SC491
Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Visa
STATE/TERRITORY GOVERNMENT NOMINATED REGIONAL STREAM
The Subclass 491 Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa is a provisional skilled migration visa designed to encourage skilled workers to live and work in designated regional areas of Australia. To be eligible, applicants must be nominated by an Australian state or territory government or sponsored by an eligible family member residing in a designated regional area.
The Benefits of Subclass 491 Visa
Opportunities to Live and Thrive in Regional Australia
- Live, work, and study in a designated regional area of Australia.
- Hold a visa valid for up to 5 years from the date of grant.
- Multiple entry rights to Australia for the duration of the visa's validity.
Support for Settlement and Integration
- Access interim Medicare arrangements, where eligible.
- Access healthcare services and community support programs available to eligible residents.
- Attend free English language classes through the Adult Migrant English Program (AMEP), if eligible.
Pathway to Permanent Residency
- Become eligible for the Subclass 191 Permanent Residence (Skilled Regional) visa after holding a Subclass 491 visa for at least 3 years and meeting the relevant income and residency requirements
Eligibility Criteria for Subclass 491 Visa
To be eligible for a Subclass 491 visa, you must meet the following requirements:
Migration Points Requirement
Achieve a minimum of 65 points under the General Skilled Migration (GSM) points test. The actual invitation points may be higher depending on occupation demand and invitation quotas.
Expression of Interest/ Register of Interest
Submit an EOI and/or ROI (if required) in accordance with the nomination requirements of the relevant state or territory to be considered for nomination.
State or Territory Nomination
For Subclass 491 (State Nominated): Applicants must meet the eligibility requirements of the relevant state or territory and obtain nomination from an Australian state or territory government.
For Subclass 491 (Family Sponsored): The sponsor must be an eligible Australian citizen, Australian permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen, aged 18 years or over, and ordinarily residing in a designated regional area of Australia.
Age
Be under 45 years of age at the time of receiving an invitation to apply.
Occupation
Each Australian state and territory maintains its own list of priority occupations based on local labour market needs and workforce demand.
Skills Assessment
Obtain a positive skills assessment from the relevant assessing authority for the nominated occupation.
English
Demonstrate at least Competent English. English test results must be valid at the time of invitation and visa application.
Employment
Some states or territories may require applicants to have relevant work experience gained within a specified period or a job offer related to their nominated occupation.
Health and Character Requirements
Complete the required health examinations using your HAP ID.
If you have lived in any country for 12 months or more within the last 10 years, you will be required to provide a police clearance certificate from that country.
Subclass 491 visa Application Process
Self-Check
Review your nominated occupation, migration points claims, and the nomination requirements of the state or territory with the designated regional area where you intend to apply.
Submit & Wait
Lodge your EOI and ROI (if required). Await a nomination invitation.
Gather
Gather and prepare all documents required for your state or territory nomination application in accordance with the requirements of the regional nomination pathway you are applying for.
Submit & Wait
Lodge your nomination application and await the visa invitation.
Gather
Gather your supporting documents.
Lodge & Wait
Lodge your visa within 60 days of ITA and respond to any further requests
SUBCLASS 189 VS SUBCLASS 190 VS SUBCLASS 491
SUBCLASS 491 VISA APPLICATION FEE & PROCESSING TIME
From AUD 4,910
Visa application charge for the primary applicant.
16 - 24 Months
HOW CAN SKILL DIRECT HELP YOU?
We support you throughout your journey, from lodging your EOI to achieving your goal of Australian permanent residency.
Assess Your Eligibility and Migration Points
Carefully review your profile and calculate your migration points accurately to ensure all eligible claims are included and supported by evidence.
Follow invitation rounds and advise on suitable states
Follow occupation updates, quotas and invitation rounds while identifying the best state for your profile.
Await ITA and prepare your application.
Prepare your EOI, ROI (if required) and nomination application. Upon receiving an ITA, prepare and lodge your application within 60 days.
Handling Requests from state/DHA
Analyse the reasons, prepare additional documentsand respond to requests for further information, including explanations if required
ARE YOU READY TO START YOUR MIGRATION JOURNEY?
Book a consultation with Skill Direct to develop a visa strategy tailored to your profile.
Frequently asked questions
Below are some frequently asked questions to help you better understand the Subclass 491 Skilled Nominated visa.
1. Which areas are classified as 'Designated Regional Areas'?
Most of Australia is classified as a designated regional area for migration purposes. The main exceptions are Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane. You can check the Department of Home Affairs' designated regional postcode list for the latest information. (https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/working-in-australia/skill-occupation-list/regional-postcodes).
2. If I am granted a Subclass 491 visa by New South Wales, am I required to live in New South Wales?
The Subclass 491 visa requires visa holders to live, work, and study in a designated regional area of Australia in accordance with visa requirements. However, where the visa was granted based on state or territory nomination, the nominating state or territory generally expects nominees to live and work within that jurisdiction for at least 2–3 years after visa grant to support local workforce and economic needs. Applicants should also be aware that, as part of the nomination process, they have usually signed a declaration confirming their intention to reside and work in the nominating state or territory. Relocating to another state shortly after visa grant may be viewed as inconsistent with the commitment made during the nomination process.
3. Am I required to work in my nominated occupation?
Once your Subclass 491 visa is granted, you are not legally required to work in the specific occupation you used for your Skills Assessment or State Nomination.