491 Visa Australia Requirements: Eligibility & How To Apply

Australia’s Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa (subclass 491) opens a five-year window for qualified professionals to live, work and study in regional Australia. Beyond promising fresh career horizons, it offers the freedom to travel in and out of Australia during its validity, the option to include eligible family members and a clear pathway to permanent residency via the subclass 191 visa after three years.

This practical guide is designed for skilled workers considering regional migration—from engineers and nurses to tradespeople and IT specialists. You’ll learn how to check your eligibility, pinpoint designated regional areas, navigate the points test, secure state nomination or family sponsorship, prepare your application and estimate associated costs. We’ll also share tips on settling into life outside the major cities, helping you make the most of your new Australian home.

Let’s begin by understanding the purpose and benefits of the subclass 491 visa and how it could shape your migration journey.

Overview of the Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Visa (Subclass 491)

The Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa (subclass 491) is a points-tested temporary pathway designed to attract skilled professionals to Australia’s regional and remote communities. Successful applicants are nominated by either a state or territory government agency, or sponsored by an eligible relative, allowing them to live, work and study in designated regional areas for up to five years.

By focusing on regional development, this visa helps address local labour shortages while rewarding migrants with distinctive benefits and a clear route to permanent residency.

Key Benefits

• Five-year stay in Australia with multiple re-entries during the visa validity
• Eligible to include family members as subsequent entrants, uniting households in regional areas
• Access to permanent residency through the subclass 191 visa after at least three years of regional residence and work

Eligibility Snapshot

Applicants for the subclass 491 visa must satisfy several core requirements:

• Receive an invitation to apply via SkillSelect
• Be under 45 years of age at the time of invitation
• Have a nominated occupation listed on the relevant skilled occupation list
• Achieve a minimum of 65 points on the SkillSelect points test
• Secure nomination by a state/territory government or sponsorship by an eligible relative
• Provide a suitable skills assessment for the nominated occupation

In the following sections, we’ll unpack each of these criteria in detail and guide you through the application process, from selecting your regional destination to lodging your visa application.

Basic Eligibility Criteria for the Subclass 491 Visa

To kick off your subclass 491 visa journey, you’ll need to meet a handful of non-negotiable milestones. Think of these as checkpoints: you won’t move forward unless each one is ticked off. While some requirements—like the points test—can be improved over time, others—such as the age cap—are fixed.

Below we’ll unpack each core criterion, from securing an invitation through SkillSelect to obtaining a positive skills assessment. Nail these basics and you’ll have a solid foundation for your application.

Invitation via SkillSelect

Before lodging your visa application, you must submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) in SkillSelect and receive an invitation. Only candidates who score at least 65 points and demonstrate a clear fit for Australia’s regional labour needs get invited. When an invitation lands, you have 60 days to submit your full visa application.

Age Requirement

At the time of invitation, applicants must be under 45 years old. This age cap is set by legislation and cannot be waived. If you’re nearing the limit, plan your EOI submission carefully to ensure you’re still eligible when the invitation arrives.

Occupation on the Skilled List

Your nominated occupation must appear on one of the Department of Home Affairs’ skilled occupation lists. Different streams (state-sponsored or family-sponsored) pull from tailored lists, so double-check that your trade or profession is eligible before you complete your EOI.

Points Test Minimum

A pass mark of 65 points is the entry ticket for the subclass 491 visa. Points are awarded across several factors: age, English proficiency, work experience, qualifications and more. While 65 is the bare minimum, many applicants target a higher score to strengthen their chance of selection in competitive rounds.

State/Territory Nomination or Family Sponsorship

You must secure either:

• Nomination from an Australian state or territory government agency, or
• Sponsorship by an eligible relative residing in a designated regional area.

Each state or territory runs its own nomination program with specific criteria. In the family stream, sponsors must be Australian citizens, permanent residents or eligible New Zealand citizens and meet relationship and residency requirements.

Suitable Skills Assessment

A skills assessment provides formal proof that your qualifications and experience align with Australian standards for your occupation. Assessments must be conducted by the designated assessing authority for your profession (for example, Engineers Australia or VETASSESS) and obtained within three years of your invitation date.

