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Skilled Work Regional Visa | Subclass 491

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491 Visa Australia

Among the most vital pathways skilled workers show interest in, living and working in regional Australia is the Skilled Work Regional visa subclass 491. It targets the fulfillment of skill shortages and development assurance in certain regions. Key features of the subclass 491 visa include:


  • The stay period available is up to 5 years in Australia.
  • Living, working, and studying in a designated regional area of Australia.
  • Travel privileges allowing multiple entries to and from Australia while the visa is valid.
  • A pathway to permanent residence after meeting prescribed requirements, usually 3 years from the date of grant of visa.

This visa is accrued when skilled workers are interested in establishing a business, relocating, or continuing beyond the original period of stay in regional areas of Australia for the purposes of local economic development and a diverse range of communities throughout regional Australia.

The particular purpose of the VISA Subclass 491 is to assist regions which generally have trouble in filling skilled jobs and retaining skilled labor. Therefore, the visa incentivizes opening, moving to, or extending residency in regions creating local economic development and enriching a varied and colorful regional system throughout Australia.

Grace Australia provides professional support in dealing with the 491 visa as part of our migration services. Our staff is trained to know exactly how to work out the requirements for every class of visa and application type. We do our best in trying to guide them through with very accurate and updated information.

For the most current and accurate information that pertains to a subclass 491 visa, including but not limited to eligibility criteria, application processes, and area/regional designations, we always recommend referring to the official Australian Department of Home Affairs website or contacting one of our registered migration agents.

What is a Skilled Work Regional visa (subclass 491)?


The Skilled Work Regional visa (subclass 491) is a subclass of visa that citizens can apply for which is based on a points test that forms part of the Australian Immigration points system. These visas replaced the old Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme (subclass 187) in November 2010, moving to more focus on migration geography.

Purpose of the Visa


The primary objectives of the 491 visa are:


  • To address skill shortages in regional Australia by attracting qualified professionals.

  • To stimulate economic growth in areas outside major metropolitan centres.

  • To relieve population pressure on major cities like Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane.

  • To create a more balanced demographic distribution across the country.

By incentivizing skilled migrants to settle in regional areas, the visa aims to create a win-win situation where migrants gain valuable opportunities and regional communities benefit from their skills and economic contribution.

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Duration and Conditions of 491 Visa


The 491 visa conditions are designed to ensure that visa holders contribute meaningfully to regional areas. The visa is valid for up to 5 years with visa holders living, working, and studying only in designated regional areas.

The visa holders must also work for a taxable income for a period of not less than 3 years before looking for permanent residency status. They must adhere to the conditions of the visa granted for the period prescribed otherwise face non-compliance penalties which include cancellation of the visa.

These conditions are implemented to ensure that the visa serves its intended purpose of supporting regional development.

Eligibility Criteria


To be eligible for the 491 visa, applicants must meet a comprehensive set of criteria:



Receive a nomination from an Australian state or territory government agency or be sponsored by an eligible relative living in a designated regional area.

Your nominated occupation must be on the relevant skilled occupation list. The occupation should align with the specific needs of the nominating state or territory.

Obtain a positive skills assessment from the relevant assessing authority for your nominated occupation. Make sure the assessment is valid at the time of invitation.

Receive an invitation to apply for the visa following the submission of an Expression of Interest (EOI) through SkillSelect.

Score a minimum of 65 points on the points test. Points are awarded for various factors including age, English language proficiency, work experience, and qualifications.

Be under 45 years of age at the time of invitation for the main applicant. No age limit for subsequent entrants (e.g., spouse or dependent children).

Demonstrate at least competent English. Higher points are awarded for proficient or superior English.

Meet health and character requirements as specified by the Department of Home Affairs.

While not always explicitly required, having sufficient funds to settle in a regional area is advisable.



Meeting these criteria ensures that visa holders are well-positioned to contribute effectively to their new communities and adapt to life in regional Australia.

Streams of 491 visa


Main applicant (State or Territory Nominated Stream)


This stream is designed for skilled workers who have been nominated by a state or territory government agency. Key features include:


  • Stay period: Up to 5 years

  • 491 visa cost: Approximately AUD 4,115 for the main applicant (additional costs for dependents)

  • 491 visa processing time: Typically 6 to 8 months, though this can vary based on individual circumstances and application volumes

Applicants in this stream must have skills in occupations that are in demand in the nominating state or territory. The nomination process often involves additional criteria set by the nominating jurisdiction, which may include specific work experience or language requirements.

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Subsequent entrant (Family-sponsored Stream)


This stream caters to family members of the main applicant or to those sponsored by an eligible relative already living in a designated regional area. Key aspects include:


  • Stay period: Matches the main applicant's visa duration

  • 491 visa cost: Similar to the main applicant stream

  • 491 visa processing time: May vary, often slightly quicker than the main applicant stream

Family sponsors must be an eligible relative (e.g., parent, child, sibling, aunt, uncle, niece, or nephew) who is an Australian citizen or permanent resident living in a designated regional area.

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The Nomination Process


Pathway 1: Direct Application to Investment NSW


For those seeking nomination from New South Wales:


  • Check eligibility against NSW nomination criteria

  • Submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) in SkillSelect

  • Apply directly to Investment NSW with the required documents

  • If successful, receive a nomination and an invitation to apply for the visa

This pathway allows for more proactive engagement with the nominating authority.

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Pathway 2: Receiving an Invitation to Apply


This more common pathway involves:


  • Submitting an EOI through SkillSelect

  • Waiting for a state or territory to review your EOI

  • If selected, receiving an invitation to apply for nomination

  • Completing the nomination application process

  • If nominated, receiving an invitation to apply for the visa

This pathway relies on the state or territory identifying your EOI to match their needs.

Invitation Rounds


Frequency and Timing of Rounds


  • Invitation rounds typically occur monthly

  • Dates are not pre-announced, adding an element of unpredictability

  • The number of invitations varies based on regional skill needs and overall migration planning levels

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Points Allocation System


The points system is crucial in determining invitations:


  • Minimum score: 65 points

  • Higher scores increase the chances of an invitation

  • Points are awarded for:

  1. Age (maximum 30 points)
  2. English language proficiency (maximum 20 points)
  3. Skilled employment experience (maximum 20 points)
  4. Educational qualifications (maximum 20 points)
  5. Australian study requirement (5 points)
  6. Specialist education qualification (10 points)
  7. Credentialled community language (5 points)
  8. Study in regional Australia (5 points)
  9. Partner skills (10 points)
  10. Professional Year in Australia (5 points)

Invitations are issued to the highest-ranking candidates in each round, making it crucial to maximise your points score.

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