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Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Visa (Subclass 491)

Points-tested provisional visa allowing skilled workers to live and work in regional Australia for up to 5 years with a pathway to permanent residency.

Estimated Cost

$4,750

Processing Time

~7 months

Validity

60 months

Description

The Skilled Work Regional visa (subclass 491) is a provisional visa for skilled workers nominated by a state/territory government or sponsored by an eligible family member living in a designated regional area. It provides 15 bonus points for regional sponsorship and requires living, working, and studying only in designated regional areas (all of Australia except Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane). After 3 years, holders can apply for permanent residency via subclass 191.

Official informationLast updated: 2026-03-01

Timeline

Processing Time
2 months – 12 months

Average: 7 months

Visa Validity
5 years

Path to Residency

Path to Citizenship

~7 years

Eligibility

Age:18+, under 44Min Income:$35,035/yr

Requirements

Optional

State/territory nomination or family sponsorship

Must be nominated by a state/territory or sponsored by an eligible relative in a regional area.

Cost Breakdown

FeeAmountType
Estimated Total$4,750