Quick-reference Checklist

• Invitation issued via SkillSelect (minimum 65 points)
• Under 45 years old at invitation date
• Occupation listed on the relevant skilled occupation list
• At least 65 points on the SkillSelect points test
• State/territory nomination or eligible relative sponsorship
• Positive skills assessment for nominated occupation

Designated Regional Areas: Where You Can Live, Work and Study

Australia’s regional visa programs depend on a precise definition of “regional.” Under the Migration (Designated Regional Areas—Subclass 491) Instrument 2022, certain cities, towns and rural districts qualify as designated regional areas. To satisfy your visa conditions, you must live, work and study within one of these listed locations.

These designated regions fall into two broad categories:

Cities and Major Regional Centres

These urban hubs may feel metropolitan but are officially classed as regional for visa purposes. Key examples include:

• Newcastle (NSW)
• Geelong (VIC)
• Canberra (ACT)
• Adelaide (SA)
• Hobart (TAS)
• Perth (WA) and the Gold Coast (QLD)

Regional Centres and Other Regional Areas

This covers a vast array of smaller centres, towns and remote communities—from coastal villages to inland service towns. If you choose to settle outside the big centres, your postcode must appear in the legislative list.

To see if your intended location qualifies, refer to the official Migration (Designated Regional Areas—Subclass 491) Instrument 2022. For ease, use the postcode look-up tool on the Department of Home Affairs website—this quick check ensures your new address ticks the regional box before you make the move.

Points Test Breakdown: Scoring Your Eligibility

Australia’s Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa is awarded through a points-based system. You need at least 65 points to receive an invitation via SkillSelect. Points are allocated across several categories—each reflecting your age, skills, experience and commitment to regional Australia.

Nomination and Sponsorship Points

Securing a nomination from a state or territory government agency—or sponsorship by an eligible relative—earns you 15 points. This boost recognises the regional endorsement of your skills and the value of family ties in regional communities.

Age, English and Partner Skills

Age and language proficiency account for a large portion of your score, with partner skills rounding out this category:

• Age (maximum 30 points):
  • 25–32 years = 30 points
  • 18–24 years = 25 points
  • 33–39 years = 25 points
  • 40–44 years = 15 points
• English proficiency:
  • Proficient (IELTS 7 or equivalent) = 10 points
  • Superior (IELTS 8 or above) = 20 points
  • Competent (IELTS 6 or equivalent) = 0 points
• Partner skills:
  • Skilled partner (assessment + competent English) = 10 points
  • Partner with competent English = 5 points

Work Experience and Education

Your employment history and formal qualifications can add substantial points:

• Overseas work experience:
  • 3–5 years = 5 points
  • 5–8 years = 10 points
  • 8–10 years = 15 points
• Australian work experience:
  • 1–3 years = 5 points
  • 3–5 years = 10 points
  • 5–8 years = 15 points
  • 8–10 years = 20 points
• Qualifications:
  • Doctorate = 20 points
  • Bachelor’s or Master’s degree = 15 points
  • Diploma or trade qualification = 10 points

Additional Points

You may be eligible for bonus points under special categories:

• STEM qualification (Science, Technology, Engineering or Maths) = 10 points
• Regional study (Australian course in a regional campus) = 5 points
• Completion of an Australian professional year = 5 points

For the full breakdown of point allocations, refer to the official Subclass 491 points table.

Example scorecard:
A 29-year-old engineer with a bachelor’s degree, proficient English, five years of overseas experience and state nomination would score:
• Age: 30 + Qualifications: 15 + English: 10 + Overseas experience: 10 + Nomination: 15 = 80 points
This comfortably exceeds the 65-point threshold, strengthening the chance of an invitation.

Nomination by State and Territory Governments (State-Sponsored Stream)

The State-Sponsored stream for the Subclass 491 visa allows you to secure a regional nomination from an Australian state or territory government. With a nomination in hand, you gain 15 extra points and a direct pathway to lodge your visa application. Each jurisdiction manages its own skilled migration program, tailoring occupation lists and eligibility criteria to local labour needs.

