The Skilled Work Regional visa (subclass 491) is a five-year provisional visa for skilled workers nominated by a state or territory, or sponsored by an eligible relative, to live and work in regional Australia. It leads to permanent residence through the subclass 191 visa.
✔ Reviewed September 2026 by a Registered Migration Agent (MARN 2518899). Official sources: Home Affairs: subclass 491.
Why choose the 491?
The 491 gives 15 points instead of the 5 points of the 190, so it is often the most realistic option for applicants with moderate points. Regional Australia covers every part of the country except Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane, which means cities like Adelaide, Perth, Hobart, Darwin, Canberra, the Gold Coast and Newcastle all count as regional.
Two ways to qualify
State or territory nomination
A state or territory government nominates you to live and work in its designated regional areas. Each state sets its own occupation lists and criteria.
Eligible relative sponsorship
An eligible relative who is an Australian citizen, permanent resident or eligible New Zealand citizen, and who lives in a designated regional area, sponsors you.
Key requirements
- An occupation on the relevant list
- A suitable skills assessment
- State nomination or eligible family sponsorship, then an invitation through SkillSelect
- At least 65 points including the 15 nomination or sponsorship points
- Under 45 years of age at invitation
- At least Competent English
- Health and character requirements
Living in regional Australia
You and your family must live, work and study only in designated regional areas while you hold the 491. Keep records of your address, employment and income, because they will be needed for the 191 permanent visa.
The pathway to permanent residence
After holding the 491 for at least three years, living in a regional area and earning at least the required taxable income for three years, you may apply for the Permanent Residence (Skilled Regional) visa subclass 191.
How Study Mate Migration helps
Eligibility check
We review your age, occupation, qualifications, English, work history and visa history against the current criteria.
Strategy
We compare this visa with other pathways so you choose the option with the best chance of success.
Documents
You get a tailored checklist, and we review every document before anything is lodged.
Lodgement and follow-up
We lodge through ImmiAccount, respond to requests from the Department and keep you updated until a decision.
Frequently asked questions
Is Adelaide regional for the 491?
Yes. For migration purposes, all of South Australia, including Adelaide, is a designated regional area.
Can I move between regional areas?
Yes. You can move between designated regional areas anywhere in Australia, but check any commitment you made to your nominating state.
Can I travel outside Australia on a 491?
Yes, you can travel while the visa is valid, but long absences may affect your ability to meet the 191 requirements.
Does my family need to live regionally too?
Yes. Family members included on the visa are also subject to the regional conditions.
Related visas and guides
Talk to a registered migration agent
Study Mate Migration is led by a Registered Migration Agent (MARN 2518899). We help clients across Australia and overseas from our office in Adelaide, South Australia.
This page is general information only and is not legal advice. Visa costs are approximate and vary with your circumstances, number of applicants and government changes; extra costs such as skills assessments, English tests, health checks and police certificates also apply. Check the Department of Home Affairs website or speak with us for a current quote before you apply.
