Migration Overseas
Since 1998
Regional PR Pathway
The easiest pathway to Australian PR! Get 15 bonus points, live in regional Australia for 3 years, then apply for permanent residence through Subclass 191.
Regional skilled worker pathway to PR.
The Subclass 491 is a Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa for skilled workers who want to live and work in regional Australia. It's the easiest pathway to Australian PR with 15 bonus points for state/territory nomination or family sponsorship.
The 491 visa is ideal for skilled workers who can't meet the high points threshold for 189 or 190.
Highest bonus available for state/territory nomination or family sponsorship
Long-term provisional visa giving ample time to settle and meet PR requirements
After 3 years in regional Australia, apply for Subclass 191 PR
With 15 bonus points, meet the 65-point threshold more easily
Work for any employer in regional Australia without restrictions
Access education in regional Australia with same rights as PR holders
Bring your spouse, children and dependents on the same application
Access Australia's public healthcare system from day one
Regional Australia includes everywhere except Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane.
Most of Australia qualifies as regional, including major cities like Perth, Adelaide, Canberra, and Gold Coast!
The clear path from regional visa to permanent residence.
Meet these requirements to convert your 491 visa to permanent residence.
Reside in a designated regional area for 3 years while on your 491 visa
Earn at least AUD 53,900 per year (taxable income threshold) for 3 years
Submit your Subclass 191 permanent residence application after meeting requirements
Permanent Residence granted - live anywhere in Australia!
Step-by-step guide to your Subclass 491 visa application.
Get your occupation assessed by the relevant authority. Your occupation must be on the Regional Occupation List (ROL) or Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL).
Take IELTS/PTE and calculate your points. With 15 bonus points from 491 nomination, you only need 50 base points to reach 65.
Submit EOI in SkillSelect and apply to states that nominate for 491. Or get family sponsorship if you have eligible relatives in regional Australia.
Once nominated, you'll receive an invitation. Lodge your visa application within 60 days with all required documents.
Processing takes 6-12 months. Once granted, move to your designated regional area and start your journey towards PR!
Check if you have enough points for the Subclass 491 visa with our free calculator.
Points CalculatorFind answers to the most common questions about this visa category.
Subclass 491 is a Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa valid for 5 years. It requires state nomination or family sponsorship to live in designated regional areas of Australia.
Regional areas include all of Australia except Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane metropolitan areas. Major cities like Perth, Adelaide, Gold Coast, and Canberra are considered regional.
Minimum 65 points including 15 points for regional nomination. Competitive scores typically start from 70-80+ before the nomination points.
Yes, after 3 years on 491 and meeting income requirements ($53,900+ per year for 3 years), you can apply for Subclass 191 permanent residence.
You must earn at least the taxable income threshold (currently $53,900) for at least 3 years while on 491 to qualify for Subclass 191 permanent residence.
All states and territories nominate for 491 with specific regional occupation lists. South Australia, Tasmania, and NT often have more accessible pathways.
You can work in Melbourne, Sydney, or Brisbane but must maintain residence in a designated regional area. Regional living is a condition of the visa.
Your visa may be cancelled if you're found living outside designated regional areas without valid reason. Maintain regional residence for the full visa period.
Yes, eligible relatives living in designated regional areas can sponsor you. The sponsor must be an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible NZ citizen.
Processing typically takes 6-12 months after lodging, plus state nomination time. Processing times vary based on occupation and completeness of documentation.
Get 15 bonus points and start your PR journey. Our experts will guide you through the entire 491 process.
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