How the State-Sponsored Stream Works

1. Submit your EOI via SkillSelect
   • Choose the Subclass 491 visa and select one or more states/territories where you’d like to live and work.
2. States review EOIs against their occupation lists and labour priorities
   • They consider factors such as your points score, occupation demand, work experience and intention to settle regionally.
3. Receive a nomination invitation
   • If successful, the state will forward you a nomination, allowing you to apply for the 491 visa within 60 days.

State-Specific Criteria Highlights

While all jurisdictions require a minimum 65 points and an occupation on their state list, they vary in additional criteria—such as work experience, job offers or ties to the region. Below are quick links and highlights for major states and territories:

• New South Wales
  • May require two or more years of relevant work experience and evidence of commitment to live in regional NSW.
  • Full criteria: NSW Skilled Work Regional Visa (491)

• Victoria
  • Prioritises occupations in demand across regional Victoria and may ask for a job offer or Victorian study.
  • Full criteria: Live in Melbourne – Subclass 491

• Queensland
  • Focuses on regional skills shortages; points threshold and occupation list reviewed each quarter.
  • Full criteria: Business and Skilled Migration Queensland

• South Australia
  • Points-tested with occupation ceilings; may require a commitment to stay and work in SA regions.
  • Full criteria: Migration SA – Skilled Visas

• Western Australia
  • Targets key industry sectors and regional development areas; check for updated occupation list.
  • Full criteria: https://www.migration.wa.gov.au

• Tasmania
  • Requires regional residency plans and may request a settled job offer.
  • Full criteria: https://www.migration.tas.gov.au

• Northern Territory
  • Emphasises occupations in critical shortage; priority may go to those with NT work experience.
  • Full criteria: https://territorymigration.nt.gov.au

• Australian Capital Territory
  • Although not a “major city,” the ACT participates in regional programs with its own list and rounds.
  • Full criteria: https://www.act.gov.au

Invitation Rounds and Cut-Off Scores

Most states and territories run invitation rounds monthly or quarterly, each with its own minimum points cut-off based on demand and available places. Carefully monitor the relevant migration website for round dates, cut-off scores and any shifts in occupational priorities. Planning your EOI submission to align with a state’s invitation cycle can significantly improve your chances of receiving that crucial nomination.

Sponsorship by Eligible Relatives (Family-Sponsored Stream)

The family-sponsored stream offers an alternative to state or territory nomination by drawing on personal ties in regional Australia. If you have a close relative settled in a designated regional area, they can sponsor you for the Subclass 491 visa. This pathway recognises the value of family connections in helping you integrate and contribute to your new community.

Sponsor Eligibility Requirements

To act as a sponsor under the family stream, your relative must meet all of the following criteria:

• Be an Australian citizen, Australian permanent resident or eligible New Zealand citizen
• Be at least 18 years old
• Reside in a designated regional area when they apply and while your visa is valid
• Demonstrate a genuine relationship to you (see list below)
• Agree to any sponsorship obligations set by the Department

Eligible relatives include:
• Parent or step-parent
• Child or step-child
• Brother, sister, adoptive or step-sibling
• Aunt, uncle, niece or nephew (including adoptive/step relations)
• Grandparent or step-grandparent
• First cousin (where no closer relative is available)

Occupation List Restriction

Unlike the state-sponsored stream, the family-sponsored pathway requires that your nominated occupation appear on the Medium and Long-Term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL). Be sure to verify your occupation’s status before proceeding with sponsorship to avoid delays.

Sponsorship Obligations and Approval Process

Sponsorship isn’t granted automatically—you and your sponsor must follow these steps:

1. Sponsor lodges a sponsorship application, confirming eligibility and commitment to support your settlement.
2. The Department of Home Affairs assesses the sponsor’s residence, relationship and capacity to meet obligations.
3. Once approved, you receive an invitation to apply for the Subclass 491 visa.
4. You lodge your visa application with the approved sponsorship evidence alongside your skills assessment, points score and other required documents.

Sponsors must keep the Department informed of any changes—such as moving out of the regional area—and honour their undertaking to assist you during your initial settlement. Non-compliance can affect both the sponsor’s and the applicant’s visa status.

Leveraging family sponsorship can fast-track your regional migration while giving you a support network on the ground. In the next section, we’ll cover the skills assessment requirements and how to ensure yours aligns with Australian standards.

