Skilled Work Regional Visa
Subclass 491 & 191
The Subclass 491 / 191 visa pathway is designed for skilled workers who wish to live and work in designated regional areas of Australia. It allows eligible applicants to obtain a temporary regional visa first (Subclass 491) and then transition to permanent residency (Subclass 191) once specific requirements are met.
You may be eligible if:
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You have an occupation on a relevant skilled occupation list
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You obtain a positive skills assessment
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You are nominated by an Australian state or territory government or sponsored by an eligible family member living in a designated regional area
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You meet the points test (minimum 65 points, though most states require higher)
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You meet health, character, and age requirements (under 45 at time of 491 application)
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You intend to live, work, and study in regional Australia
491 Visa – Core Requirements
Processing Times
Processing times vary by stream and occupation demand. Processing times depend heavily on document completeness, state nomination requirements, occupation competitiveness, and case complexity
Subclass 491 Skilled Work Regional
20-27 months
Subclass 191 Permanent Residence (Skilled Regional)
7-14 months
Transition to Permanent Residency – 191 Visa
After holding a 491 visa, you may be eligible for Subclass 191 if you meet all of the following:
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You have held your 491 visa for at least 3 years
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You have lived, worked, and studied only in regional Australia during those 3 years
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You have met the minimum taxable income requirement for 3 consecutive financial years
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You continue to meet health and character requirements
The 191 visa does not require a points test and does not require state nomination.
Subclass 491 and 191
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Main applicant
AUD 4,910
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Additional applicant (18+ years)
AUD 2,450
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Additional applicant (under 18)
AUD 1,230
Costs & Fees
Subclass 491 – Temporary Regional Visa
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Valid for 5 years
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Must live, work, and study in a regional area
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Full work rights and freedom to travel in and out of Australia
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Access to Medicare once eligible
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Dependents can be included
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Provides a clear pathway to permanent residency (Subclass 191)
Subclass 191 – Permanent Residency Visa
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Allows permanent stay in Australia
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Unlimited work and study rights
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Access to Medicare and eligible government services
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Ability to apply for Australian citizenship when criteria are met
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Ability to sponsor eligible family members
Key features of the 491 / 191 visa pathway
Common Scenarios & Q&A
01. Can I apply for 491 if I’m currently on a student visa or 485 visa?
Yes. You may apply as long as you meet the skills assessment, points test, and nomination requirements. You must first lodge an Expression of Interest (EOI), and once you receive an invitation, you can proceed to apply for the 491 visa.
02. What counts as “regional Australia”?
Yes. After 3 years of living and working in regional Australia and earning a taxable income at the required level, you may be eligible for the Subclass 191 Permanent Residence (Skilled Regional) Visa.
03. Can I move states while holding 491?
Your state nomination may require you to live and work in that state for a minimum period. You must also ensure you live only in designated regional areas.
04. Can I apply for PR (191) earlier than 3 years?
No. You must meet the 3-year requirement and the required income threshold.
05. Can my partner work or study on a 491 visa?
Yes. All included dependents receive full work and study rights.
