Skilled Work Regional (Subclass 491)

Eligibility

You must be either nominated by an Australian state or territory government agency or indicate that you will be sponsored by an eligible relative. To get nominated you need to submit an expression of interest (EOI) for the visa to get an estimate of your points score. If you score enough points, state and territory government agencies can see your EOI and might nominate you for the visa application.

If you indicate in your EOI that you will be sponsored by an eligible relative, the Department may invite you to apply for a visa in an invitation round.

To submit EOI you need to

Have a suitable skills assessment
You must be aged under 45
Be able to score 65 points or more
Have this level of competent English language
Meet the skills requirement
Meet the health requirements
Meet character requirement
Have paid back your debt to the Australian government
Sign the Australian values statement
Not have had a visa cancelled or a previous application refused

To check full eligibility, visit: Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa Subclass 491

How do I get a Skills Assessment?

Information about Skills Assessments is available on the Department of Home Affairs website.

Can I Submit Multiple EOI?

Yes, you can as long as you have a positive skill assessment under your nominated occupation, you can lodge multiple EOI.

Is PR guaranteed after 491?

The Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa (subclass 491) does not automatically grant permanent residency, but it offers a pathway to PR. To be eligible for the Subclass 191 Permanent Residence (Skilled Regional) visa, you must live and work in a designated regional area for at least three years and meet the required income criteria.

Can I move interstate on a 491 visa?

Yes, you can move to another Australian state on a 491 visa, provided you relocate to a designated regional area and not to a major city such as Sydney, Melbourne, or Brisbane. There is no strict visa condition that requires you to remain in your nominating state.