The 491 visa allows skilled workers to live in a regional area of Australia for up to five years. You must be invited to apply for this visa. To do so, you must submit an Expression of Interest (EOI).
491 visa holders can:
Live, work and study in Australia for up to five years
Include immediate family
Study in Australia
Transition to permanent residency (if eligible)
Nomination or Sponsorship
You must be nominated by an Australian state or territory government agency or be sponsored by an eligible relative.
Score 65 points
You must score 65 points in order to receive an invitation to apply for this visa.
Age
You must be aged under 45 to be invited to apply for the visa, meaning you can still apply for the visa if you turn 45 after receiving the invitation. If you turn 45 after submitting your EOI and you haven’t received an invitation, you will not receive one.
Skill Assessment
You must have a positive Skill Assessment in your nominated occupation from the relevant assessing authority unless you are exempt. Some applicants may be exempt if you are a medical or legal practitioner.
English
You must have at least Competent English to apply for this visa.
Health & Character
You must meet the health and character requirements (unless you are exempt).
Applying for a 491 (Provisional) Visa
You may be able to apply for a 491 Visa if you meet the following requirements:
Occupation & Skills
Your occupation must be on the relevant list of eligible skilled occupations. You must perform a successful skill assessment through the authorised assessing authority.
Points Test & Invitation
You must lodge an Expression of Interest (EOI) and be invited to apply for this visa. You must score a minimum of 65 points to be invited, however invitations are often issued to applicants with more than 65 points. Some occupations require more than 65 points to be considered.
English
You must provide evidence of competent English. Additional points will be awarded for proficient and superior English scores.
Age
You must be aged under 45 to be invited to apply for the visa.
Health & Character
You must meet the health & character requirements.
Subclass 491 Visa Estimated Cost
This fee estimator will calculate your visa and nomination application charges. Professional fee not included.
Contact us for a personalised quote — the live calculator from the original PHP site has not been ported in this static rewrite.
How long will it take to get a decision on your 491 visa?
Skilled Work Regional (provisional) visa (subclass 491) – State/Territory Government Nominated Regional:
75% of visas are processed within 58 days
90% of visas are processed within 76 days
Skilled Work Regional (provisional) visa (subclass 491) – Family Sponsored Regional:
75% of visas are processed within 57 days
90% of visas are processed within 71 days
Include your family in the Subclass 491 Visa
Applicants can include the following people in their 491 visa application:
Dependent children / stepchildren
Partner
Partners
the relationship is genuine and continuing
you live together, or do not live separately on a permanent basis
your partner is at least 18 years of age when the application is lodged
you are not related by family (if you are in a de facto relationship)
you and your partner have a mutual commitment to a shared life to the exclusion of all others
Children
be your child or stepchild (in certain circumstances)
not be married, engaged or have a de facto partner
under 18, OR 18-22 and dependent on you/partner, OR over 23 and unable to earn a living due to limitations
Health & Character
All family members must meet the health and character requirements. All applicants over 16 must provide police clearances.
If you would like to apply for another employer-sponsored or skilled visa:
If you would like more information about the 491 visa or to discuss your Australian visa eligibility with a registered migration agent, contact us to book a consultation.