Skills Assessment Requirements and Recognised Authorities

Securing a positive skills assessment is a cornerstone of your Subclass 491 visa application. It provides official confirmation that your overseas qualifications and work history meet Australian standards for your nominated occupation. Without this formal endorsement, your EOI won’t be valid and your visa application can’t proceed.

A skills assessment is typically performed by an independent, profession-specific authority. These bodies evaluate your educational certificates, employment references and, in some cases, technical exams or professional interviews to determine if you match the competencies expected in Australia.

Recognised Assessing Authorities

Each occupation on the skilled lists has an assigned assessing authority. Below are the most common authorities:

• Engineers Australia (EA) – engineering disciplines
• Australian Computer Society (ACS) – IT and computing roles
• VETASSESS – trades, hospitality, tourism, and some business professions
• Australian Nursing & Midwifery Accreditation Council (ANMAC) – nursing and midwifery
• CPA Australia or Chartered Accountants Australia & New Zealand – accounting and finance
• Speech Pathology Australia, Occupational Therapy Board of Australia, etc. – health and allied professions

Before you apply for a skills assessment, check the Department of Home Affairs’ Skill Assessment and Occupation Lists to confirm your designated authority. Each authority’s website outlines specific documentation requirements, fees and processing times.

Criteria for a Suitable Skills Assessment

Although requirements vary, most assessing authorities will ask for:

1. Certified copies of your highest relevant qualification – degrees, diplomas or certificates.
2. Detailed employment references – including job titles, duties, dates of employment and contact details for referees.
3. Evidence of professional membership or registration (if required in your home country).
4. English language test results from IELTS, PTE Academic or equivalent (for certain authorities).
5. Any additional tests or portfolio samples (common in arts and design occupations).

Be meticulous when gathering your documents. Incomplete or inconsistent information is the leading cause of delays or refusals.

Validity and Timing

Your skills assessment must be valid at the date you receive your invitation to apply for the 491 visa. In most cases:

• Assessments are valid for three years from the issue date.
• If your assessment period is shorter (e.g., some ICT roles), ensure it hasn’t expired by invitation time.
• If you hold an Australian qualification obtained on a student visa, make sure the course was registered on CRICOS.

Plan ahead: start your skills assessment well before submitting your EOI to allow time for any unexpected setbacks.

Special Cases: Medical and Legal Practitioners

Some professions have streamlined recognition pathways:

• Medical practitioners: full or unconditional registration with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) may substitute for a traditional skills assessment.
• Legal practitioners: admission to practice law in an Australian state or territory can fulfil the assessment requirement without an external authority’s report.

If you fall into these categories, confirm with AHPRA or your state’s Attorney-General’s Department that your registration or admission meets the “suitable skills assessment” criteria.

Tips for a Smooth Skills Assessment

• Read the assessing authority’s guidelines carefully and use their “checklist” tools.
• Get your documents professionally translated and certified if they’re not in English.
• Organise employment references early—tracking down former employers can take weeks.
• Follow up promptly on any additional requests from the assessment body.
• Keep digital and hard copies of every submission for your records.

By securing a clean, timely skills assessment, you’ll remove a major hurdle from your visa application. Next, we’ll walk you through lodging your Expression of Interest in SkillSelect, the gateway to receiving your invitation for the Subclass 491 visa.

Lodging an Expression of Interest via SkillSelect

Before you can receive an invitation to apply for the Subclass 491 visa, you must lodge an Expression of Interest (EOI) through Australia’s SkillSelect portal. Think of your EOI as a detailed profile: it showcases your skills, qualifications and intentions, and helps states, territories or family sponsors assess your suitability for regional migration. There’s no application fee for an EOI, and you only need to submit it once—but you should keep it up to date and accurate, since invitations are issued based on the information you provide.

Step-by-Step Guide to Submitting Your EOI

1. Create an ImmiAccount and access SkillSelect
   • Go to the Department of Home Affairs website and register for an ImmiAccount (https://online.immi.gov.au/lusc/register).
   • Once you’re logged in, select “SkillSelect” from the menu to begin your EOI.

