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491 · 5-year provisional
Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa
A five-year points-tested provisional visa with state or territory nomination and eligible-family sponsorship pathways. Family members may also have a subsequent entrant category.
Points-tested main pathway
Core eligibility
Obtain state or territory nomination, or eligible-relative sponsorship
Receive an invitation and be under 45 when invited
Nominate an occupation on the relevant skilled list
Hold a suitable skills assessment
Have at least Competent English
Meet the invited points score and all other visa criteria
These points-tested requirements describe the principal skilled pathway. A special stream or subsequent entrant category may use different criteria.
At a glance
What makes this visa different
Nomination or eligible-family sponsorship adds 15 points
Visa holders must live, work and study in designated regional areas
State-nominated and family-sponsored occupation access can differ
Eligible holders can pursue the subclass 191 permanent pathway
Official application categories
Subclass 491 streams and pathways
State or Territory Nominated pathway
The applicant is nominated by a state or territory government agency. Each jurisdiction applies its own occupation lists, applicant streams and nomination criteria.
Family Sponsored pathway
The applicant indicates an eligible relative sponsor in the EOI. The sponsor must meet the prescribed age, status, relationship and designated-regional-area residence requirements.
Subsequent entrant
For an eligible member of the family unit of a subclass 491 holder who applies separately to join the primary visa holder. The stay generally runs until the primary family member’s visa ends.
After holding an eligible 491 or 494 visa for at least three years, complying with visa conditions and providing ATO notices of assessment for three income years, eligible applicants may apply for subclass 191. There is no minimum income requirement.
Occupation access, points and evidence must be checked at the relevant time. Meeting a minimum requirement does not guarantee an invitation or visa grant.