Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Visa (Subclass 491) Guide
What does the subclass 491 visa guide cover?
This guide covers the key information you need to know about the subclass 491 visa, including eligibility requirements, visa streams, required documents, visa costs, processing times and the application process. It also explains how Turner-Rowe Migration can assist you throughout your entire visa application, with support available in both English and Spanish.
What do you need to know about the subclass 491 visa?
What is the official visa name → Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa (subclass 491)
Who can apply to this visa → Skilled workers nominated by an Australian state or territory government, or sponsored by an eligible family member, to live and work in regional Australia
How long can you stay in Australia with this visa → It allows applicants to live, work and study in a designated regional area for 5 years
Can applicants work under this visa → Yes, applicants are allowed to work in a designated region of Australia
Can applicants study under this visa → Yes, applicants are allowed to study in a designated region of Australia
Can I include family members in the visa application → Yes, applicants can include eligible family members in their application
Does this visa lead to Permanent Residency → Yes, applicants can apply to Permanent Residency if eligible
Are you eligible for a subclass 491 visa?
To be eligible, applicants generally must meet the following requirements:
Be invited to apply
Be nominated by an Australian state or territory government agency, or be sponsored by an eligible relative
Be the required age when you apply
Have the skills required
Have a relevant skills assessment
Score 65 points or more
Meet the English language requirements
Meet the health requirements
Meet the character requirements
Have no outstanding debt to the Australian Government
Sign the Australian Values Statement
Eligibility requirements may vary depending on your personal circumstances.
For detailed information on eligibility requirements, please visit the Department of Home Affairs subclass 491 Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa eligibility page.
What are the subclass 491 visa streams?
Family Sponsored Regional: You can apply for this visa if you are sponsored by an eligible relative, such as a parent, sibling, aunt/uncle, niece/nephew, grandparent or first cousin, who is 18 or older, an Australian citizen, permanent resident or eligible New Zealand citizen usually residing in a designated regional area.
State/Territory Government Nominated Regional: You can apply for this visa if you are nominated by an Australian state or territory government agency, each of which has its own criteria for who they will nominate.
What documents do you need to apply?
The common documents required for a subclass 491 visa application include:
Valid passport
Relationship documents (if applicable)
Character documents
English documents
Partner documents (if applicable)
Dependant documents (if applicable)
Skills assessment documents
Evidence supporting the information provided in your EOI
Employment documents
Sponsor documents
Nomination documents
For detailed information on documents required, please visit the Department of Home Affairs subclass 491 Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa step by step page.
How much will the subclass 491 visa cost you?
The cost depends on the number of applicants included in the visa application.
Primary Applicant: $6,140 AUD
Additional Applicant Charge 18+: $3,070 AUD
Additional Applicant Charge U18: $1,535 AUD
Costs are subject to change and may vary depending on your individual circumstances and any additional charges, such as our Registered Migration Agent Fees.
For detailed information on visa costs, please visit the Department of Home Affairs visa pricing estimator page.
How do you apply for a subclass 491 visa?
The process generally includes the following steps:
Meet eligibility criteria
Gather your documents
Lodge the visa application
Attach more information (if asked)
Department of Home Affairs decision
For detailed information on how to apply, please visit the Department of Home Affairs subclass 491 Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa step by step page.
How long will you wait for the visa to be processed?
Family Sponsored Regional applications are processed within:
50% of applications are processed within 3 months
90% of applications are processed within 6 months
State/Territory Government Nominated Regional applications are processed within:
50% of applications are processed within 12 months
90% of applications are processed within 18 months
Processing times are subject to change and may vary depending on individual circumstances and the completeness of your application.
For the latest information on Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa (subclass 491) processing times, please visit the Department of Home Affairs visa processing times page.
What happens after your visa is lodged?
After your subclass 491 visa is lodged, the Department of Home Affairs assesses your application and may request additional information before making a decision.
The final step is the Department's decision on your application.
If your visa has been approved, the Department will provide you with:
Grant visa number
Date your visa starts
Visa conditions (if applicable)
If your visa has not been approved, the Department will provide you with:
Reason why it was refused
Rights to a decision’s review
Important: The Department will not refund you the application fee if your visa is refused.
How can Turner-Rowe Migration help you?
At Turner-Rowe Migration, we provide Australian migration and visa services in English and Spanish, with personalised support tailored to your goals and individual circumstances, backed by over 8 years of professional experience.
Our Registered Migration Agent helps you with:
Professional advice & personalised guidance
Eligibility assessment, visa options and migration pathway
Documentation support & avoiding application mistakes
Improving the quality of your application
Preparing and lodging your visa application
Post-lodgement support & application updates
Responding to Department of Home Affairs additional requests
Notify you the Department's decision on your application
Contact us today whether you're exploring your visa options, seeking guidance or advice, or ready to begin your Australian visa application.
Ready to start your Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa (subclass 491) application?
Disclaimer: This information is provided for general information purposes only and is based on information published by the Australian Government and the Department of Home Affairs. Australian visa requirements, policies, fees, processing times and eligibility criteria may change. For the latest and most accurate information, applicants should refer to the Department of Home Affairs and the relevant visa subclass requirements.