The Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa (subclass 491) lets skilled workers live and work in regional Australia for 5 years. After 3 years, holders who meet the income and residence requirements can apply for permanent residence through the Permanent Residence (Skilled Regional) visa (subclass 191).
It is points-tested, like the 189 and 190, but you need either a state or territory nomination or sponsorship by an eligible relative living in a designated regional area. That nomination or sponsorship is worth 15 points, the largest single boost in the points test.
The 491 visa charge is A$6,140 for the main applicant (from 1 July 2026).
At a Glance
| Requirement | 491 Skilled Work Regional |
|---|---|
| Visa type | Provisional (5 years) |
| Nomination or sponsorship | State/territory government, or an eligible relative in a designated regional area |
| Points test pass mark | 65 points (nomination or sponsorship adds 15) |
| Age | Under 45 when invited |
| English | At least Competent at the time of invitation |
| Where you live | A designated regional area only |
| Path to PR | Subclass 191 after 3 years |
| Visa charge (main applicant) | A$6,140 |
What "Regional" Means
Home Affairs classes everywhere except Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane as a designated regional area. That includes major cities:
- Category 2, "Cities and Major Regional Centres": Perth, Adelaide, the Gold Coast, the Sunshine Coast, Canberra, Newcastle/Lake Macquarie, Wollongong/Illawarra, Geelong and Hobart
- Category 3, "Regional Centres and Other Regional Areas": the rest of regional Australia
So a 491 holder can live and work in Perth or Adelaide, but not in Sydney, Melbourne or Brisbane. You and your family on the visa must live, work and study in a designated regional area for the life of the visa.
Who Can Get a 491 Visa
Home Affairs says you must:
- be nominated by a state or territory government agency, or sponsored by an eligible relative
- have an occupation on the relevant skilled list for the 491 and a suitable skills assessment
- be invited to apply through SkillSelect
- score at least 65 points (points test guide)
- be under 45 when invited
- have at least Competent English when invited
Family sponsorship
An eligible relative can sponsor you if they are 18 or older, usually live in a designated regional area, and are an Australian citizen, permanent resident or eligible New Zealand citizen. Eligible relatives are a parent, child, sibling, aunt or uncle, niece or nephew, grandparent or first cousin (including step and adoptive relations), of you or of your partner if they are also applying.
What the 491 Visa Costs
| Charge | Amount |
|---|---|
| Main applicant | A$6,140 |
| Each additional applicant 18 or over | A$3,070 |
| Each additional applicant under 18 | A$1,535 |
A second instalment applies to family members aged 18 or over without Functional English. Some states charge their own nomination fee.
From 491 to Permanent Residence (Subclass 191)
To apply for the 191, you generally need to have:
- held the 491 (or 494) for at least 3 years
- lived, worked and studied in a designated regional area during that time
- met the minimum taxable income requirement for 3 years while holding the visa
Until you have held the 491 for 3 years, you can't be granted most other permanent visas, and you can't apply for an onshore partner visa either.
How to Apply for a 491 Visa
1. Choose your route
Decide between state nomination (check each state's regional program) and family sponsorship.
2. Get a skills assessment and English test
Both must be valid at the time of invitation.
3. Lodge an EOI in SkillSelect
Indicate whether you want state nomination or will be sponsored by a relative.
4. Receive the nomination and invitation
For family-sponsored EOIs, Home Affairs invites applicants in invitation rounds.
5. Lodge your visa application within 60 days
Provide evidence of every points claim and of the sponsorship or nomination.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I live in Perth or Adelaide on a 491 visa?
Yes. Perth, Adelaide, Canberra, Hobart, the Gold Coast and other cities outside Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane are designated regional areas.
How long does the 491 visa last?
5 years from the date of grant. It can't be extended, but you can apply for permanent residence through the 191 after 3 years if you meet the requirements.
How many points does state nomination add?
15 points, whether you are nominated by a state or territory or sponsored by an eligible relative.
Can I move to Sydney after getting a 491?
Not while you hold the 491. Living or working outside a designated regional area breaches the visa conditions and can affect your 191 application.
Get Help With a 491 Visa
Choosing the right state, keeping regional residence evidence and planning the 191 all affect whether the 491 leads to permanent residence. A registered migration agent can help you plan it. Tell us your situation and we'll introduce you to registered migration agents near you. It's free to ask.
This page is general information, not immigration advice. Source: Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa (subclass 491) and designated regional areas, Department of Home Affairs.