Duration 01
Five-year provisional visa
Live, work and study in a designated regional area of Australia for up to five years while building a permanent residence pathway.
Details
Visa Skilled Work Regional
Skilled Work Regional
Provisional Visa 491.
A points-tested five-year visa for skilled workers nominated by a state or sponsored by an eligible relative in regional Australia.
- Registered migration agents
- 150+ CRICOS partner institutions
- Offices in Adelaide & Perth
Regional First, Permanent Next.
The Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa, subclass 491, is a five-year visa built around Australia's regional migration strategy. It requires nomination by a state or territory or sponsorship by an eligible relative living in a designated regional area.
Holders must live, work and study only in designated regional areas, which now cover every location outside Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane. Meeting the residence and income tests unlocks the permanent 191 visa.
What Makes the 491 Attractive.
A strong points boost, a clear PR pathway and wide access to occupations that are not available on the 189.
Points 02
Extra 15 points
State or family sponsorship for the 491 adds fifteen points to your SkillSelect score, the largest single boost available.
Details
PR pathway 03
Subclass 191 after 3 years
After three years of living in the region and meeting income thresholds you can apply for the permanent subclass 191 visa.
Details
Family 04
Family members included
Partners and dependent children can be added to the application with the same work, study and travel rights.
Details
Choosing the Right State or Sponsor.
We map your occupation and points score against the current 491 programs in each state and territory, and compare that with the family-sponsored option if an eligible relative already lives in a regional area.
Once the target is set, we prepare the EOI, nomination or sponsorship application and the full visa file so the pathway to 191 is protected from the start.
By the Numbers.
- Visa length
- 5 years
- Points bonus
- +15
- PR pathway
- 191 after 3 years
- Occupation list
- MLTSSL, STSOL, ROL
Location Conditions Are Strictly Enforced.
Living or working outside a designated regional area on a 491 visa can breach visa conditions and put both the current visa and the future 191 application at risk. Confirm the postcode before you sign a lease or contract.
Sky Consultants, MARA-registered team
Frequently Asked Questions.
Who can apply for a subclass 491 visa?
Skilled workers under 45 whose occupation is on the MLTSSL, STSOL or ROL, who hold a positive skills assessment, meet competent English and are either nominated by a state or territory or sponsored by an eligible relative living in a designated regional area.
How long does the 491 take to process?
State nomination or family sponsorship approval takes one to three months in most cases. Visa processing after invitation typically resolves within seven to twelve months, subject to Home Affairs caseload and evidence completeness.
How much does the 491 cost?
The base visa charge is AUD 4,765 for the primary applicant, with secondary applicant fees for family members. State nomination processing fees vary by jurisdiction. Skills assessment, English test, health and translation costs are separate.
Can my family come to Australia with me?
Yes. A spouse and dependent children can be included at lodgement or added as subsequent entrants. Family members receive matching work, study and travel rights while the primary visa is valid.
What are the regional living rules I must follow?
You and your family must live, work and study only in designated regional areas, which cover every location outside Greater Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane. Living or working outside these areas can breach visa conditions and jeopardise the future 191.
Do you provide MARA-registered assistance for the 491 and 191?
Yes. Our MARA-registered team maps state and family sponsorship options, prepares the EOI and nomination, lodges the 491 and later prepares the 191 transition with residence and income evidence.
Start Your Australian
Chapter With Confidence.
Talk to a registered migration agent about student visas, PR pathways or admissions. First consultation is complimentary — and honest.