SKILLED WORK REGIONAL (PROVISIONAL) VISA (SUBCLASS 491)
Designed for skilled professionals nominated by a state, territory, or eligible family member
ABOUT THE VISA
The Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa (subclass 491) is a temporary visa designed for skilled workers who want to live and work in designated regional areas of Australia. This visa is aimed at addressing skill shortages in regional Australia and supporting population growth outside major cities.The visa is points-tested and requires either state or territory government nomination or sponsorship by an eligible family member living in a regional area. If granted, the visa allows the holder and their family to live, work and study in regional Australia for up to five years. It also provides a clear pathway to permanent residency through the Permanent Residence (Skilled Regional) visa (subclass 191).
WHAT THIS VISA ALLOWS YOU TO DO
With the Skilled Work Regional visa, holders can live in a designated regional area of Australia and work or study without restrictions within those regions. Visa holders can change employers freely as long as they continue to live, work and study in regional Australia. They can also enrol in Medicare and access Australia's public healthcare system.
The visa allows holders to travel in and out of Australia while the visa is valid and include eligible family members in their application. After meeting income, residence and employment requirements, visa holders may apply for permanent residency.
LENGTH OF STAY
The Skilled Work Regional visa is valid for up to five years from the date of grant. During this period, visa holders must live, work and study only in designated regional areas. The visa does not allow unrestricted movement to non-regional areas.
After holding the visa for at least three years and meeting minimum taxable income requirements, applicants may be eligible to apply for the Permanent Residence (Skilled Regional) visa (subclass 191).
INCLUDING FAMILY MEMBERS
Applicants can include eligible family members, such as a partner and dependent children, in their visa application. Family members can be added at the time of application or before a decision is made. All family members must meet Australia's health and character requirements.
Family members included in the visa are also required to live, work and study in regional Australia in line with visa conditions.
ELIGIBILITY AND KEY REQUIREMENTS
Applicants must submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) through SkillSelect and receive an invitation to apply.
Applicants must be nominated by an Australian state or territory government or sponsored by an eligible family member living in a designated regional area.
Applicants must be under 45 years of age at the time of invitation.
Applicants must score a minimum of 65 points on the points test.
Points are awarded based on factors such as
Applicants applying from within Australia must hold a valid substantive visa or an eligible bridging visa at the time of application.
SKILLS AND ENGLISH REQUIREMENTS
Applicants must nominate an occupation that is on the relevant skilled occupation list for the subclass 491 visa. A positive skills assessment from the appropriate assessing authority is required at the time of invitation. The skills assessment must generally be obtained within three years before the invitation date, unless stated otherwise by the assessing authority.
Applicants must also demonstrate at least competent English at the time of invitation. This is usually proven through approved English language tests such as IELTS, PTE Academic, TOEFL iBT, OET or Cambridge C1 Advanced. Higher levels of English may increase points and improve the chance of receiving an invitation.
BENEFITS OF THE SKILLED WORK REGIONAL VISA (SUBCLASS 491)
The Skilled Work Regional visa offers several important benefits, including
The ability to live, work and study in regional Australia for up to five years
Access to Medicare and Australia's public healthcare system
Flexibility to work for any employer within designated regional areas
The option to include eligible family members
A clear pathway to permanent residency through subclass 191
Additional points for regional nomination or family sponsorship
Opportunities to gain Australian work experience in regional areas
HEALTH AND CHARACTER REQUIREMENTS
All applicants and included family members must meet Australia's health requirements.
Applicants may be required to complete medical examinations, including
Medical examinations are completed as requested by the Department of Home Affairs.
Applicants aged 16 years and over must meet character requirements.
Character requirements usually involve providing police clearance certificates from countries where the applicant has lived.
An applicant's immigration history is also considered during the assessment process.
COST
The visa application charge for the main applicant is AUD 4,910. Additional fees apply for each family member included in the application. Other costs may include skills assessments, English language tests, medical examinations, police certificates and biometrics.
OTHER IMPORTANT INFORMATION
Processing times vary depending on individual circumstances, application completeness and demand. Visa holders must comply with all visa conditions, including living and working only in designated regional areas. The visa is digitally linked to the passport, and no physical visa label is issued.
