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Australian Visa 491: Complete Guide for 2025

Australian Visa 491: Complete Guide for 2025

Updated on Oct 10, 2025 | 2.23K+ views

The Australian Visa 491, also called the Australian Visa Subclass 491, is a skilled regional visa that allows professionals to live, work, and study in Australia for up to five years. In 2025, over 10,000 skilled workers are expected to receive this visa, helping address critical skill shortages in sectors like healthcare, IT, and engineering.

To qualify, applicants must meet the Australian Visa 491 requirements, secure either state nomination or family sponsorship, and earn at least 65 points on the Australian Visa 491 points calculator. This visa also provides a clear pathway to permanent residency through the Subclass 191 visa.

In this guide, you'll read more about the 491 Visa Australia requirements, how to calculate your points using the Australian Visa 491 points calculator, the step-by-step application process, visa costs and processing times, key benefits, pathways to permanent residency, top nominating states, common reasons for visa rejection, and how upGrad can support your 491 Visa journey from start to finish.

Also Read: Student Visa | Student Visa for Australia

What is the Australian Visa Subclass 491?

The Australian Visa Subclass 491, commonly called the Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Visa, is designed for skilled professionals who want to live, work, and study in regional areas of Australia. It is a temporary visa valid for five years and helps address skill shortages outside major cities.

This visa is particularly suited for individuals whose occupations are in demand in regional states. It allows migrants to gain valuable experience while contributing to regional economies and communities. Most importantly, it provides a pathway to permanent residency through the Subclass 191 visa.

Check out the types of Australian student visas and find the best fit for you.

Key Features of the Australian Visa Subclass 491

Visa Duration: 5 years
Work Rights: Full-time or part-time work in nominated regional areas
Study Rights: Enroll in educational institutions anywhere in Australia while living in a regional area
Family Inclusion: Eligible family members can be included in the visa application
PR Pathway: Eligible for permanent residency after living and working in a regional area for 3 years

Why Choose the 491 Visa?

The Australian Visa Subclass 491 is ideal for skilled workers who:

Want to live in regional cities like Adelaide, Hobart, or Newcastle
Are not selected for metropolitan visas like 189 or 190
Aim to gain permanent residency eventually
Seek opportunities in high-demand occupations in sectors such as healthcare, IT, engineering, and education

491 Visa vs Other Skilled Visas

Visa Type	Duration	Points Required
491	5 years	65
190	Permanent	65
189	Permanent	65

Note: A skills assessment for the nominated occupation is mandatory.

Australian Visa 491 Requirements

To successfully apply for the Australian Visa 491, applicants must meet specific eligibility criteria. These requirements ensure that skilled professionals contribute effectively to regional areas while having a clear pathway to permanent residency.

Basic Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must first meet the core eligibility requirements:

Age under 45 years at the time of invitation.
Nominated occupation must be listed on the Skilled Occupation List relevant for regional areas.
Positive skills assessment from a recognized authority for your nominated occupation.
Competent English proficiency, generally via IELTS, PTE, or TOEFL.

These factors form the foundation for the Australian Visa Subclass 491, ensuring that candidates are skilled, ready to work, and able to integrate into regional communities.

Additional Australian Visa 491 Requirements

In addition to the basic eligibility criteria, applicants must meet several key requirements to qualify for the Australian Visa 491. These include points scoring, sponsorship, and health and character standards.

The table below provides a clear overview:

Requirement	Details
Points Test	Minimum 65 points required
Sponsorship/Nomination	State or territory nomination or sponsorship by an eligible relative
Health Requirements	Medical examination for all applicants and dependents
Character Requirements	Police clearance certificates for all applicants and dependents

Meeting these requirements is essential to secure nomination or sponsorship and to progress toward living and working in regional Australia.

Australian Visa 491 Points Calculator

The Australian Visa 491 points calculator determines eligibility for the Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Visa. Applicants must score at least 65 points to receive state or territory nomination or family sponsorship. Points are awarded based on age, English proficiency, work experience, education, and partner skills.

Points Distribution Table

Points allocation is as follows:

Criteria	Max Points	Example
Age	30	25–32 years
English Skills	20	IELTS 8+
Work Experience	15	8+ years in nominated occupation
Education	20	Master’s or PhD
Partner Skills	10	Partner meets skill requirements

Maintaining a high points score is critical because only applicants meeting the minimum 65 points are eligible for state or territory nomination, which is mandatory for the 491 Visa application.

Application Process for Australian Visa 491

Applying for the Australian Visa 491 involves several structured steps. Following the correct process ensures a smoother application and increases the chances of receiving a state nomination or family sponsorship.

