Skilled Work Regional Visa (Subclass 491)
If your occupation is on the Regional Occupation List, you can apply for skilled migration under the Subclass 491 visa. This visa can be obtained either through:
- Nomination from an Australian State or Territory: Each state or territory has its specific requirements and lists of eligible occupations.
- Sponsorship from a Family Member: The sponsor must live in a regional area of Australia and meet the eligibility criteria for sponsorship.
Key Features of the Subclass 491 Visa:
- Regional Living and Working: The visa allows holders to live and work only within designated regional areas of Australia, fostering economic growth and community development in these regions.
Eligibility Requirements:
- Your occupation must be listed on the Regional Occupation List.
- You must meet the specific requirements set by the state or territory you are applying to or have a family member who meets the sponsorship requirements.
Subclass 491 Visa Overview
Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Visa (Class PS) (Subclass 491)
The Subclass 491 visa enables nominated skilled workers to reside and work in Australia as temporary residents. This visa encompasses 427 eligible occupations for migration to Australia. Holders are required to live and work in the designated regional area of their nominating state or territory for a minimum duration of two years from the date of grant.
Family-Sponsored Visa 491 Stream
The 491 Family Sponsored Visa is designed for individuals with an eligible relative residing in a designated regional area of Australia.
State or Territory Government Nomination 491 Visa Stream
This stream is intended for applicants nominated by a state or territory government in Australia who meet the necessary requirements for the Subclass 491 visa.
Work Rights for Visa Holders in Australia
Holders of the Subclass 491 visa have full work rights within the designated regional area of their nominating state or territory in Australia.
Skilled Regional Visa Subsequent Entrant
Visa holders can include their spouse/partner and children in their Subclass 491 visa application.
Skilled Regional Visa Application Fees
- Base application charge: A$4,770
- Additional applicant charge for individuals aged 18 or older: A$2,385
- Additional applicant charge for individuals under 18: A$1,190
All applicants are required to pay the Subclass 491 visa fee at the time of lodgement.
Subclass 491 Visa Processing Times
- Points Test Stream:
- 75% of applications processed in 11 months
- 90% of applications processed in 14 months
- Subsequent Entrant Stream:
- 75% of applications processed in 8 months
- 90% of applications processed in 10 months
Subclass 491 Visa Requirements
- Satisfy the Points Test
This is a points-tested visa. Upon submission of your Expression of Interest (EOI) in SkillSelect, an indicative points score will be calculated based on your claims. A minimum score of 65 points is required to receive an invitation to apply for this visa. - Age
Applicants must be under 45 years of age at the time of invitation. Applications can still be submitted if the applicant turns 45 after receiving the invitation. However, if an applicant turns 45 after submitting their EOI but before being invited to apply, they will not receive an invitation. - Skilled Occupation
The nominated occupation must be listed on one of the following skilled occupation lists: ‘Medium and Long Term Shortage Skills List’, ‘Short Term Skilled Occupation List’, or ‘Regional Occupation List’. - Subclass 491 Skills Assessment
A valid skills assessment must be declared at the time of invitation. A copy of this assessment is required to be submitted with the application, and it must have been obtained within three years prior to the date of invitation. - Invitation to Apply
Applications for the Subclass 491 visa can only be made upon receiving an invitation. To be invited, an EOI must be lodged. After submission, applicants are ranked against others, and invitations to apply may be extended by a state or territory government. - Minimum English Language Requirement
Applicants must meet the minimum English language requirements through one of the following assessments:- IELTS: Minimum score of 6 in each of the four components
- TOEFL iBT: Minimum scores of 12 (listening), 13 (reading), 21 (writing), and 18 (speaking)
- CAE: Minimum score of 169 in each of the four components
- PTE: Minimum score of 50 in each of the four components
- OET: Minimum score of B in each test component
Points Test Table for Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Visa Subclass 491
To assess your points for Visa 491, please refer to the ‘General Skilled Migration Points Test’.
Subclass 491 Visa for Victoria (VIC)
Victoria Subclass 491 Nomination Criteria
Applicants must be currently employed in one of Victoria’s target sectors utilizing their STEMM skills to be eligible for 491 nomination. Priority will be given to those working in business precincts such as Parkville, Footscray, and Docklands.
