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Provisional Visa

Subclass 491 — Skilled Work Regional

A 5-year provisional visa for skilled workers willing to live and work in regional Australia. Awards 15 bonus points and provides a pathway to permanent residency via the Subclass 191 visa.

6–12 mo

Processing time

AUD $4,640

Application fee

65 points

Minimum required

+15 points

Regional nomination

Regional Australia Requirement

Designated regional areas include all of Australia except Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane. Cities like Adelaide, Perth, Hobart, Canberra, Darwin, Gold Coast, Newcastle, and Wollongong are all classified as regional.

Pathway to PR — Subclass 191

After 3 years on the 491, you can apply for the Subclass 191 permanent visa if you have lived in a regional area and met the minimum income threshold (currently $53,900/year).

The 491 visa is ideal if you don't have enough points for the 189 or 190. The 15 bonus points from regional nomination are significantly higher than the 190's 5 points. While it is a provisional visa, it provides a clear pathway to permanent residency through the Subclass 191 visa after 3 years.

This guide provides general immigration information only. Consult a MARA-registered migration agent for personalised advice.