Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa 491
Five-year regional visa with state nomination or a relative's sponsorship. Places cut to 14,110 in 2026-27.
ChangingInvitation only
Who it is for
Skilled workers who will live and work in designated regional Australia, nominated by a state or territory or sponsored by an eligible relative living in a designated area.
Main requirements
- Under 45 when invited, with at least competent English.
- Occupation on the list for the 491 and a suitable skills assessment.
- At least 65 points (nomination or family sponsorship adds 15).
- State nomination, or sponsorship by an eligible relative aged 18 or over, usually living in a designated area: parent, child, sibling, aunt, uncle, niece, nephew, grandparent or first cousin.
- Family members 18 or over need functional English or pay a second instalment.
- Health, character and the values statement.
Where you apply from
In or outside Australia once invited (not in immigration clearance).
Streams
- State or Territory nominated
- Family sponsored
- Subsequent entrant
Your journey, step by step
From the first enquiry to the decision and after, with how a registered migration agent helps at each step. No step promises an outcome.
- Enquiry and pathway
Choose state nomination or family sponsorship.
How a registered migration agent helpsA registered migration agent checks the relative's eligibility and area, and explains the reduced places. - English test and skills assessment
Book the test and apply to the assessing authority.
How a registered migration agent helpsA registered migration agent checks the occupation code. - Service agreement
Before any personal advice or preparation, you receive a written service agreement and the OMARA Consumer Guide.
How a registered migration agent helpsA registered migration agent sets out the work, the fee and the refund policy in writing. No money is taken for visa work before the agreement is signed. - Expression of Interest
Lodge an Expression of Interest indicating state nomination or family sponsorship.
How a registered migration agent helpsA registered migration agent keeps claims provable. - Nomination or invitation
The state nominates, or an invitation round selects a family-sponsored Expression of Interest.
How a registered migration agent helpsA registered migration agent diarises the 60-day deadline. - Lodge within 60 days
Lodge with the sponsor's declaration where family sponsored.
How a registered migration agent helpsA registered migration agent lodges a complete application. - Health, police and biometrics
Health examinations, police certificates and biometrics when the Department asks.
How a registered migration agent helpsA registered migration agent tracks every request and deadline so nothing lapses. - Five-year provisional visa
Live, work and study only in designated regional areas.
How a registered migration agent helpsA registered migration agent plans regional compliance. - Pathway to permanent residence
After holding the 491 for 3 years, apply for the 191 with tax assessments for 3 income years.
How a registered migration agent helpsA registered migration agent tracks the 3-year date and tax evidence.
Government charges from 1 July 2026
Paid to the Department of Home Affairs, not to us.
| Applicant or item | Charge (A$) |
|---|---|
| Main applicant | A$6,140 |
| Family member 18 or over | A$3,070 |
| Family member under 18 | A$1,535 |
| Second instalment | A$4,890 |
Check every charge in the Home Affairs Visa Pricing Estimator.
Processing times
Home Affairs Global visa processing times. Read 22 October 2026. A guide only, not a promise.
| State or territory nominated | 50% in 5 months, 90% in 18 months |
|---|---|
| Family sponsored | 50% in 4 months, 90% in 7 months |
Common refusal reasons
- Points not proven.
- Relative not eligible or not living in a designated area.
- Sponsorship not approved.
- State nomination conditions not met.
- Health or character.
Document checklist
Tick items as you gather them. Your ticks stay on this device only.
- Points evidence
- Nomination or sponsor
- Character
Recent and upcoming changes
- 12 May 2026
Regional places cut from 33,000 to 14,110 for 2026-27.
- 19 September 2026
New processing order for skilled visas.
Talk it through before you apply.
The first 15 minutes are free and general. Personal advice starts after a written service agreement.
Information checked 22 October 2026. General information only, not advice for your situation. Rules and charges change; check the official sources before you act.