Skilled migration
Subclass 491
Skilled Work Regional visa
Live and work in regional Australia, with a clear pathway to permanent residency.
Reviewed by SavieMEC's registered migration agents
View all Google reviews (opens in a new tab)“Amrit explained the complex requirements clearly… Due to medical reasons, they had to write submissions and provide evidence to demonstrate my eligibility for the 491 visa… my 491 visa was granted.”
About the 491 visa
The 491 visa is for skilled workers nominated by a state or territory, or sponsored by an eligible relative living in a regional area. Nomination adds 15 points.
You must live, work and study in a designated regional area. After 3 years of meeting the income requirements you may be eligible for the permanent 191 visa.
Key requirements
- State nomination or eligible family sponsorship
- Occupation on the relevant list
- Positive skills assessment
- At least 65 points (including the 15 nomination points)
- Under 45 when invited
- Competent English or higher
- Health and character requirements
What this visa lets you do
- Live, work and study in regional Australia for 5 years
- Travel in and out of Australia
- Include your family
- Move to permanent residency through the 191 visa
How to apply
- 01
Step 1
Points check and regional options
- 02
Step 2
Skills assessment and English test
- 03
Step 3
EOI and state or family sponsorship
- 04
Step 4
Invitation and visa application
- 05
Step 5
Live and work regionally, then apply for the 191
Common reasons applications fail
- Sponsoring relative not eligible, or not in a regional area
- Not meeting state regional criteria
- Unproven points claims
- Health issues not properly addressed (we can prepare submissions)
Download PDF
Skilled migration checklist
Free PDF checklist. Print it or save it to your phone before your consultation.
Download PDFGovernment fees
What Home Affairs charges, current as at 1 July 2026. These are not our professional fees.
Skilled visas (subclass 189, 190 and 491)
| Fee | Amount (AUD) |
|---|---|
| Skilled Independent (189), main applicant | $6,135 |
| Skilled Nominated (190) or Skilled Work Regional (491), main applicant | $6,140 |
| Each additional applicant aged 18 or over | $3,070 |
| Each additional applicant under 18 $1,540 for the 189. | $1,535 |
| Skills assessment Charged by the assessing authority, not Home Affairs. | Varies |
Not sure which visa fits?
Book a consultation and we'll map out your options.
Frequently asked questions
Which areas count as regional for the Skilled Work Regional visa (491)?
All of Australia except Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane is a designated regional area for the 491. That includes cities such as Perth, Adelaide, Hobart, Canberra, Geelong and the Gold Coast.
How do I get permanent residency from the 491 visa?
You can apply for the Permanent Residence (Skilled Regional) visa (subclass 191) after living and working in a designated regional area for 3 years and meeting the minimum taxable income requirement in each of those years. Keep your tax records and address evidence from day one.
Can a relative sponsor me for the 491 visa?
Yes, if they are an eligible relative (such as a parent, sibling, aunt, uncle or cousin) who is an Australian citizen, permanent resident or eligible New Zealand citizen, aged 18 or over, and living in a designated regional area.
Can I move to a different regional area on a 491 visa?
Generally, yes, as long as you stay within designated regional areas. If you were nominated by a state, check whether that state expects you to stay. Moving to Sydney, Melbourne or Brisbane breaches your visa condition.
General information only, not migration advice. Visa rules change often. We'll confirm what applies to you in a consultation. Last reviewed October 2026 by SavieMEC's registered migration agents.