Step-by-Step Process

Check eligibility and occupation list
Verify that your occupation is on the Skilled Occupation List and that you meet basic age, skills, and English language requirements.
Complete a valid skills assessment
Obtain a positive assessment from a recognized authority for your nominated occupation. This confirms your qualifications and work experience.
Submit an Expression of Interest (EOI)
Lodge an EOI through SkillSelect, detailing your skills, experience, and points. Only applicants with sufficient points are considered for nomination.
Receive nomination or sponsorship
A state or territory may nominate you, or an eligible relative can sponsor your application. This is a mandatory step for proceeding with the visa.
Apply online via the Department of Home Affairs portal
Complete your visa application, attach all required documents, and pay the application fee.
Undertake health and character checks
Applicants and dependents must complete medical examinations and provide police clearance certificates.
Wait for the final visa decision
Processing times vary, typically between 7–12 months. Applicants are notified via their ImmiAccount once a decision is made.

Documents Required for Australian Visa 491

To support your application, you must provide verified documents, including:

Document Type	Purpose
Passport/ID	Identity verification
Skills Assessment	Confirms qualifications
English Test	Demonstrates language proficiency
Work/Education Certificates	Verifies experience and education
Nomination/Sponsorship	Required for eligibility

Completing all steps correctly and submitting the required documents ensures eligibility, and most Australian Visa 491 applications are processed within 7–12 months.

491 Australian Visa Cost

Before applying for the Australian Visa 491, it is important to understand the visa costs and expected processing time. The total fee depends on whether you are the main applicant or including adult or child dependents. This table provides a clear overview of the fees in both AUD and INR.

491 Australian Visa Fees

The main applicant bears the highest cost, while each adult or child dependent adds a proportional fee. Fees are non-refundable, so accurate documentation and eligibility are essential before submission.

Here is the cost breakdown:

Applicant Type	Fee
Main Applicant	4,640 AUD (2.71 L INR)
Adult Dependent	2,320 AUD (1.36 L INR)
Child Dependent	1,160 AUD (68 K INR)

Conversion rate: 1 AUD = 58.41 INR

Benefits of the Australian Visa 491

The Australian Visa 491 offers several advantages for skilled professionals willing to live and work in regional areas. These benefits cover career growth, family inclusion, and a pathway to permanent residency.

Key Benefits include:

Benefit	Details
Regional Work & Living	Reside and work in designated regional areas with high demand for skilled professionals.
Permanent Residency Pathway	Eligible for Subclass 191 after 3 years of regional living and meeting income requirements.
Family Inclusion	Include spouse and children in the application; dependents gain full work and study rights.
Healthcare & Education Access	Visa holders and family can access Australia’s healthcare system and local schools.
Professional Growth	Gain Australian work experience, enhancing career prospects and long-term employment opportunities.

These benefits make the Australian Visa 491 a practical choice for skilled professionals seeking regional migration, family inclusion, and long-term residency opportunities.

491 Visa to PR Pathway (Subclass 191)

The Subclass 191 visa allows holders of the Australian Visa 491 to transition to permanent residency after fulfilling regional living and work requirements.

Eligibility for PR

Must hold a Subclass 491 visa and have lived and worked in a designated regional area of Australia.
Minimum stay: 3 years in regional Australia before applying.
Work requirement: Must have earned a minimum taxable income set by the Department of Home Affairs for at least 3 years.
Character requirements: Must meet health and character standards, including police clearance certificates for all applicants and dependents.
State/Territory requirement: Must have complied with any nomination or sponsorship conditions associated with the 491 visa.
Dependents inclusion: Eligible family members on the 491 visa can also be included in the PR application.
Application process: Submit an online PR application via the Department of Home Affairs portal with supporting documents.

Do you know?
Over 40% of 491 visa refusals are due to incomplete documents or insufficient points, highlighting the importance of accurate preparation.

Australian States Offering 491 Visa Nomination

The Australian Visa 491 requires either state/territory nomination or family sponsorship. Several states and territories actively nominate skilled professionals to meet regional workforce demands.

States and Territories Offering Nomination

Here is the list:

State/Territory	Nomination Details
New South Wales (NSW)	Offers nominations for high-demand regional occupations
Victoria (VIC)	Regional nomination available through SkillSelect
Queensland (QLD)	Supports 491 visa for regional skilled occupations
South Australia (SA)	Nomination for eligible occupations in regional areas
Western Australia (WA)	Provides nomination for certain regional occupations
Tasmania (TAS)	Offers regional nomination for skilled applicants
Northern Territory (NT)	Nomination available for regional skilled occupations
Australian Capital Territory (ACT)	Limited regional nomination options

How upGrad Can Help with Australian Visa 491

upGrad simplifies the 491 visa process and helps applicants meet all requirements efficiently:

Eligibility Check – Verify occupation, age, and points.
Skill Assessment Guidance – Stepwise support for a positive assessment.
EOI Assistance – Submit a complete and accurate Expression of Interest.
Document Checklist – Compile skills reports, English results, and certificates correctly.
State Nomination Advice – Guidance on state or family sponsorship requirements.
Application Tracking – Monitor status via the Department of Home Affairs portal.
PR Pathway Guidance – Plan the transition from 491 visa to Subclass 191 permanent residency.

