Subclass 491 – Skilled Work Regional Visa
Your Pathway to Permanent Residency in Australia Without Sponsorship
The Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189) under Open Pathways is a permanent visa option designed for skilled professionals who are not sponsored by an employer, family member, or state/territory government. It operates on a points-based system and grants successful applicants permanent residency in Australia, with numerous long-term benefits for themselves and eligible family members.
What You Can Do with a Subclass 491 Visa
The Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa (Subclass 491) offers skilled migrants and their families the opportunity to live, work, and study in designated regional areas of Australia for up to five years. It provides a clear pathway to permanent residency through the Subclass 191 visa, while encouraging settlement in communities that need skilled professionals.
✅ Live and work in regional Australia for up to 5 years
The Subclass 189 Visa gives you the right to live in Australia permanently without restrictions. You can choose where to settle, buy property, and fully integrate into Australian life, all without needing sponsorship from an employer or state.
🎓 Study in designated regional areas
With this visa, you can work or study anywhere in Australia. You have the freedom to choose your career path, start a business, pursue further education, or switch jobs without needing to update visa conditions.
✈️ Travel to and from Australia as many times as you like while the visa is valid
You can freely travel in and out of Australia during the validity of your visa. This gives you the flexibility to visit family, attend international business or academic engagements, or take holidays without jeopardizing your visa status.
👨👩👧 Include eligible family members in your application
You may include your spouse or de facto partner, and dependent children in your application. Family members will receive the same rights and obligations under the Subclass 491 visa, meaning they can live, study, and work in regional Australia too.
🏡 Apply for permanent residency through the Subclass 191 visa after meeting eligibility criteria
After holding the 491 visa for at least 3 years and meeting income and residency requirements, you can apply for the Subclass 191 visa, which offers permanent residency. This pathway opens the door to long-term settlement, access to more government benefits, and eventually Australian citizenship.
Eligibility Criteria for the Subclass 491 visa:
To qualify for the Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Visa – Subclass 491, applicants must meet key requirements related to age, skills, English proficiency, and nomination or sponsorship. This points-tested visa is designed to attract skilled individuals to live and work in regional Australia, and eligibility is assessed based on both personal and professional credentials, along with character and health standards.
| Criteria | Details |
|---|---|
| Nomination or Sponsorship | Must be nominated by a state/territory government or sponsored by an eligible relative living in a designated regional area. |
| Age | Must be under 45 years old at the time of invitation. |
| Skills Assessment | Must have a suitable skills assessment for an occupation on the relevant skilled occupation list. |
| Points Test | Must score at least 65 points based on age, education, work experience, etc. |
| English Proficiency | Must demonstrate at least Competent English. |
| Health and Character | Must meet Australia’s health and character requirements. |
| Government Debt | Must have no outstanding debts to the Australian government. |
| Visa History | Must not have had a visa cancelled or a previous application refused while in Australia. |
Application Process for Subclass 491 Visa
The Subclass 491 visa application starts with submitting an Expression of Interest (EOI) and securing a nomination or sponsorship. Once invited, applicants must submit their application within 60 days. The visa offers a pathway to permanent residency through the Subclass 191 visa after fulfilling the required criteria.
Submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) through SkillSelect
Begin by creating an EOI in SkillSelect, the Australian Government’s online system. You will provide details about your skills, work experience, education, and English language ability. This allows state and territory governments (or eligible relatives) to assess your suitability for nomination or sponsorship.
Obtain a Nomination or Sponsorship
You must be either nominated by a state or territory government that supports skilled migration to regional areas, or sponsored by an eligible relative living in a designated regional area of Australia. Each state, territory, or sponsor may have its own specific criteria, so it’s important to review the regional requirements before applying.
Receive an Invitation to Apply
If your EOI is selected and your nomination or sponsorship is approved, you will receive an invitation to apply for the Subclass 491 visa. Invitations are issued based on your points ranking and the needs of the nominating region.
Lodge Your Visa Application
Once invited, you have 60 days to submit your complete visa application through your ImmiAccount. You must include all supporting documents such as identity, English proficiency, skills assessment, health insurance, and police checks.
Await a Decision
After submission, your application will be assessed by the Department of Home Affairs. Processing times can vary based on individual circumstances. If approved, you will receive a 5-year provisional visa allowing you to live and work in regional Australia with a pathway to permanent residency via the Subclass 191 visa.
Need help with the process? Reach out to our Registered Migration Agents at info@openpathways.com or fill in the online enquiry form for a free eligibility check.
Visa Application Fees
| Applicant Type | Visa Application Fee |
|---|---|
| Primary applicant | AUD $4,045 |
| Additional applicants (18 years and over) | AUD $2,025 |
| Additional applicants (Under 18 years) | AUD $1,010 |
| Second installment (if applicable for English language test) | AUD $4,890 |
Note: Additional charges may apply for health checks, police certificates, biometrics, and English language tests.
Processing Times
Processing times can vary based on individual circumstances. As of the latest updates:
75% of applications are processed within 11 months.
90% of applications are processed within 14 months.
Note: Delays may occur if additional information is required or due to high demand.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Subclass 491 Visa?
The Subclass 491 visa is a points-based, temporary visa that allows skilled workers to live, work, and study in designated regional areas of Australia for up to five years. It provides a pathway to permanent residency through the Subclass 191 visa once certain requirements are met.
What are the eligibility criteria for the Subclass 491 Visa?
To be eligible for the Subclass 491 visa, you must:
Be nominated by an Australian state or territory government or sponsored by an eligible relative.
Be under 45 years old when you receive your invitation to apply.
Have a skills assessment in a nominated occupation on Australia’s skilled occupation list.
Score at least 65 points on the points test.
Have at least Competent English proficiency.
Meet the health and character requirements.
Can I include my family members in the Subclass 491 Visa application?
Yes, you can include your spouse or partner, dependent children, and possibly other family members in your application.
How long can I stay on the Subclass 491 Visa?
The Subclass 491 visa is valid for up to five years. You can live and work in a regional area of Australia during this time and can travel in and out of Australia.
Can I apply for permanent residency with the Subclass 491 Visa?
Yes, after living in Australia for at least three years and meeting the required income thresholds, you can apply for permanent residency through the Subclass 191 visa.
Can I change my job or location while on the Subclass 491 Visa?
Yes, you can work for any employer in the designated regional area during your visa’s validity. However, you must remain in the regional area for the duration of the visa. You cannot work in a major city.
How much does the Subclass 491 Visa cost?
Primary applicant: AUD $4,045
Additional applicants:
18 years and over: AUD $2,025
Under 18 years: AUD $1,010
Do I need to be proficient in English to apply?
Primary applicant: AUD $4,045
Additional applicants:
18 years and over: AUD $2,025
Under 18 years: AUD $1,010
Need Help with Your Application?
If you have any more questions or need expert assistance with your Subclass 491 Visa application, contact us today! Our experienced migration consultants are here to guide you through every step of the process.
