Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Visa – Subclass 491
Looking to move to Australia but don’t qualify for Subclass 189 or 190? The Skilled Work Regional Visa (Subclass 491) offers a great pathway to live and work in regional Australia and earn permanent residency.
Migrate to Regional Australia with GeoEdutech’s Expert Guidance
Looking to settle in Australia but missing out on Subclass 189 or 190 requirements? The Skilled Work Regional (Subclass 491) visa is your gateway to live, work, and eventually become a permanent resident in regional Australia.
At GeoEdutech, one of the most trusted immigration consultants in Pune, we simplify your journey to Australia through the Subclass 491 visa, offering complete support from profile assessment to visa lodgement.
What is the Subclass 491 Visa?
The Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa (Subclass 491) is a points-tested temporary visa for skilled workers nominated by:
- A state or territory government.
- An eligible relative residing in regional Australia.
This visa allows you to live, work, and study in designated regional areas for up to 5 years, with a pathway to permanent residency (Subclass 191) after 3 years of compliance.
Key Benefits of Subclass 491
- 5-year visa to live and work in regional areas
- Pathway to PR (Subclass 191) after 3 years of regional work and income requirement
- Include family members in the application
- Travel in and out of Australia freely
- Work in any occupation (not tied to a specific employer)
- Access to education and regional healthcare benefits
- Adds 15 extra points in the points test
Learn more about permanent residency pathways on our Immigration Consultants page.
Subclass 491 Visa Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for the Subclass 491 visa, applicants must:
- Be under 45 years of age
- Have a nominated occupation on the relevant skilled occupation list
- Obtain a positive skills assessment
- Achieve a minimum of 65 points
- Meet English language proficiency (IELTS/PTE/TOEFL)
- Receive a nomination from a state/territory OR a sponsorship from an eligible relative in a designated regional area
- Submit a valid Expression of Interest (EOI) through SkillSelect
- Be invited to apply by the Department of Home Affairs
Not sure if you’re eligible? Contact GeoEdutech for a free assessment.
What Is Considered Regional Australia?
As per the latest classification, most of Australia is considered “regional” except major cities like:
- Sydney
- Melbourne
- Brisbane
Popular regional areas include:
- Adelaide
- Canberra
- Perth
- Hobart
- Gold Coast
- Sunshine Coast
- Darwin
- Townsville
These areas offer state nomination, affordable living, and faster PR processing.
Points Test Breakdown for Subclass 491 Visa
| Criteria | Max Points |
|---|---|
|
Age |
Up to 30 |
|
English Proficiency |
Up to 20 |
|
Skilled Work Experience |
Up to 20 |
|
Educational Qualification |
Up to 20 |
|
Australian Study |
5 |
|
Professional Year |
5 |
|
Partner Skills |
Up to 10 |
|
State Nomination/Regional Sponsorship |
+15 |
That 15-point boost from Subclass 491 can be a game changer!
Application Process for Subclass 491
Explore our Study Abroad Australia and PR services for additional guidance.
Subclass 491 Visa Cost (2025)
- Primary Applicant: AUD 4,640
- Additional Adult Applicant: AUD 2,320
- Dependent Child: AUD 1,160
(Additional expenses include medicals, English tests, skill assessment fees, etc.)
Processing Time
- Estimated Time: 7 to 12 months Timelines vary depending on the state, occupation, and case complexity.
What Happens After 491 Visa?
You can apply for the Skilled Regional Permanent Residency Visa (Subclass 191) after:
- 3 years of residence in regional Australia
- Meeting the minimum taxable income threshold for 3 consecutive years
- Compliance with all visa conditions
Why Choose GeoEdutech for Your Subclass 491 Visa?
As one of the best-rated immigration consultants in Pune, GeoEdutech provides:
- Complete profile evaluation and points calculation
- Guidance on choosing the right regional state
- Expert documentation and EOI support
- Region-specific advice and nomination assistance
- IELTS coaching through our IELTS Classes
- End-to-end visa processing with full transparency
From Baner to Hinjewadi, Wakad, Kothrud, and beyond – we serve students and professionals all over Pune!
Who Should Apply for Subclass 491?
- Professionals not meeting 189/190 thresholds
- Applicants with family in regional Australia
- Recent graduates from Australian regional universities
- Applicants open to regional lifestyle and PR commitment
Ready to Apply? Let’s Start Your 491 Journey!
Migrating to Australia via the Skilled Work Regional (Subclass 491) Visa is easier when you have the right experts guiding you. With real-time updates, state nomination know-how, and a proven track record, GeoEdutech is your best choice.
Visit us in Pune or Contact Us Online for a free consultation and assessment!
FAQs
What is the Skilled Work Regional (Subclass 491) visa?
The Skilled Work Regional (Subclass 491) visa is a provisional visa that allows skilled workers and their families to live, work, and study in regional Australia for up to 5 years. It’s part of the Australian skilled migration program and offers a pathway to permanent residency for australia (PR) through the Subclass 191 visa. At GeoEdutech, we guide you through the entire process—from skills assessment to visa application.
What are the main eligibility requirements for a 491 visa?
To apply for a Subclass 491 visa, you must:
- Be nominated by a state or territory government or sponsored by an eligible family member in regional Australia.
- Have an occupation on the relevant Skilled Occupation List.
- Pass a positive skills assessment.
- Meet the points test requirement (minimum 65 points).
- Be under 45 years of age.
GeoEdutech ensures your application meets all 491 visa requirements to increase your chances of success.
Can a 491 visa lead to Australian permanent residency?
Yes. The Subclass 491 visa is a PR pathway. After living and working in a designated regional area for 3 years and meeting minimum taxable income requirements, you may be eligible to apply for the Skilled Regional Permanent Residence (Subclass 191) visa. GeoEdutech’s migration consultants can help you plan your study in regional Australia or career path for smooth PR transition.
How long does it take to process a Skilled Work Regional (491) visa?
Processing times vary based on application completeness, nomination availability, and the Department of Home Affairs workload. On average, 491 visa processing can take 8 to 14 months. GeoEdutech speeds up the process by ensuring document readiness, accurate Expression of Interest (EOI) lodgment, and prompt state nomination submission.
Why choose GeoEdutech for your 491 visa application?
GeoEdutech provides end-to-end support for your 491 visa journey:
- Profile evaluation and points calculation
- State nomination guidance
- Skills assessment preparation
- EOI submission
- Visa application assistance
Our team specializes in regional migration pathways, ensuring your move to regional Australia is strategic for both career growth and permanent residency goals.