Using upGrad’s guidance reduces errors, saves time, and improves chances of visa approval.

Feeling worried? Book a 1:1 free session with upGrad experts to get personalized guidance for your 491-visa application.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the 491 Visa valid?

The Australian Visa 491 is valid for five years. Holders must reside primarily in a designated regional area and comply with visa conditions. This period allows applicants to gain work experience in regional Australia, which is essential for eligibility toward the Subclass 191 permanent residency pathway.

Can previous 489 Visa holders apply for 491 Visa?

Yes. Individuals who previously held a 489 Skilled Regional Visa can apply for the 491 Visa, provided they meet current points requirements and demonstrate compliance with their prior visa conditions. The process ensures that only applicants who satisfy updated eligibility criteria are considered for regional nomination and subsequent permanent residency pathways.

Are there exemptions for English proficiency tests?

English test exemptions may apply if applicants are citizens of certain countries like the UK, USA, Canada, New Zealand, or have completed a tertiary qualification in English. Otherwise, submitting results from IELTS, PTE, or other approved tests is mandatory to prove competent English proficiency for visa eligibility and points calculation.

Can I change my occupation after submitting an EOI?

Yes, but applicants must submit a new Expression of Interest (EOI) if they wish to nominate a different occupation. Approval depends on whether the new occupation is on the Skilled Occupation List for the state or territory. Changing occupations may affect points eligibility and the likelihood of receiving a nomination.

Does state nomination guarantee 491 Visa approval?

No. While state or territory nomination is essential, it does not guarantee visa approval. Applicants must also satisfy all requirements, including points threshold, health, character, and documentation. Visa officers assess applications individually, ensuring applicants meet national regulations and standards for regional skilled migration.

How do partner skills contribute to points?

If an applicant’s partner has a skills assessment and competent English, up to 10 additional points can be added to the total EOI score. These points enhance the chances of receiving state nomination or priority selection, making it important to verify the partner’s qualifications and ensure documentation is properly submitted.

Can I apply without a relative sponsor?

Yes. Relative sponsorship is optional. Applicants may rely solely on state or territory nomination to qualify for the 491 Visa. Choosing the right pathway is strategic; some states prioritize applicants with high-demand occupations, while family sponsorship may provide additional points in specific scenarios.

Are there age exceptions for 491 Visa applicants?

Applicants generally must be under 45 years old at the time of application. Exceptions are rare and may apply for highly skilled occupations or at the discretion of a nominating state. However, applicants will still receive points based on their actual age, which affects overall eligibility for nomination.

What is the income requirement for PR under 491 Visa?

To qualify for the Subclass 191 Permanent Residency, 491 Visa holders must have lived and worked in a regional area for three years and meet the minimum income threshold of AUD 53,900 annually. Meeting this threshold demonstrates sufficient contribution to the regional economy and compliance with visa conditions.

Can adult children be included in the application?

Adult dependent children can be included if they are under 23 and financially dependent, or have a disability preventing self-support. Accurate evidence of dependency must be provided during application. Including eligible family members ensures their rights to work and study under the 491 Visa.

Is regional work mandatory for PR eligibility?

Yes. To become eligible for Subclass 191 PR, applicants must live and work primarily in their nominated regional area for at least three years. Working outside the designated region may invalidate eligibility, and careful adherence to residency requirements is essential for a smooth transition to permanent residency.

How are work experience points calculated for 491 Visa?

Work experience points are based on years of professional experience in the nominated occupation. Typically, 3–4 years grant 5 points, 5–7 years grant 10 points, and 8+ years grant 15 points. Experience must be documented and verified to be accepted for points calculation and nomination eligibility.

Can I apply if I have multiple occupations?

Applicants must select one primary occupation for nomination purposes. Secondary occupations may support the EOI but do not contribute additional points. Choosing the most in-demand or relevant occupation is crucial for maximizing nomination chances and points under the 491 Visa points test.

How do health checks affect 491 Visa approval?

All applicants and dependents must pass mandatory health examinations. Certain pre-existing conditions may require additional assessment or treatment. Failure to meet health requirements can result in visa refusal or delays, making timely and accurate health checks a critical component of the application process.

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Harjeet

Visa expert |110 articles published

With over 12 years of experience in the education sector, Harjeet specializes in study abroad counseling and visa management. She has a proven ability to guide students through university applications...