Key facts
- Subclass
- 491
- Points required
- 65
- English requirement
- IELTS 6.0+ each band
- Occupation lists
- MLTSSL, STSOL
Visa costs
| child fee | AUD $1,195 |
| partner fee | AUD $2,385 |
| application fee | AUD $4,765 |
Subclass 491: Common questions
What counts as a "regional area"?
Regional Australia for 491 purposes is anywhere except Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Gold Coast, Perth, and Canberra.
What is the Subclass 191?
The 191 is the permanent visa that 491 holders can apply for after living and working regionally for 3 years and earning above the minimum income threshold.
Is the 15-point bonus automatic?
Yes. Once you are sponsored for the 491, the 15 bonus points are automatically applied to your points score.
How does Subclass 491 compare?
The three points-tested skilled visas trade off speed, flexibility, and location requirements. Here is how they line up against each other.
| Visa | Permanence | Points bonus | Sponsorship | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Subclass 189Skilled Independent | Permanent from day one | No sponsor or state nomination required | High scorers (typically 80+ points) | |
| Subclass 190Skilled Nominated | Permanent from day one | +5 | Requires state/territory nomination | Applicants close to the cut-off, flexible on location |
| Subclass 491Skilled Work RegionalCurrent page | Temporary (5 years), 191 path to PR after 3 years | +15 | Requires state/regional sponsor or eligible relative | Anyone open to regional Australia (biggest boost) |
Overview
The Skilled Work Regional visa is a temporary visa for skilled workers willing to live and work in regional Australia. It awards 15 bonus points — a significant boost — and provides a direct pathway to permanent residency via the Subclass 191 visa after three years.
Who is this visa for?
- Skilled workers whose points score is not high enough for a 189 or 190
- Those open to living outside the major cities
- Workers who want the large 15-point boost
- Anyone planning to stay long-term who can commit to 3 years regionally
Requirements
Eligibility Requirements
- Submit an EOI in SkillSelect for the 491 pathway
- Receive sponsorship from a state/territory or eligible relative in a regional area
- Hold a positive skills assessment
- Score at least 65 points (effectively 50 before the +15 bonus)
- Occupation must appear on the MLTSSL or STSOL
- Must live and work in a designated regional area
- Meet health, character, and English requirements
Application process
Application Process
- Complete a skills assessment for your occupation
- Lodge an EOI in SkillSelect
- Apply for sponsorship through a state portal or via an eligible relative
- If sponsored, receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA)
- Lodge the full visa application within 60 days
- After grant: move to a designated regional area for 3 years
- Apply for Subclass 191 (permanent) from regional Australia
Quick eligibility check
Answer 3 questions to see if the Subclass 491 might suit you.
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Important: Australian.com provides general information only and does not constitute migration advice. Only a registered migration agent (MARA) or Australian legal practitioner can provide immigration advice. Information is current as of the date published but immigration law changes frequently. Verify all details with the Department of Home Affairs.