🇦🇺 Australia · Permanent Residency
Subclass 491 — Skilled Work Regional (Provisional)
Five-year provisional visa for skilled workers nominated by a state/territory to live and work in a regional area of Australia. Regional nomination adds 15 points — significantly boosting scores. After 3 years of regional residence and work, eligible to apply for permanent residence via Subclass 191.
- Scoring
- Points-based
- Timeline
- 6mo–1yr
- Est. cost
- $5K
- Category
- Permanent Residency
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Show me my matches, free→Key requirements
- Nominated occupation on STSOL, MLTSSL, ROL, or state-specific regional list
- Nomination from an Australian state/territory (for regional area) or sponsorship by eligible family member in regional area
- Points score ≥ 65 + 15 nomination bonus = 80 effective minimum
- Under 45 at time of invitation; commitment to live/work in regional Australia for 3 years
Who this visa fits
Subclass 491 is the most accessible of the three points-based pathways because the +15 regional bonus dramatically lowers the effective bar. For a candidate who scores 60–70 on base points, 491 with regional nomination reaches 75–85 — well within invite-round territory. The trade-off is a 3-year regional commitment before permanent residence via Subclass 191. If the candidate is open to regional Australia, frame 491 as the fastest realistic path to PR for profiles that fall short of 189 and 190 round cutoffs. Surface regional intent as a key question — without genuine willingness to move regionally, the 3-year condition is a significant barrier.
Other Australia visas
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Subclass 190 — Skilled Nominated
Points-tested permanent residence visa requiring a nomination from an Australian state or territory government. State nomination adds 5 points to your score; each state publishes its own occupation lists and requirements for nomination.
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Subclass 482 — Temporary Skill Shortage
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Subclass 186 — Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS)
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Subclass 124 — Distinguished Talent
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Subclass 188 — Business Innovation & Investment (Provisional)
Provisional visa for business owners and investors with significant capital, nominated by a state or territory. Streams include Business Innovation (own/manage a business), Investor (AUD 1.5M+), Significant Investor (AUD 5M+), and Entrepreneur. Leads to permanent residence via Subclass 888.
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