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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.
From preparation to application
How the subclass 491 pathway fits together
- 01Confirm occupation and assessing authority
- 02Complete skills assessment and English evidence
- 03Calculate only evidence-backed points
- 04Submit EOI and complete the nomination pathway
- 05Apply after invitation and support every claim
Decision checks
Do not plan from the visa label alone.
The state-nominated and family-sponsored pathways can use different occupation access.
Regional residence and other visa conditions continue after grant.
Subclass 191 eligibility is assessed later; plan evidence for the full pathway.
Application cost map
Separate the government charge from the full application budget.
From this amount for the primary applicant. Limited concessions may apply to eligible Pacific Island and Timor-Leste citizens.
View the official subclass 491 page ↗Open the official pricing estimator ↗Additional family applicants
A separate additional-applicant charge applies to each family member. The amount depends on age and application circumstances, so calculate the exact combined charge in the official estimator.
Second instalment
AUD 4,890 may apply to a family member aged 18 or over who does not have Functional English. It is payable only if requested before grant.
Pathway and evidence costs
State nomination fees (where charged), skills assessment and English testing are separate from the visa charge. Medical examinations, police certificates, translations and biometrics may also apply.
Visa charges can change. The amount payable is determined when Home Affairs receives the application; card or PayPal surcharges may also apply. This guide does not include professional service fees.
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.