15 Bonus Points + Pathway to PR Through Regional Living
Australia's Subclass 491 visa offers skilled workers 15 additional points through state nomination or family sponsorship in designated regional areas. After three years of regional living, transition to permanent residency via the Subclass 191 visa. Covering all Australian states and territories.
Skilled Work Regional Visa (Subclass 491)
The Skilled Work Regional (provisional) visa (subclass 491) allows skilled workers and their families to live, work, and study in designated regional areas of Australia for up to 5 years, with a pathway to permanent residency through the Subclass 191 visa.
15 Bonus Points
Automatic 15 points for regional nomination, lowering the score needed to receive an invitation
PR Pathway
Clear pathway to permanent residency through Subclass 191 visa after 3 years in regional Australia
Family Inclusion
Include your spouse and dependent children with full work and study rights
Work Rights
Unrestricted work rights in designated regional areas across Australia
Study Access
Access to Australian education institutions with potential fee subsidies
Regional Lifestyle
Enjoy lower cost of living, less congestion, and strong community support
Designated Regional Areas by State
Each Australian state offers different regional areas and nomination streams for the Subclass 491 visa.
New South Wales
All of NSW except Sydney metro
Stream 1: Living & Working, Stream 2: Graduate
Victoria
All of Victoria except Melbourne metro
Skilled Employment, Skilled Graduate, Doctor Streams
Queensland
All of QLD except Brisbane metro & Gold Coast
QSOL (Queensland Skilled Occupation List) streams
South Australia
Entire state including Adelaide
Outer Regional, Southern State, Graduate Streams
Western Australia
All of WA except Perth metro
General Stream, Graduate Stream, WA Building & Construction
Tasmania
Entire state
Overseas Applicant, Tasmanian Graduate, Skilled Employment
Northern Territory
Entire territory
Offshore, Onshore, Graduate Streams
Australian Capital Territory
All of ACT
Canberra Matrix - 491 nomination for lower-ranked candidates
491 Visa Requirements
Eligibility criteria, regional conditions, and financial requirements for the Subclass 491 visa.
Basic Eligibility
- Under 45 years of age
- Competent English (IELTS 6.0 each band)
- Positive skills assessment in nominated occupation
- Occupation on relevant skilled occupation list
- At least 65 points including 15 regional bonus
Regional Requirements
- Nomination from state/territory government OR
- Sponsorship from eligible family member in regional area
- Commitment to live and work in designated regional area
- Must have genuine intention to settle regionally
- Comply with regional work conditions for 3 years
Financial Requirements
- Proof of settlement funds (varies by state)
- Health insurance coverage for duration of stay
- Sufficient funds for visa application fees
- AUD 4,770 main applicant + additional fees for dependents
- Financial capacity to relocate and establish in regional area
491 to PR Pathway through Subclass 191
The Subclass 191 visa is the permanent residency pathway for 491 visa holders who meet regional living requirements.
Subclass 191 Visa Requirements
- Held a Subclass 491 visa for at least 3 years
- Compiled with regional work conditions during those 3 years
- Demonstrated taxable income at or above the minimum threshold (currently not specified)
- No further nomination or sponsorship required
- Meet health and character requirements
The Subclass 191 visa was introduced on 16 November 2022. The first holders become eligible to apply for PR from November 2025 onwards.
Application Process
Six stages from skills assessment to permanent residency through the Subclass 491 visa.
Skills Assessment
Get positive skills assessment from relevant assessing authority
EOI Submission
Submit EOI through SkillSelect with state nomination indicated
State Nomination
Apply for and receive state or territory nomination
Visa Application
Receive invitation and submit complete 491 visa application
Regional Living (3 years)
Live, work and study in designated regional area for 3 years
Apply for PR (Subclass 191)
After 3 years, apply for permanent residency through Subclass 191
Ready for Regional Australia?
With 15 bonus points and a clear pathway to PR, the Subclass 491 visa is your gateway to living in Australia. Let our experts help you secure state nomination and navigate the application process.