- Health Sector
This sector encompasses professionals delivering medical services and those involved in related education, research, and development. - Medical Research
Victoria’s medical research includes activities such as drug development, clinical trials, health product manufacturing, medical devices, and digital health. - Life Sciences
The life sciences sector includes industries such as medical technology, biotechnology, and pharmaceuticals. Companies engaged in food processing, nutraceuticals, and cosmeceuticals may also qualify. - Digital Sector
Applicants working in any segment of the digital sector are eligible for consideration for Subclass 491 visa nomination. - Agri-Food Sector
The agri-food sector involves skilled professionals focused on food growth, production, and modernization. Applicants must demonstrate STEMM skills that contribute to innovation within this sector. - Advanced Manufacturing
Applicants must utilize STEMM skills to enhance innovation in advanced manufacturing industries, including defense and aerospace. - New Energy, Emissions Reduction, and Circular Economy
This sector covers industries such as clean energy, renewables, bioenergy, carbon capture, and energy storage.
Subclass 491 Visa for New South Wales (NSW)
New South Wales 491 Nomination Criteria
The NSW Government can nominate qualified skilled applicants committed to working in critical sectors in regional New South Wales. Eligibility is based on meeting criteria in one of the following three nomination streams:
- 491 Visa NSW Stream 1 – Living and Working in Regional NSW
To qualify, applicants must:- Hold a valid skills assessment for an occupation on the Stream 1 Combined Occupation List.
- Have been living and working in a designated regional area of NSW in their nominated (or closely related) occupation for the past twelve months.
- 491 Visa NSW Stream 2 – Recent Graduates in Regional NSW
To qualify, applicants must:- Hold a valid skills assessment for an occupation on their preferred region’s occupation list.
- Have completed study within the past 24 months that qualifies for points for ‘study in regional Australia’ and be assessed as closely related to their nominated occupation by the relevant assessing authority.
- 491 Visa NSW Stream 3 – Skilled Occupations in Regional NSW
To qualify, applicants must:- Hold a valid skills assessment for an occupation on their preferred region’s occupation list.
- Currently reside in an Australian state or territory.
NSW 491 Visa Registration of Interest Submission Window
NSW nomination for the Skilled Work Regional visa (Subclass 491) is by invitation only. Applicants must register their interest with NSW during specified submission windows to be considered for nomination. For the 2021-2022 financial year, submission windows are open in August, October, January, and March. Note that applicants may only register their interest once during each window, and submitting a Registration of Interest (ROI) does not constitute an application.
491 NSW Participating Regions
Regions include Central Coast, Central West, Far South Coast, Far West, Hunter, Illawarra, Mid North Coast, Murray, Northern Inland, Northern Rivers, Orana, Riverina, Southern Inland, and Sydney.
Subclass 491 Visa for South Australia (SA)
South Australia Subclass 491 Nomination Criteria
Nomination for the Subclass 491 Visa in South Australia is entirely at the discretion of the Government of South Australia and falls under one of the following programs:
- Talent and Innovators Program
This program allows the state to nominate applicants under one of five streams:- Employment Stream: For highly skilled migrants employed by South Australian businesses.
- Outer Regional South Australia Workforce Stream: For skilled applicants working for outer regional businesses (who do not qualify for direct state nomination but wish to be considered).
- Startup and Small Business Stream: For entrepreneurial skilled migrants who have launched their own business in South Australia.
- High Performing Graduate Stream: For exceptional graduates from South Australian higher education institutions.
- Independent Talent Stream: For high-caliber applicants seeking state nomination.
Working and Residing in South Australia
- Currently Working in South Australia: Applicants must have been employed for at least six months unless otherwise specified for their occupation.
- Living and Working in Regional South Australia: Applicants must have resided and worked in outer regional South Australia for the last twelve months in any occupation.
- Long-Term Residents: Former international graduates or partners of international graduates who have resided continuously in South Australia for the last three years may be eligible.
International Graduate of South Australia
The qualifying course must be CRICOS registered with a minimum duration of 46 weeks. Applicants must have lived in South Australia for at least one year during their study and must continue to reside in South Australia after completing their course.
Offshore Applicants
Individuals currently residing offshore and whose occupation is eligible for offshore applicants may submit a Registration of Interest (ROI) application.
