Pass mark
65 points
Minimum to be eligible; recent invitation cut-offs can be higher by occupation.
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Typical timeline
18 months
Indicative end-to-end processing; varies by case.
Job offer
IndependentNot required
No employer sponsorship is needed.
Points breakdown
GuideMax possible: 130 ptsPass mark: 65 pts
Pass mark line shows how the minimum sits against the theoretical maximum.
| Category | Max | Notes |
|---|---|---|
Age | 30 | — |
English language | 20 | — |
Skilled employment (overseas/Australia) | 20 | — |
Qualifications | 20 | — |
Nomination or sponsorship | 15 | — |
Other factors (Aust. study, partner, CCL, regional study) | 25 | — |
Age
30 pts
English language
20 pts
Skilled employment (overseas/Australia)
20 pts
Qualifications
20 pts
Nomination or sponsorship
15 pts
Other factors (Aust. study, partner, CCL, regional study)
25 pts
Language requirements
Language requirements
Minimum level: Competent
Accepted tests
IELTS (or PTE/OET equivalents)
Higher language scores can improve competitiveness in points-based or invitation-driven pathways.
Occupation lists
Eligible occupations(4/4)
- 1Common eligible occupations (examples)(4)Software Engineer (ANZSCO 261313)Civil Engineer (ANZSCO 233512)Registered Nurse (Medical) (ANZSCO 254412)Psychologist (ANZSCO 272499)
Program overview
Overview
The Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Visa – Subclass 491 is an Australia skilled migration program offering a pathway to permanent residency for qualified professionals.
It allows skilled workers to live, work, and study in designated regional areas, supporting Australia’s regional workforce needs through state nomination or family sponsorship.
The visa promotes long-term settlement and provides a clear route to permanent residency via Subclass 191.
Government fees
Total (AUD): A$4,910
- Subclass 491 — primary applicant VAC (from)
—
A$4,910 - Additional applicant charges (18+ / <18)
—
— - Possible 2nd instalment (for low-English cases)
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—
Eligibility
- Be under 45 years old at the time of invitation.
- Hold a positive skills assessment in an eligible occupation.
- Score at least 65 points including 15-point nomination bonus.
- Be nominated by a state/territory or sponsored by an eligible relative in a regional area.
- Demonstrate Competent English and meet health and character standards.
Key benefits
- Live, work, and study in designated regional areas for up to 5 years.
- Earn 15 extra points through nomination or sponsorship.
- Pathway to permanent residency through Subclass 191 after 3 years.
- Include spouse and dependent children.
- Access Medicare and education benefits after arrival.
Checklist
Document checklist
9 total items
Documents vary by profile; we’ll tailor your list.
Identity & Civil2 items
Identity & Civil
2 items- Passport and national ID
- Birth/marriage certificates or name-change records
Skills & Education2 items
Skills & Education
2 items- Positive skills assessment from assessing authority
- Academic transcripts and degrees
Employment2 items
Employment
2 items- Employment references and contracts
- Payslips, tax records or employer statements
English & Tests1 item
English & Tests
1 item- IELTS/PTE results showing Competent English
Health & Character2 items
Health & Character
2 items- Medical examination from panel doctor
- Police certificates from countries lived in (12+ months)
Snapshot
Eligible dependents
3 of 4 categories included
3 of 4 categories eligible. Children up to 23. Parents from 0+ years. Spouse included. Siblings not included.
IncludedNot included
- Spouse
- IncludedYes
- Children
- Up to 23 years23Yes
- Parents
- From 0+ years0+Yes
- Siblings
- Not includedNo
Application process
Process
How it works
Step 1: Skills Assessment
Obtain a positive skills assessment in your occupation.
GuidedAvg. 2–4 weeksStep 2: English Test
Meet minimum Competent English through IELTS/PTE/OET.
GuidedAvg. 2–4 weeksStep 3: Expression of Interest (SkillSelect)
Submit EOI and indicate Subclass 491 with state or family sponsorship preference.
GuidedAvg. 2–4 weeksStep 4: Nomination/Sponsorship
Secure state nomination or eligible family sponsorship.
GuidedAvg. 2–4 weeksStep 5: Visa Application
Apply for Subclass 491 within 60 days of invitation.
GuidedAvg. 2–4 weeksStep 6: Residence & PR Pathway
Live and work in a regional area for 3 years; later apply for Subclass 191 permanent residency.
GuidedAvg. 2–4 weeks
Who this program is NOT for
- Failing to meet regional nomination or family sponsorship criteria.
- Not achieving 65 points (including bonus).
- Incorrect or incomplete skills assessment.
Not a match? Explore other programs in Australia.
Frequently asked questions
It is valid for 5 years and provides a pathway to PR through Subclass 191 after 3 years of regional residence.
Eligible relatives (parents, siblings, uncles/aunts) living in designated regional areas can sponsor.
No. You must live and work in regional areas defined by the Department of Home Affairs.
Yes, partners and dependent children can be included.
15 points for state nomination or eligible family sponsorship.
Client testimonials
“Seamless employer-sponsor coordination and PR plan.”
TL
Tech Lead, Toronto
1/2Auto
Why work with us
A private-client approach to second citizenship: transparent costs, rigorous compliance, and execution without friction.
- Dedicated due-diligence desk and source-of-funds guidance.
- Government-approved project vetting and exit planning.
- End-to-end execution: strategy, documentation, submission, oath & passports.
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- Licensed local agents
- KYC/AML workflows
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