Skilled · Subclass 491
Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa
Five-year regional visa with state nomination or a relative's sponsorship. Places cut to 14,110 in 2026-27.
Who it is for
Skilled workers who will live and work in designated regional Australia, nominated by a state or territory or sponsored by an eligible relative living in a designated area.
Key eligibility
- Under 45 when invited, with at least competent English.
- Occupation on the list for the 491 and a suitable skills assessment.
- At least 65 points (nomination or family sponsorship adds 15).
- State nomination, or sponsorship by an eligible relative aged 18 or over, usually living in a designated area: parent, child, sibling, aunt, uncle, niece, nephew, grandparent or first cousin.
- Family members 18 or over need functional English or pay a second instalment.
- Health, character and the values statement.
Try our points calculator. It uses the current points table and is a general estimate only. A redesign of the points test has been announced but is not in force.
Where to apply, and bridging visas
In or outside Australia once invited (not in immigration clearance).
Your journey, step by step
Enquiry and pathway
Choose state nomination or family sponsorship.
How a registered migration agent helps: checks the relative's eligibility and area, and explains the reduced places.
English test and skills assessment
Book the test and apply to the assessing authority.
How a registered migration agent helps: checks the occupation code.
Service agreement
Before any personal advice or preparation, you receive a written service agreement and the OMARA Consumer Guide.
How a registered migration agent helps: sets out the work, the fee and the refund policy in writing. No money is taken for visa work before the agreement is signed.
Expression of Interest
Lodge an Expression of Interest indicating state nomination or family sponsorship.
How a registered migration agent helps: keeps claims provable.
Nomination or invitation
The state nominates, or an invitation round selects a family-sponsored Expression of Interest.
How a registered migration agent helps: diarises the 60-day deadline.
Lodge within 60 days
Lodge with the sponsor's declaration where family sponsored.
How a registered migration agent helps: lodges a complete application.
Health, police and biometrics
Health examinations, police certificates and biometrics when the Department asks.
How a registered migration agent helps: tracks every request and deadline so nothing lapses.
Five-year provisional visa
Live, work and study only in designated regional areas.
How a registered migration agent helps: plans regional compliance.
Pathway to permanent residence
After holding the 491 for 3 years, apply for the 191 with tax assessments for 3 income years.
How a registered migration agent helps: tracks the 3-year date and tax evidence.
The Department of Home Affairs makes every decision. No one can promise a grant, an invitation or a faster decision.
Government charges from 1 July 2026
| Applicant or item | Charge |
|---|---|
| Main applicant | A$6,140 |
| Family member 18 or over | A$3,070 |
| Family member under 18 | A$1,535 |
| Second instalment | A$4,890 |
Health checks, police certificates, translations, skills assessments and English tests are extra and paid to the provider. Our professional fee is separate and quoted in writing. Estimate total charges for your family.
Source: Home Affairs Current visa pricing table, charges from 1 July 2026, read 22 October 2026. Confirm in the Visa Pricing Estimator before you pay.
Processing times
Source: Home Affairs Global visa processing times, read 22 October 2026. Check the current guide. A guide only; times change monthly and are not a promise.
Common refusal risks
- Points not proven.
- Relative not eligible or not living in a designated area.
- Sponsorship not approved.
- State nomination conditions not met.
- Health or character.
Drawn from the published criteria and general practice experience, not Department statistics.
Document checklist
Tick items as you collect them. Ticks are saved in this browser only and are not sent to us. This is a general list; the Department may ask for more.
0 of 0 collected
The Immigration Worldwide. Sukh Sandhu, Registered Migration Agent, MARN 1384130. General information, checked 22 October 2026.
Recent changes
Regional places cut from 33,000 to 14,110 for 2026-27.
New processing order for skilled visas.
Sources and checks
- Home Affairs: Skilled Work Regional visa (subclass 491)
- Home Affairs Current visa pricing table, charges from 1 July 2026
Related
Information checked 22 October 2026. General information only, not advice about your situation. Australian advice is given by Sukh Sandhu, Registered Migration Agent, MARN 1384130.
Talk it through. The first 15 minutes are free and general. Personal advice starts only after a written service agreement and the OMARA Consumer Guide.