What is the Subclass 491 Visa?

The Australia Skilled Regional (Provisional) Visa (Subclass 491) is a temporary visa for skilled workers who are willing to live and work in designated regional areas of Australia. It allows visa holders to reside, work, and study in regional Australia for up to 5 years, with the possibility of applying for permanent residency after fulfilling certain conditions.

Eligibility Criteria

Be nominated by an Australian state or territory government agency or sponsored by an eligible relative residing in a designated regional area.

  • Visa Duration

    5 Years

  • Processing time

    8-9 Months

  • Visa Fees

    AUD 4,770

  • Skill Assessment fees

    AUD 500 - 2,000

Step by step process

Eligibility Check
Ensure you meet age, occupation, English proficiency, points (65+), health, and character requirements.
Choose the Correct Skill Assessing Authority
Identify the appropriate skill assessing authority for your occupation, gather documents, and submit your application.
Gather Required Documentation
Prepare personal, educational, work experience, and language proficiency documents as required for your visa application.
Submit an Expression of Interest (EOI)
Create an ImmiAccount and submit your Expression of Interest (EOI) through SkillSelect for the Subclass 491 visa.
Receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA)
Wait for an invitation to apply from a state or territory or from a relative sponsor
Prepare and Lodge Your Visa Application
Gather all required documents, complete the visa application, pay fees, and submit it through your ImmiAccount.
Undergo Health and Character Checks
Complete your medical examination and obtain police clearances, then submit the results as part of your application.
Wait for Application Processing
Monitor your application status via ImmiAccount while waiting for processing, which typically takes 6–11 months.
Receive Visa Grant
If successful, you will be granted permanent residency with your visa grant notification, allowing you to live and work in Australia.
Post-Visa Grant Actions
Enter Australia within the visa’s validity and start your life there; you can apply for citizenship once residency requirements are met.

Quick Answers to Your Common Queries

To apply for this visa, you must be under 45 years old at the time of receiving an invitation. If you are 45 or older, you will not be eligible to apply.

Once you are granted the visa, you are not legally required to stay in the state or territory that nominated you. However, it's generally expected that you will live and work in that state for at least 2 years as a way of honoring the agreement with the nominating government.

A designated regional area refers to specific regions in Australia where skilled workers are encouraged to live and work. These areas are identified by the Australian government, and a full list of eligible regions is available on the Department of Home Affairs website.

You must live, work, or study in a designated regional area for at least 3 years while holding the Subclass 491 Visa. During this time, you must also meet the income requirements to become eligible for permanent residency (Subclass 191).

No, a job offer is not required to apply for this visa. However, you must receive a nomination from a state or territory government or sponsorship from an eligible relative residing in a designated regional area.

es, you can include your spouse or partner, as well as your dependent children, in your visa application. Each family member must meet the visa requirements, including health and character checks.

Yes, after holding the Subclass 491 Visa for 3 years and meeting the required conditions, such as residing in a designated regional area and meeting the income threshold, you can apply for permanent residency through the Subclass 191 Visa.

No, the Subclass 491 Visa is a provisional visa and cannot be extended. However, after meeting specific criteria, such as living in a regional area for 3 years, you may apply for permanent residency.

You are required to live and work in a designated regional area while holding this visa. If you move out of the regional area, it may affect your eligibility to apply for permanent residency and could result in your visa being cancelled.