A pathway to permanent residence by working in regional Australia
Subclass 491 (Skilled Work Regional) is a points-based provisional visa for skilled workers who want to live and work in designated regional areas of Australia. You must be nominated by a state or sponsored by an eligible family member living in a regional area. It is generally valid for five years and, where the conditions are met, provides a clear pathway to permanent residence through the Subclass 191.
A Registered Migration Agent will review your enquiry and respond within one business day. If your matter is urgent, please call us on (08) 6555 7037.
Eligibility criteria
A Subclass 491 application generally requires the following:
Nomination or sponsorship: You must be nominated by a state or territory, or sponsored by an eligible family member living in a regional area.
Occupation and skills assessment: Your occupation must be on the relevant list, and you must obtain a positive skills assessment.
Points test: It is a points-based system; state nomination or regional sponsorship can add points. Meeting the minimum alone does not guarantee an invitation.
Age and English: You generally need to be under 45 and prove your English through an approved test.
Regional living, health and character: You must live and work in the designated regional area and meet the health and character standards.
Regional definitions, occupation lists, points values, age thresholds and the conditions for the Subclass 191 change over time; they are verified against current sources for your circumstances.
Key benefits of the Subclass 491
Regional living and work: You live and work in designated regional areas, which often offer a lower cost of living and a quieter lifestyle.
Pathway to permanent residence: After living and working in a regional area for a set period and meeting the income condition, you can apply for permanent residence through the Subclass 191.
Flexibility: You can move between regional areas and work in regional areas without needing an employer's approval.
Family: Your family members can also live, work and study in regional Australia.
These benefits are general in nature; no visa outcome or transition to the Subclass 191 is guaranteed. Permanent residence depends on conditions such as a set period of regional living and income.
How we manage your application, step by step
We estimate your points, check your occupation and determine the most suitable pathway for you.
We direct you to the correct assessing authority and prepare the expected documents.
We prepare and lodge your SkillSelect EOI to claim every point you can genuinely document.
Where relevant, we match you with a state or territory and prepare your application on invitation.
We monitor the process and respond promptly to any requests from the Department.
Once you meet the regional conditions, we support your permanent residence application through the Subclass 191.
Frequently asked questions
Australian Migration Co is a private migration advisory firm. Immigration assistance is provided by a Registered Migration Agent (MARN 2418576) registered with the Office of the Migration Agents Registration Authority (OMARA). Australian Migration Co is not a government body and is not part of, or operated by, the Australian Government or the Department of Home Affairs. Visa applications can also be lodged directly with the Australian Government at immi.homeaffairs.gov.au, and some are free of charge; our services are provided for a fee. The information on this page is general in nature, does not constitute immigration advice and does not guarantee any visa outcome. Occupation lists, points values, invitation levels, age thresholds and processing times change over time and are verified against current sources before proceeding.