2. Complete your personal and contact details
   • Enter your name, date of birth, passport information and current contact address.
   • Provide up-to-date email and phone details—this is how invitations and requests for further information will reach you.

3. Detail your qualifications and work history
   • List all relevant degrees, diplomas or trade credentials, including institution names, completion dates and CRICOS codes for any Australian study.
   • Summarise your professional experience with job titles, duties, employment dates and employer contact details. Accuracy here ensures your skills assessment aligns with your EOI.

4. Select the Subclass 491 visa and indicate your nomination preference
   • Choose “Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa (subclass 491)” as your target visa.
   • Under the “Preferences” section, pick one or more states/territories where you’d like to live and work, or indicate that you have an eligible relative sponsor in a designated region.

5. Review, calculate and submit your points total
   • The portal automatically sums your points based on age, English level, work experience, qualifications and nomination.
   • Confirm that you have at least 65 points before submitting—SkillSelect will flag any shortfall.

6. Submit your EOI and note its expiry
   • Once submitted, your EOI is valid for two years. You’ll only receive an invitation if a state, territory or sponsor selects you during that period.

Managing Your EOI

An EOI isn’t set-and-forget. Circumstances change—perhaps you gain extra work experience, improve your English test score or secure a state nomination. You can log back into SkillSelect at any time to update your profile without incurring additional fees. Keep in mind:

• Updates don’t reset the two-year validity—plan to improve your profile early if you’re close to expiry.
• Withdrawn EOIs cannot be reinstated—if you pull out, you’ll need to start a fresh submission.
• Duplicate EOIs are not permitted—ensure you maintain a single, comprehensive profile.

By carefully preparing and managing your EOI, you maximise the chance of receiving an invitation to apply for the Subclass 491 visa. In the next section, we’ll walk through the steps from invitation to visa grant, including document checklists and key timelines.

Visa Application Process: From Invitation to Visa Grant

Getting an invitation to apply for the Subclass 491 visa is a major milestone, but it’s just the start of a structured application journey. From the day you receive your invitation, you have 60 days to assemble and lodge a complete visa application. Below, we walk through each step—from paperwork to online submission and beyond—to help you progress smoothly from invitation to visa grant.

Document Checklist

A thorough document package is the backbone of a successful application. At a minimum, you will need:

• A clear copy of your passport bio-data page
• The invitation letter from SkillSelect
• Evidence of state or territory nomination (or approved sponsorship)
• A positive skills assessment report for your nominated occupation
• English language test results (IELTS, PTE Academic or equivalent)
• Proof of age (birth certificate or certified passport copy)
• Marriage certificate or proof of relationship (if including family members)
• Certified academic transcripts and qualifications
• Any relevant professional registrations or memberships

Gather these documents early, ensuring each copy is certified as required and translations are professionally carried out for non-English materials.

Health and Character Requirements

Australia’s migration program prioritises public health and safety. You and any family members included in your application must meet the Department of Home Affairs’ health and character standards:

• Undergo medical examinations by an approved panel physician, covering general health and chest X-rays
• Provide police clearance certificates from every country you’ve lived in for 12 months or more over the last ten years
• Declare any past criminal convictions or visa refusals

These checks can take several weeks, so book your health exams and organise police certificates as soon as you receive your invitation.

Lodging Your Application

Once your documents are in order, log in to your ImmiAccount to start your Subclass 491 visa application:

1. Select “New Application” and choose Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa (subclass 491).
2. Upload each document in the prescribed format—PDF or JPEG—and label them clearly.
3. Complete the online questionnaire, reviewing each section for accuracy.
4. Pay the visa application charge and any applicable second instalment (for applicants with less than functional English).

After submission, you’ll receive an acknowledgement email with a transaction reference number. Keep this safe for future correspondence.

After Lodgement: Bridging Visas and Follow-Up

If you’re in Australia on a substantive visa when you apply, you may automatically receive a Bridging Visa A, allowing you to stay lawfully while your application is processed. Should you need to travel, you can apply separately for a Bridging Visa B. If any additional information or documents are required, the Department will contact you via ImmiAccount—respond promptly to avoid delays.

