Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa
A provisional visa of up to five years for skilled workers nominated by a state or territory, or sponsored by an eligible family member in a designated regional area. Points-tested, and a pathway to permanent residence through the subclass 191.
At a glance
Overview
The Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa (subclass 491) is for skilled workers who are willing to live and work in regional Australia. You need either nomination by a state or territory, or sponsorship by an eligible relative living in a designated regional area. It lasts up to five years and, once you meet the residence and income requirements, it can lead to permanent residence through the subclass 191.
How the pathway works
The flowchart below shows the journey and the key decision points along the way. Where the answer is “no”, we show how AuzRoo can help you find another way forward.
What this visa lets you do
- Live, work and study in a designated regional area for up to five years
- Access a pathway to permanent residence through the subclass 191
- Include eligible family members in your application
- Enrol in Medicare
- Travel to and from Australia while the visa is valid
Who can apply
To be granted this visa you generally need to meet all of the following. Every case is assessed on its own facts, so treat this as a guide rather than a checklist.
Nomination or family sponsorship
You must be nominated by a state or territory, or sponsored by an eligible relative who lives in a designated regional area.
Your occupation and skills assessment
Your occupation must be on the relevant list, and you need a suitable skills assessment from the assessing authority for that occupation.
English language
At least competent English, with higher levels earning more points.
Age
You must be under 45 years of age at the time you are invited to apply.
The points test
The visa is points-tested. Regional nomination or eligible family sponsorship adds points to your score.
Regional commitment
You must live, work and study only in a designated regional area while you hold the visa. Most of Australia outside greater Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane is classed as regional.
How to apply, step by step
- Confirm your occupation is on the relevant list and get a positive skills assessment.
- Sit an English test if you are not exempt.
- Secure a state nomination or eligible family sponsor in a designated regional area.
- Submit an EOI and, once invited, prepare your application.
- Lodge your visa application with full evidence within the timeframe.
- Move to a regional area and meet the residence and income requirements over time to access the subclass 191.
Costs and processing
A visa application charge applies, payable to the Department of Home Affairs, plus any state nomination fee and separate costs for skills assessments, English tests, health checks and police certificates. Amounts and processing times change, so we confirm the current figures for your case.
When you have the visa
You must live, work and study in a designated regional area while you hold the visa. To move to the subclass 191 permanent visa later, you generally need to have held the 491 for at least three years and met minimum taxable income requirements. Keep clear evidence of your regional residence and income.
For more information on the current official requirements, read the Department of Home Affairs page for this visa. Click here →