Skip to main content
XIPHIAS Immigration
Subclass 491 – Regional Skilled Work Visa

Skilled Migration / Australia / Route

Australia · Investment route

Subclass491RegionalSkilledWorkVisa

Live, work, and gain PR in regional Australia through a points-tested, state or family-sponsored visa.

18 monthsTimeline
pointsRoute

Last updated: 2025-10-30

Scroll

Programme overviewنظرة عامة

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.

What you getالمزايا

Thebenefits,infull.

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.

Investment & costsالتكاليف

Everyfigure,inwriting.

Qualifying investment

Visa application charge (primary applicant)

Official VAC; additional applicant fees apply.

4,910 AUD

Skills assessment (typical)

Varies by assessing authority.

600 AUD

English test (typical)

Depends on provider.

410 AUD

Health exams (typical)

Panel physician rates vary.

350 AUD

Government & due-diligence fees

Subclass 491 — primary applicant VAC (from)4,910 AUD
Additional applicant charges (18+ / <18)
Possible 2nd instalment (for low-English cases)

Figures are indicative and exclusive of professional fees. Your advisor confirms an exact, written cost breakdown for your family size.

Eligibilityالأهلية

Whatittakestoqualify.

Requirements

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.

Who cannot apply

Failing to meet regional nomination or family sponsorship criteria.

Not achieving 65 points (including bonus).

Incorrect or incomplete skills assessment.

Language requirementاللغة

Proveyourproficiency.

Minimum level

Competent English (IELTS 6.0 each band or equivalent)

Accepted tests

IELTSPTEOETTOEFL iBT

Points systemالنقاط

Howcandidatesareranked.

Minimum score to receive an invitation: 65 points

CategoryMax pts
Age30
English language20
Skilled employment (overseas/Australia)20
Qualifications20
Nomination or sponsorship15
Other factors (Aust. study, partner, CCL, regional study)25
Total130

Eligible occupationsالمهن

In-demandroles.

Common eligible occupations (examples)

  • Software Engineer (ANZSCO 261313)
  • Civil Engineer (ANZSCO 233512)
  • Registered Nurse (Medical) (ANZSCO 254412)
  • Psychologist (ANZSCO 272499)

The processكيف نعمل

Fromfirstcalltoapproval.

01

Skills Assessment

Obtain a positive skills assessment in your occupation.

02

English Test

Meet minimum Competent English through IELTS/PTE/OET.

03

Expression of Interest (SkillSelect)

Submit EOI and indicate Subclass 491 with state or family sponsorship preference.

04

Nomination/Sponsorship

Secure state nomination or eligible family sponsorship.

05

Visa Application

Apply for Subclass 491 within 60 days of invitation.

06

Residence & PR Pathway

Live and work in a regional area for 3 years; later apply for Subclass 191 permanent residency.

Document checklistالوثائق

Everythingneededtofile.

Identity & Civil

  • Passport and national ID
  • Birth/marriage certificates or name-change records

Skills & Education

  • Positive skills assessment from assessing authority
  • Academic transcripts and degrees

Employment

  • Employment references and contracts
  • Payslips, tax records or employer statements

English & Tests

  • IELTS/PTE results showing Competent English

Health & Character

  • Medical examination from panel doctor
  • Police certificates from countries lived in (12+ months)

Your XIPHIAS advisor prepares a personalised document list at onboarding. The checklist above is indicative and may vary by family size.

Family scopeالأسرة

Whotravelswithyou.

All eligible dependants can be included in one application or added after approval.

Spouse or common-law partner
Dependent children up to age 23

Age limits, dependency definitions, and addition fees vary by jurisdiction. Your advisor confirms exact rules at onboarding.

Risk notes

!

Regional definitions may vary by state — check eligible postcodes.

!

Family sponsorship is limited to specific relative relationships.

!

Provisional status requires compliance with residence obligations.

Compliance

Maintain residence and employment in designated regional areas.

Hold valid health insurance if required.

Apply for Subclass 191 PR only after 3 years with taxable income above the threshold.

Questionsأسئلة شائعة

This route, answered.

It is valid for 5 years and provides a pathway to PR through Subclass 191 after 3 years of regional residence.

Start the Australia route.

A senior advisor will confirm the exact costs, timeline and documents for your case — privately, and entirely off the record.