The Skilled Work Regional Visa Subclass 491 is a points tested provisional visa that allows skilled workers to live, work, and study in designated regional areas of Australia.

This visa is for applicants who are nominated by a state or territory government or sponsored by an eligible relative living in regional Australia.

Visa Aid assists applicants by assessing eligibility, confirming nomination pathways, and ensuring applications meet current Home Affairs requirements.

Subclass 491 Visa Requirements

To be eligible for the Skilled Work Regional Visa 491, you must:

• Be under 45 years of age at the time of invitation

• Nominate an occupation on the relevant skilled occupation list

• Obtain a positive skills assessment

• Meet English language requirements

• Achieve the minimum points score

• Be nominated by a state or territory or sponsored by an eligible relative

Failure to meet any requirement will result in refusal.

Points Test and Nomination

The Subclass 491 visa operates under Australia’s skilled migration points system.

Points are awarded for factors such as age, English ability, work experience, qualifications, and regional nomination.

State and territory nomination is competitive and subject to occupation demand and local criteria.

Visa Aid provides realistic points assessment before proceeding

Designated Regional Areas

Regional Australia includes most areas outside Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane.

Applicants must live, work, and study in a designated regional area to remain compliant with visa conditions.

Non compliance can affect future permanent residency options.

Pathway to Permanent Residency

The Subclass 491 visa can provide a pathway to permanent residency through the Subclass 191 visa.

To qualify, visa holders must:

• Live and work in regional Australia for at least three years

• Meet minimum taxable income requirements

• Comply with all visa conditions

Permanent residency is not automatic.

How Visa Aid Supports Your 491 Visa Application

• Eligibility and points assessment

• Skills assessment guidance

• State or territory nomination strategy

• Accurate visa application preparation

• Ongoing compliance advice

Visa Aid provides advice and support. Final decisions are made by the Department of Home Affairs.

Start Your Skilled Migration Assessment

The Subclass 491 visa is complex and highly competitive.

Book a consultation with Visa Aid to assess your eligibility before proceeding.