Common Pitfalls and Tips

• Double-check that certified copies meet Australian standards—unsigned or incomplete certificates are rejected.
• Ensure employment references match your skills assessment and EOI details.
• Submit clear, legible scans—blurry or cropped images can lead to document requests.
• Keep your ImmiAccount contact details up to date to receive all notifications.
• Avoid last-minute submissions; server traffic near the 60-day deadline can cause technical issues.

By carefully preparing your documents, meeting health and character obligations, and monitoring your ImmiAccount, you set the stage for a smoother decision on your Subclass 491 visa application.

Fees and Charges: Cost of Applying for the 491 Visa

Applying for the Subclass 491 visa involves a mix of government-set fees and out-of-pocket expenses for assessments, health checks and other checks. It pays to budget carefully—below is a breakdown of the primary charges you’ll encounter, together with an overview of ancillary costs.

The Department of Home Affairs levies a base application charge for each visa applicant. At the time of writing, the fee for the main applicant is AUD 4,770. Family members included as subsequent entrants pay a reduced rate—currently AUD 2,385 per person. If you or any family member aged 18 or over does not meet the “functional English” threshold, a second instalment of AUD 4,890 will also apply.

Beyond these core charges, you should factor in several additional expenses. Skills assessment authorities charge their own fees (often between AUD 300 and AUD 1,200 depending on profession). You’ll also need to cover medical examination costs (typically AUD 300–500 per person), police certificates (up to AUD 100 each) and biometric service fees (around AUD 50).

By anticipating both the official visa charges and these allied costs, you’ll be better placed to plan your migration budget and avoid unexpected outlays as you move towards securing your 491 visa.

Processing Times and Tracking Your Application

Australia doesn’t publish fixed processing times for the Subclass 491 visa; each case is unique, determined by the volume of applications, the complexity of your circumstances and whether all required documents were provided up front. However, the Department of Home Affairs offers a visa processing time guide tool that shows recent benchmarks—giving you a realistic idea of current wait times for 75 per cent of applications.

In practice, most complete Subclass 491 applications are finalised within six to eight months, although that can stretch if health or character checks are requested, or if additional evidence is needed. Keep in mind these figures are only a guide; your personal timeline may vary based on your individual profile and any follow-up requests from the Department.

Tracking Your Application via ImmiAccount

Once you lodge your visa application online, you’ll receive a transaction reference number. Log in to your ImmiAccount and select your Subclass 491 application to see real-time updates—status labels such as “received,” “in progress” or “decision made” will appear. The portal also flags any outstanding requirements, such as a second instalment fee or additional documents.

To ensure you don’t miss any notices:

• Check your ImmiAccount inbox and registered email daily.
• Keep your contact details current in ImmiAccount.
• Respond promptly to Department requests to avoid avoidable delays.

Once Your Visa Is Granted: Using VEVO

You won’t receive a physical visa label in your passport. Instead, after grant you can confirm your visa conditions, grant date and expiry via Visa Entitlement Verification Online (VEVO). Simply enter your passport number and date of birth to view your entitlement at any time.

If your application exceeds the average processing timeframe, you can lodge a case enquiry through your ImmiAccount. Reference your transaction number and briefly explain why you need an update—this helps the Department prioritise any unexpected hold-ups.

By monitoring progress through ImmiAccount and VEVO, you’ll stay informed at every stage and be ready for the next steps in securing your Subclass 491 regional visa.

Conditions and Obligations of 491 Visa Holders

Once your Subclass 491 visa is granted, you accept certain conditions designed to reinforce the government’s goal of spurring regional development. These obligations cover where you live and work, how long your visa remains valid, your travel entitlements and the ongoing requirements you must meet to keep your visa in good standing.

Residence and Regional Requirements

Under Condition 8579, you must live, work and study only in a designated regional area for the entire duration of your visa. Whether you choose a major regional centre like Geelong or a smaller town in Tasmania, your postcode must align with the Migration (Designated Regional Areas—Subclass 491) Instrument 2022. Moving to a non-regional postcode can jeopardise your visa status, so always verify any change of address against the official list before you relocate.

