Explore the Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Visa (Subclass 491), designed for eligible skilled workers seeking opportunities in designated regional areas of Australia.
The Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Visa (Subclass 491) is a points-tested visa pathway for eligible skilled workers who are nominated by an Australian state or territory government agency or sponsored by an eligible family member.
The visa focuses on skilled migration to designated regional areas of Australia and can provide eligible visa holders with a pathway toward permanent residence when the relevant requirements are met.
Applicants generally need to submit an Expression of Interest and receive an invitation before applying for the visa.
Applicants must meet the applicable points requirement to be considered for an invitation.
Educational qualifications can contribute to the overall points assessment.
Relevant skilled employment experience can contribute to points.
English language proficiency can affect your points score.
Applicable partner circumstances can affect the points calculation.
The 491 pathway introduced several changes to the skilled migration points system and regional migration framework.
Applicants nominated by a participating state or territory or sponsored by an eligible family member could receive additional points under the applicable points test.
Eligible applicants with a skilled spouse or de facto partner could receive partner-related points under the applicable rules.
Eligible applicants without a spouse or de facto partner could receive additional points under the applicable points test.
Certain applicants with a partner demonstrating competent English could receive additional points.
Eligible specialist educational qualifications could attract additional points under the applicable rules.
The visa focuses on skilled professionals willing to live and work in designated regional Australia.
When applicants have equal points, applicable invitation ranking arrangements can consider partner-related circumstances.
The Subclass 491 pathway can provide eligible visa holders with a route toward permanent residence through the relevant regional permanent residence pathway when all requirements are satisfied.
Hold the relevant skilled regional provisional visa and comply with its conditions.
Meet the applicable residence, work and/or study requirements in a designated regional area.
Apply for the relevant permanent residence pathway when eligible and satisfy its requirements.
Transition arrangements for the new regional skilled migration framework were announced.
This was the final day for certain invited candidates to submit applications for the previous Subclass 489 pathway under the transition arrangements.
The Skilled Work Regional Provisional Visa (Subclass 491) commenced, replacing the previous Subclass 489 pathway for new applicants.
Build your professional and personal life in designated regional areas.
Eligible visa holders can work subject to the conditions of their visa.
Eligible holders can undertake study in Australia subject to applicable conditions.
Travel to and from Australia while the visa's travel facility remains valid.
Eligible family members may be included subject to applicable visa requirements.
Eligible holders may progress to a permanent residence pathway after meeting requirements.
Review age, occupation, qualification, experience, English and points.
Obtain the relevant skills assessment from the appropriate assessing authority.
Submit an EOI with your relevant profile information and points claim.
Meet the applicable state, territory or eligible family sponsorship requirements.
Receive an invitation before proceeding with the visa application.
Submit the required documents and complete the visa application process.
Check your profile and understand the skilled regional migration options available to you.