Subclass 491 requirements: nomination, sponsorship and regional conditions
The Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa (Subclass 491) is a five-year, points-tested visa for eligible skilled applicants who are nominated by a state or territory or sponsored by an eligible relative. It is not permanent residence, and its regional conditions are central to the pathway.
Key points
- You need either state or territory nomination or approved sponsorship by an eligible relative.
- The current points table contributes 15 points for the 491 nomination or family-sponsorship category.
- The main applicant generally needs an eligible occupation, suitable skills assessment, invitation, required English, at least 65 points and age under 45 at invitation.
- Visa holders must comply with designated-regional-area conditions; permanent residence through Subclass 191 is a later, separate application.
Two ways to meet the support requirement
State or territory nomination
A jurisdiction can nominate applicants who satisfy its current 491 program. Each jurisdiction sets its own selection criteria and may use a separate registration process. Federal eligibility alone does not guarantee nomination.
Eligible-relative sponsorship
Home Affairs currently says the sponsor must be at least 18, usually resident in a designated regional area, and an Australian citizen, permanent resident or eligible New Zealand citizen. The permitted relationships include a parent, child, sibling, aunt or uncle, niece or nephew, grandparent or first cousin, including specified step or adoptive relationships. The Department must approve the sponsorship.
The occupation options for a family-sponsored EOI may differ from a state-nominated EOI. Filter the official combined occupation list by the exact 491 stream instead of assuming every “regional” occupation applies.
Core points-tested requirements
- A current occupation eligible for the relevant 491 stream.
- A suitable migration skills assessment for that occupation.
- At least Competent English and age under 45 at invitation.
- At least 65 points, including the 15 nomination or sponsorship points where applicable.
- An invitation through SkillSelect and evidence for the invitation score.
- Health, character, identity, family and other general visa requirements.
What “regional” means
The legal definition uses designated areas and postcodes, not an everyday idea of countryside. Home Affairs states that the applicant and family members who hold the visa must live, work and study only in designated regional areas. Check the current postcode list before accepting work, moving home or enrolling in study, and check the conditions on the actual grant notice.
A practical evidence sequence
- Choose the exact nomination or family-sponsored stream and verify occupation eligibility.
- Obtain the correct skills assessment and English evidence.
- Confirm the points score before submitting or updating the EOI.
- Complete the jurisdiction process or collect relationship, status and residence evidence for the family sponsor.
- After invitation, reconcile every EOI claim with documents before lodging.
- After grant, retain residence, employment, tax and visa-condition records that may matter later.
The later Subclass 191 pathway
Home Affairs currently says eligible 491 and 494 holders can apply under the Subclass 191 Regional Provisional stream after holding the eligible visa for at least three years. It also requires ATO notices of assessment for three income years out of the five years and compliance with the conditions of the eligible visa. The current detailed stream page states there is no minimum income requirement. Read our 491 to 191 guide for the evidence-focused explanation.
Official sources to check before acting
These pages control over any summary on this website. Recheck them when you submit an EOI, accept a nomination or lodge a visa application.
Important Notice: The content on this page is for general information only. Australian visa policies and requirements are subject to change at any time. Always refer to the official Department of Home Affairs website for the most current and accurate information.