Skilled Work Regional visa, subclass 491 in Australia

Skilled Work Regional visa, subclass 491 · Australia visa route

skilled · last reviewed 2026-08-08 · all Australia routes

A provisional points-tested visa for skilled workers nominated by a state/territory or sponsored by an eligible relative in a regional area.

Important notes

• Submit an Expression of Interest and obtain state/territory nomination or eligible-relative sponsorship in a designated regional area.
• Nominate an eligible occupation, obtain a skills assessment, and meet the points and English requirements.
• Live, work, and study only in designated regional areas and later meet the permanent-residence conditions.
• Subclass 491 is provisional, unlike subclasses 189 and 190.
• The route provides 15 points but carries regional residence, work, and study conditions.

Official source

Official source: Australian Department of Home Affairs

Also look at similar visas from these countries

🇦🇺 Australia Skilled Independent visa, subclass 189 A points-tested permanent visa for invited skilled workers without state or family sponsorship. Open this route → 🇦🇺 Australia Skilled Nominated visa, subclass 190 A points-tested permanent visa requiring nomination by an Australian state or territory. Open this route → 🇳🇿 New Zealand Skilled Migrant Category From 24 August 2026 two new pathways open: Skilled Work Experience (5 years of relevant experience, at least 2 in New Zealand, paid at 1.1x the Skilled Migrant wage threshold) and Trades and Technician (4 years of post-qualification experience, at least 18 months in New Zealand, Level 4+ qualification). The existing six-point route stays, with a New Zealand bachelor's degree rising from 3 to 5 points, an overseas bachelor's from 3 to 4, and the New Zealand work experience needed for full points falling from up to 3 years to 2. Most applicants are assessed against the wage threshold that applied when they began accumulating qualifying New Zealand work. Unsubmitted draft EOIs are deleted when the new system opens. Open this route → 🇧🇷 Brazil Work residence An employer-led or qualification-based work route. Open this route →

Visa rules change frequently. This page is a research guide, not legal advice. Confirm current requirements with the official source before applying.