing to live, work and study in designated regional Australia, which includes most areas outside Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane.
- Visa type
- Provisional
- Where you apply
- In or outside Australia
- Length of stay
- 5 years
- Work
- Full work rights in designated regional Australia
- Next step
- Permanent Residence (Skilled Regional) visa 191 after 3 years
Key requirements
- You are invited to apply after lodging an Expression of Interest in SkillSelect
- You are under 45 when invited
- Your occupation is on the relevant skilled occupation list
- You have a suitable skills assessment for that occupation
- You have at least competent English
- You score at least 65 points, including 15 points for regional nomination or family sponsorship
- You are nominated by a state or territory, or sponsored by an eligible relative living in a designated regional area
- Health and character requirements
What this visa lets you do
- Live, work and study in designated regional Australia for five years
- Travel in and out of Australia
- Medicare
- You must live, work and study only in designated regional areas (condition 8579)
How it works
Applying for the 491 visa
We handle each step and keep you informed, from the first assessment to the decision.
Skills assessment and English
Get a positive skills assessment and the English test result you need.
Expression of Interest
Lodge an EOI in SkillSelect with accurate points claims.
Invitation
Wait for an invitation in an invitation round.
Visa application
Apply within 60 days of the invitation, with evidence for every point claimed.
Health, character and grant
Complete health examinations and police checks and respond to any requests.
Documents you'll usually need
- Positive skills assessment for your nominated occupation
- English test results
- Passport and birth certificate
- Qualifications and academic transcripts
- Employment references, contracts and payslips for claimed work experience
- Evidence for any other points claimed
- Police certificates and health examinations, when requested
Documents not in English need accredited translations. The Department may ask for others depending on your circumstances.
General information only, current at November 2026. Visa criteria, fees and processing change often, including each 1 July. Book a consultation for advice on your situation.
Thinking about the 491?
Book a consultation and we'll check whether you meet every criterion before you apply.