Work and Study Conditions

Unlike many employer-sponsored visas, the Subclass 491 grants freedom to work for any employer and in any role, so long as you remain within a designated regional location. You’re also free to enrol in courses—vocational or higher education—at regional institutions. These flexible conditions help you seize job and study opportunities without being tied to a single sponsor or institution.

Travel Facility

Your 491 visa includes a multiple-entry travel facility valid until your visa expires. You can travel in and out of Australia as often as you like during the five-year period. However, once your visa lapses, you’ll need a new visa or a resident return visa to re-enter as a permanent resident, or you must hold Australian citizenship.

Visa Validity Period

The Subclass 491 visa is valid for five years from the date of grant. This window gives you time to establish yourself in a regional community, gain at least three years of qualifying work and residency to meet the pathway requirements for permanent residency (Subclass 191), and plan your next steps without rushing.

Compliance and Reporting Obligations

Maintaining your 491 visa means staying on top of a few key responsibilities:

• Keep adequate health insurance throughout your stay.
• Notify the Department of Home Affairs of any change in address within 14 days.
• Ensure any family members on your visa also comply with these conditions.
• Abide by Australian laws, including tax obligations and local regulations.

Failure to meet these obligations can result in visa cancellation or refusal of a future permanent residency application. By understanding and respecting these conditions, you’ll not only safeguard your current visa but also set a strong foundation for a successful transition to permanent residency.

Settlement Planning: Living in Regional Australia

Moving to regional Australia brings a different pace of life—more space, closer-knit communities and often lower living costs compared to the major cities. To help you settle smoothly, it’s vital to understand the economic landscape, housing market realities and the local support services you’ll rely on.

Cost of Living and Earnings

According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics’ State Statistical Bulletin 2023, average weekly earnings (AWOTE) in regional areas vary by state but generally sit just below metropolitan rates. For example:

• New South Wales (regional) – AUD 1,640
• Victoria (regional) – AUD 1,590
• Queensland (regional) – AUD 1,520
• South Australia (regional) – AUD 1,530
• Western Australia (regional) – AUD 1,680
• Tasmania (regional) – AUD 1,460
• Northern Territory (regional) – AUD 1,650
• Australian Capital Territory – AUD 1,700

Underemployment in regional Australia hovers around 9 percent, compared to a national average of 7 percent. These figures suggest that while wages may be slightly lower than in the big cities, many regional communities still offer competitive incomes and strong labour demand—especially in health, construction and agriculture.

Housing and Rental Market

Regional housing markets vary widely. In many areas, you’ll find:

• Lower median house prices and rents—often 10–20 percent below nearby capital city rates
• A mix of options: freestanding homes, townhouses and acreage properties
• Seasonal market fluctuations—tourist regions can spike in rent during peak periods

Tips for finding accommodation:

• Browse local real estate websites (e.g., Domain, Realestate.com.au) and filter by “regional” or specific postcode.
• Join community Facebook groups—residents often post available rentals or share tips on reliable agents.
• Consider a short-term stay (Airbnb or serviced apartments) while you scout long-term options.
• Ask your state’s local government office for renter’s guides—they often outline tenancy rules and bond requirements.

Community Support and Regional Services

Regional centres pride themselves on accessible local services:

• Health: Community health centres, regional hospitals and visiting specialists bridge the gap from major-city hospitals. Many towns also have bulk-billing GPs or nurse-led clinics.
• Education: You’ll find TAFE campuses and regional university branches offering vocational courses and degree pathways—perfect for upskilling or retraining.
• Local Government: Regional councils provide everything from library access to business grants. Most have dedicated settlement officers who can guide new migrants on licences, rates and local regulations.
• Recreation and Networking: Community centres, sporting clubs and volunteer groups are an ideal way to make friends, build professional contacts and practice your English.

Initial Settlement Checklist

To get off on the right foot, here’s a quick action list:

• Open an Australian bank account—many banks have regional branches and newcomer offers.
• Enrol in Medicare for subsidised health services.
• Apply for a state driver’s licence or convert your overseas licence (check your state transport authority).
• Register with a local GP or medical clinic—ask about bulk-billing options if budget is a concern.
• Enrol school-age children via the My School website or your regional education department.
• Connect with a local council settlement officer or multicultural hub for newcomer events and support.

