Subclass 491 Skilled Work Regional Visa
Provisional visa with a pathway to permanent residence
The Subclass 491 Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa is for skilled workers who are willing to live and work in regional Australia. It is a provisional visa: you get 5 years of residence and work rights, and after meeting certain conditions (including living and working in a regional area for a set period), you can apply for the Subclass 191 Permanent Residence (Skilled Regional) visa.
The 491 requires either state/territory nomination or family sponsorship by an eligible relative living in a designated regional area. In return, you receive 15 nomination points—the highest of the three main skilled visas—which can make a big difference if your base points are close to the threshold. For many applicants, the 491 is the most achievable route when 189 and 190 invitation points are very high.
How points work for the 491 visa
You need at least 65 points in total to be eligible. Your points are calculated the same way as for the 189 and 190 (age, English, work, education, etc.). For the 491, you add 15 nomination points when you have either state/territory nomination or eligible family sponsorship in a designated regional area, so your total is base points + 15.
That 15-point boost often makes the 491 the visa where you can reach the points threshold when 189 or 190 might be out of reach. For example, with 55 base points you would have 70 points for the 491—enough to be eligible—whereas for the 189 you would still be below 65.
You must intend to live and work in a designated regional area while on the 491. Our calculator shows your base points and the 15-point nomination bonus so you can see your 491 total and compare it with 189 and 190.
The 491 gives 15 nomination points for state/territory nomination or eligible family sponsorship in a regional area.
Eligibility at a glance
You must have a positive skills assessment in an occupation on a relevant skilled list, meet age and English requirements, and score at least 65 points including the 15 nomination points. You must be nominated by a state or territory, or sponsored by an eligible family member living in a designated regional area. The 491 is provisional; after meeting the required period of regional residence and work, you can apply for the permanent Subclass 191 visa.
Designated regional areas include many locations outside major cities; the definition is set by the Department of Home Affairs and can change. Always check the official 491 and 191 criteria and regional definitions on the Department of Home Affairs website.
Practical tips for the 491
Frequently asked questions
- What is the minimum points requirement for the Subclass 491 visa?
- The minimum points requirement for the Subclass 491 is 65 points in total, including the 15 points for state or family sponsorship. Your base points plus 15 must equal at least 65.
- Is the Subclass 491 a permanent visa?
- No. The 491 is a provisional (temporary) visa. It gives you 5 years of residence and work rights in regional Australia. After meeting the required period of regional residence and work, you can apply for the Subclass 191 Permanent Residence (Skilled Regional) visa.
- What counts as regional for the 491?
- Designated regional areas are defined by the Department of Home Affairs and include many areas outside major cities (e.g. Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane). Some regional areas have additional incentives. Check the official Home Affairs website for the current regional definition and postcode list.
Calculate your points for Subclass 491
See your base points plus the 15-point nomination bonus and compare with 189 and 190.
Go to calculatorAlso explore Subclass 189, Subclass 190 to compare your options.