Are you an international student looking for a pathway to permanent residency in Australia? The Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa (subclass 491) could be your solution. This visa allows skilled workers and their families to live, work and study in regional areas of Australia for up to five years. It also offers a pathway to permanent residency for those who meet certain criteria.

At IDP, we understand that the visa application process can be complex and overwhelming. That's why we offer a range of services to help make the process easier for you. Our expert counsellors can provide you with information about the Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa and guide you through the application process. We can also help you find suitable courses and study options that can lead to permanent residency in Australia.

If you are ready to talk to a 491 visa expert, contact us now.

What is the Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) 491 visa?

This is a provisional visa. It’s for skilled workers who want to live and work in regional Australia.

With the 491 visa, you can:

  • stay in Australia for 5 years

  • live, work and study in a designated regional area of Australia in line with your visa conditions. A simplified definition of regional Australia for skilled migration purposes includes all areas of Australia except the metropolitan areas of; Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane. Gold Coast, Perth Newcastle, Wollongong and the NSW Central Coast will now be eligible.

  • The visa has got multiple travel rights

  • apply for permanent residence, if eligible through the permanent Residence (Skilled Regional) visa (subclass 191)

  • work in any occupation and for any employer in line with the work and residence conditions attached to your visa.

What are the eligibility criteria for the Skilled Work Regional 491 visa?

  • be invited to apply, nominated by a state or territory government agency or sponsored by an eligible relative

  • have an occupation on a relevant skilled occupation list

  • have a successful skills assessment for the occupation

  • score 65 points or more

  • be aged under 45 years before you’re invited to apply

  • have a competent level of English

  • satisfy the health and character requirements

  • don’t owe the Australian government any money

What is the application process?

First, you must submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) SkillSelect to express your interest to apply for this visa. An EOI is not a visa application and there is no fee to create or submit an EOI in SkillSelect. SkillSelect will calculate your point score based on the claims made in your EOI. It is mandatory to score at least 65 points to be invited to apply for a visa.

Your EOI will be visible to state and territory government agencies if you have indicated that you are interested in being nominated. You may require to make a separate application to the state to express your interest. If they nominate you, you’ll get an invitation to apply for this visa.

Once you have completed the EOI, it’s stored in SkillSelect and is valid for 2 years. You can access your EOI and update your information at any time. Access your EOI and update your details if your circumstances change. If you are invited to apply for a visa you will receive an invitation from SkillSelect. You will need to provide all necessary documents to support your identity, skills assessment, level of English skills, relationship, partner, sponsor and character claims you make in your EOI and show you meet all the visa criteria.

You will then have 60 days from the date of invitation to make a valid visa application online before the invitation expires.

Please note: Some states require the applicant to lodge an application to the state government as well.

After you apply

You will be informed when your application is received, and you’ll get a notification if you’re granted a bridging visa.

Travel after you apply

In Australia

You can travel outside of Australia while your application is processed as a decision can be made when you’re offshore. However, please ensure your visa allows you to return to Australia. You may need to apply for the Bridging visa B and wait for it to grant before you depart Australia. Check VEVO for your current visa status.

Outside Australia

If your application was lodged outside of Australia, only travel to Australia once the visa is granted. Please do not make any life-changing decisions like leave your job or sell your house until you’re advised in writing that you have been granted a visa.

491 visa processing time

Processing times can vary due the following circumstances:

  • if your application is complete with all necessary documents

  • how fast you respond to requests for additional information

  • how much time it takes to get required checks done to verify your supporting information

  • how much time it takes to receive additional information from external parties, specifically related to your health, character and national security requirements

491 visa cost

There is no cost associated with submitting an Expression of Interest with SkillSelect. You can set up a profile and update it as many times as you wish with no expense. Some state may charge a fee at the nomination stage. You can refer to the visa application fee on the Department of Home Affairs website. Other costs including English language tests, health checks, police certificates and biometrics.

What is my minimum score on the points test?

You need to score a minimum of 65 points on the points test. This test uses information such as age, English ability, levels of employment in your field and education levels to ascertain your suitability.

You must be nominated by a state/territory government agency or sponsored by an eligible relative (an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible NZ citizen).

What documents are required to apply?

There are several documents you’ll be required to supply when applying for a 491 visa.

  • passport showing photo, personal details, issue and expiry dates, a national identity card and proof of name change

  • documents proving relationship status, including death, marriage and divorce certificates

  • character certificate from the police in every country you’ve lived in since you were 16 years old

  • skill assessment documents

  • competent English documents

  • sponsorship documents- proof of their citizenship, residence and proof of relationship with them

  • partner documents including ID, skill assessment results, English test results

  • family members under 18 need ID, character documents, and proof you have parental rights

  • family members over 18 need character documents, English test results, proof of family relationship and how they are dependent on you

  • family members staying in country of origin need character documents and proof of relationship with you.

May I stay in Australia for more than 5 years?

This visa can’t be extended, you must apply for a new visa if you wish to stay longer than 5 years from the date the visa is granted. You and members of your family who hold this visa, must work and study in designated regional areas of Australia. If your nomination is withdrawn, your visa will not be granted.

I would like to study in regional Australia. Who can I discuss my options with?

Come and meet our friendly counsellors to discuss the best options for your dream course in regional Australia and explore permanent residency pathways. In our FREE consultation, you will find out:

  • Course entry requirements and application processes

  • Specialty course offerings that are unique to campuses

  • Permanent residency pathways for regional areas

  • Gain extra year on a post-study work visa with regional study

Want to know more? Book an appointment with us.