Subclass 491 Visa Western Australia (WA)
Western Australia Subclass 491 Nomination Criteria
To be nominated by Western Australia for the Subclass 491 Visa, you must meet eligibility criteria from at least one of three categories: General Stream WASMOL Schedule 1, General Stream WASMOL Schedule 2, or Graduate Stream.
General Stream WASMOL Schedule 1
- Occupation: Must be listed on the WA skilled migration occupation list Schedule 1.
- Work Experience: Must claim at least 5 points for work experience in your Expression of Interest (EOI).
- Employment: Must have a contract of employment in your nominated (or closely related) occupation for full-time employment in Western Australia for at least 12 months from the date of your application for State nomination.
- Financial Requirements: If you live outside of Western Australia, you must have sufficient funds to cover your settlement and living costs for at least three months.
- Minimum funds required: A$20,000 (single), A$30,000 (couple), A$5,000 (for each additional dependent). Proof of funds must be provided through bank statements or asset valuations.
General Stream WASMOL Schedule 2
- Occupation: Must be listed on the WA skilled migration occupation list Schedule 2.
- Employment: Must have a contract of employment in your nominated (or closely related) occupation for full-time employment in Western Australia for at least 12 months from the date of your application for State nomination.
- Financial Requirements: If you live outside of Western Australia, the same financial requirements as Schedule 1 apply.
Graduate Stream
- Qualifications: Must have gained a PhD, Master’s, Bachelor’s (or higher degree), or a Vocational Education and Training (VET) qualification at a Certificate III level or above, obtained from studying full-time and face-to-face for at least two years.
- Employment: Must have at least six months of Australian work experience in your nominated (or closely related) occupation or have a six-month contract of employment in your nominated (or closely related) occupation in Western Australia.
Subclass 491 Visa Tasmania (TAS)
Tasmania Subclass 491 Nomination Criteria
You can apply for Tasmania nomination for the 491 visa under one of the following categories:
Tasmania 491 Visa Graduate Requirements
- If you commenced your study before June 30, 2021: Must have lived in Tasmania for at least 1 year and completed a minimum of 40 weeks resulting in a CRICOS-approved qualification. If you are not in skilled employment, you must show a career plan demonstrating how your study has increased your ability to find skilled work in Tasmania.
- If you commenced your study after June 30, 2021: Must show that, while on a student visa, you studied for a degree, diploma, or qualification directly related to ‘Priority Industry Training and Workforce Development Area’. If you held a visa other than a Student visa, your qualification must be directly related to the same area.
491 Visa Working in Tasmania Requirements
- You must have been in Tasmania for at least 6 months prior to applying for state nomination. However, you may be eligible for state nomination after 3 months if your employment is in an occupation listed on the ‘Tasmanian Skilled Occupations List’ (TSOL).
Tasmania 491 Visa Requirements for Overseas Applicants
- Your nominated occupation must be on the TSOL, and you have not lived in another Australian state or territory within the last 12 months. If your occupation is listed as “High Demand,” then employment evidence is not required.
Requirements for Overseas Applicants With Job Offer
- Must have received a job offer in your nominated occupation, and if that occupation is listed in TSOL, you must have a skills assessment.
491 Small Business Owner Requirements
- Must show that you have established and are operating a business in Tasmania for at least 6 months, and this business must likely provide a personal income of A$53,900 per year for at least 3 years within the next 5 years.
Subclass 491 Visa Queensland (QLD)
Queensland Subclass 491 Visa Nomination Criteria
To be eligible for QLD 491 visa state nomination, you need to meet eligibility criteria for at least one of the categories mentioned below:
Graduates of a Queensland University
- If you have completed a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree from Queensland; can nominate a skilled occupation; and have 3 months of work experience with a further job offer for 12 months, then you can apply under this category. PhD students are exempt from the job offer requirement.
Skilled Workers Living in Queensland
- You can apply if you have been living in regional Queensland and undertaking full-time post-qualification employment (minimum of 35 hours per week) over the past 3 months in your nominated occupation, and have ongoing employment for a further 12 months.
Skilled Workers Living Offshore
- This category is currently closed; Queensland Migration will review this in the current year.
491 Small Business Owner QLD
- If you have started a business and have continuously run that business for a minimum of 2 years, you can apply for state nomination in the 491-SBO visa stream. The business must be generating a profit and have a turnover of $200,000 in the 12 months prior to application.
