Skilled Work Regional (Provisional)visa Subclass 491 )

The Skilled Work Regional Visa (Provisional) (Subclass 491) is for applicants nominated by a State or Territory government agency or sponsored by an eligible family member residing in a designated regional area. It is a provisional visa with a pathway to permanent residence via the Subclass 191 Permanent Residence (Skilled – Regional) visa. 

You can... 

• Lodge your application in or outside Australia. 
• stay in Australia for five years
• live, work and study in a designated regional area of Australia
• apply for permanent residence after three years from the time your visa is granted

Eligibility Requirements

• Under 45 years of age 
• You must be nominated by an Australian State or Territory agency or sponsored by an eligible relative living in a designated area.
• have a suitable skills assessment
• Be able to score a minimum of 65 points
• must have competent English
• You must have a skilled occupation on the relevant skilled occupation list
• meet the health and character requirements.

Sponsorship by an eligible relative (Subclass 491) 

Your sponsor must be:

           • 18 years old or older 

           • usually resident in a designated area of Australia 

           • be an Australian citizen, an Australian permanent resident, or an eligible New Zealand citizen

           • be your eligible relative or your partner’s eligible relative if your partner is also applying for  

             this visa  

 An eligible relative can be: 

          • a parent 

          • a child or step-child 

          • a brother, sister, adoptive brother, adoptive sister, step-brother or step-sister 

          • an aunt, uncle, adoptive aunt, adoptive uncle, step-aunt or step-uncle 

          • a nephew, niece, adoptive nephew, adoptive niece, step-nephew or step-niece 

          • a grandparent, or 

          • a first cousin 

Department must approve your sponsorship before you can be granted a visa.