By planning ahead—budgeting for living costs, researching housing, and tapping into local services—you’ll turn your regional move into a rewarding lifestyle choice and set yourself up for success in the Subclass 491 visa pathway.

Additional Resources for 491 Visa Applicants

Navigating the Subclass 491 pathway involves many moving parts—from checking occupation lists to boosting your points tally. To simplify your journey, we’ve created a suite of detailed guides and tools. Bookmark these pages to deepen your understanding and stay on top of any changes.

Visa Information Hub

Explore the Visa Information Hub for a complete rundown of Australian visa options. You’ll find specialist articles, downloadable checklists and up-to-date policy changes tailored to skilled migrants.

Skilled Occupation List (SOL) Guide

Your nominated occupation must appear on the right list. Our Skilled Occupation List (SOL) Guide breaks down each eligible occupation, highlights recent updates and explains which list applies to your visa stream.

State Sponsorship Explained

Each state and territory has its own nomination criteria. The State Sponsorship Explained guide walks you through the application process, occupation quotas and tips for maximising your chance of invitation in your preferred jurisdiction.

How to Improve Your Points Score

Looking to boost your SkillSelect points? Our How to Improve Your Points Score resource covers proven strategies—like professional year courses, regional study options and partner points—to help you move beyond the 65-point threshold.

Pathway to Permanent Residency: Transitioning to Subclass 191

Holding a Subclass 491 visa for three years opens the door to a permanent residency pathway through the Permanent Residence (Skilled Regional) visa (subclass 191). This visa grants you and any included family members the right to live, work and study anywhere in Australia indefinitely, paving the way to Australian citizenship. Below, we outline the key requirements, application steps and benefits of making this transition.

Eligibility Criteria for Subclass 191

To qualify for the Subclass 191 visa, you must meet all of the following:

• Have held a Subclass 491 visa continuously for at least three years.
• Comply with your regional residence and work obligations (Condition 8579) during those three years.
• Not be subject to any adverse visa cancellations or refusals.
• No longer need to demonstrate a minimum income under the latest regulation changes—this requirement was removed to simplify the pathway.

Application Process and Timeline

Once you confirm you meet the eligibility criteria, follow these steps to lodge your Subclass 191 application:

1. Gather your evidence:
   • A copy of your Subclass 491 visa grant notice.
   • Proof of three years’ residence and work in designated regional postcodes (e.g. rental leases, employer letters, tax returns).
   • Up-to-date identity documents (passport bio-data page, birth certificate).
   • Health and character clearances, if requested.
2. Apply online via your ImmiAccount:
   • Select “Permanent Residence (Skilled Regional) visa (subclass 191)” and upload your documentation.
   • Pay the visa application charge for the main applicant and any family members.
3. Monitor progress through ImmiAccount:
   • Processing times vary, but many applicants receive a decision within 6–12 months.
   • Respond promptly to any departmental requests for additional information.

Benefits of the Subclass 191 Visa

Upgrading to permanent residency via the Subclass 191 visa delivers significant advantages:

• Indefinite stay and work rights: live, study or work anywhere in Australia, not only in regional areas.
• Family inclusions: any dependents on your Subclass 491 can also become permanent residents.
• Seamless pathway to citizenship: after holding permanent status for one year (and meeting the four-year total residency rule), you can apply for Australian citizenship.
• Travel freedom: unrestricted re-entry rights, even after five years from your original 491 grant.

Transitioning to the Subclass 191 visa is the final step in your regional migration journey—securing permanent status and unlocking full participation in Australian life.

Take the Next Step

You’ve got the roadmap to a successful Subclass 491 visa application—now it’s time to put your plan into action. Start by revisiting your eligibility checklist, fine-tuning your SkillSelect points, and assembling the documents you need. If you haven’t already, submit or update your EOI and secure your skills assessment as early as possible.

For bespoke guidance tailored to your situation, book a one-on-one consultation with our experienced Registered Migration Agents. We’ll help you strategise your state nomination or family sponsorship, steer clear of common pitfalls, and map out your settlement in regional Australia. Visit Simon Mander Consulting to access free resources—like our Skilled Migration booklet and points calculator—or to schedule your personalised assessment today.

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