- If you have purchased a pre-existing business, it must have been in operation for 2 years and have a minimum purchase price of $100,000. Businesses purchased before April 1, 2021, are not subject to these requirements.
Subclass 491 Visa Northern Territory (NT)
Northern Territory Subclass 491 Nomination Criteria
The 491 Visa NT State Nomination program is well underway, and the Northern Territory remains open for new onshore nomination applications.
Eligible NT Graduates
- International student graduates who have successfully completed one or more qualifications after studying at an NT-based institution for two years in a single tertiary course or a set of nested tertiary courses can apply under this category.
Graduates from Other Australian States
- If you or any of your migrating dependents are currently living interstate, you will not be eligible for the Northern Territory (NT) nomination. If you or any of your migrating dependents are currently on a student visa and have not completed studies at an NT institution, you will not be eligible for NT nomination.
Subclass 491 Visa Australian Capital Territory (ACT)
Australian Capital Territory Subclass 491 Nomination Criteria
Visa 491 ACT State Nomination can be sought in the following two categories:
491 Nomination for Canberra Residents
- An applicant must meet one of the following criteria:
- Your nominated occupation is on the ACT Critical Skills List.
- You are the primary holder of a Subclass 457 or Subclass 482 visa sponsored by an employer in ACT, and you have worked in your nominated occupation for at least 3 months in Canberra. Your nominated occupation does not need to be on the ACT Critical Skills List.
- You are the majority owner of an eligible registered business located in the ACT and are claiming Canberra Matrix points in the ‘Small Business Owner Category’.
491 Nomination for Overseas Applicants
- An applicant must meet the following criteria:
- Your nominated occupation is on the ACT Critical Skills List.
- You have at least 3 years of full-time postgraduate experience in your nominated occupation and have obtained the skills assessment from the relevant skills assessment authority.
- Your skills and experience are relevant to the ACT economy.
- You hold the relevant registration or licensing if required for your nominated occupation.
- You have researched the ACT labor market and are satisfied that you are employable in ACT.
- You are living overseas, and you or any of your dependents have not lived in Australia for the last 12 months and do not hold an Australian visa except a visitor’s visa.
PhD Streamlines Nomination
- You are eligible to apply if you have completed a PhD degree from an ACT university and have lived in Canberra for at least 12 months.
- Interstate Resident: If you are living in another Australian state, you are eligible to apply if awarded a PhD from an ACT university within the last 2 years.
- Overseas Applicant: If you are living overseas, you are eligible to apply if awarded a PhD from an ACT university within the last 2 years.
Subclass 491 Family Sponsored Visa
Sponsorship by an Eligible Relative
If the primary applicant is sponsored by a relative who is over 18 and an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen, who is usually resident in a designated regional area.
Eligible Relationships for Sponsorship
- The sponsor is related to the applicant, or the applicant’s spouse or de facto partner, as a parent; a child or step-child; a brother, sister, adoptive brother, adoptive sister; step-brother or step-sister; or an aunt, uncle, adoptive aunt, adoptive uncle; step-aunt or step-uncle; or a nephew, niece, adoptive nephew, adoptive niece; step-nephew or step-niece; grandparent; or a first cousin.
Designated Regional Area – Designated City or Major Regional Centre Postcodes (Table 1)
- New South Wales: 2259, 2264 to 2308, 2500 to 2526, 2528 to 2535, and 2574.
- Victoria: 3211 to 3232, 3235, 3240, 3328, 3330 to 3333, 3340, and 3342.
- Queensland: 4207, 4210, 4211 to 4213, 4230 to 4231, and 4285 to 4287.
- South Australia: 5108 to 5113, 5115 to 5118, and 5153.
- Western Australia: 6200 to 6299.
- Tasmania: All regions, except for Bruny Island and King Island.
- Northern Territory: All regions.
- Australian Capital Territory: All regions.
This structured overview summarizes the essential details and requirements for each subclass of the 491 visa and their corresponding nomination criteria by different Australian states and territories. Let me know if you need any additional information or adjustments!
Disclaimer: ‘Aussie Migration Services Pty Ltd’ and its associates are independent consulting entities which are not associated in anyway with the Australian ‘Department of Home Affairs’ (DOHA). Information on this website does not constitute personal migration advice. For a customized migration advice based on your personal circumstances, please call and talk to one of our Immigration Consultants or register your interest with our Associates.