Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Visa
Subclass 491

The 491 visa allows skilled workers to live and work in designated regional areas of Australia for up to 5 years, based on nomination by a state or sponsorship by an eligible family member. It offers a pathway to permanent residency after 3 years, provided certain conditions are met.

       
   164 reviews  
 
  
       
 
   AustraliaMigrate
   5.0164 reviews 
 
 
 
       Posted on Google  
  
 
   Kevs Thomas 
 15 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.  Helpful and professional team. I recommend you should let them assist you if you have Vetassess and migration related queries.

Owner's reply
Thank you, Kevs! We're glad to hear you found our team helpful and professional. Your recommendation means a lot to us, and we’re always here to assist with any Vetassess and migration-related questions.
  
 
 
     Posted on Google  
  
 
   patel mithil 
 18 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.  I would like to express my sincere gratitude to Mariola for her excellent support and guidance throughout my 186 TRT permanent residency visa application process. She has been professional, helpful, patient, and supportive at every step.

My nomination has been approved, and I am very grateful for her hard work and assistance in helping me move forward with my PR journey. She has made the process easier to understand and has provided valuable guidance along the way.

I highly recommend Mariola to anyone looking for a trustworthy, knowledgeable, and professional migration agent in Australia. Thank you, Mariola, for your dedication, support, and hard work. I truly appreciate everything you have done for me and my family!

Owner's reply
Thank you so much, Mithil, for sharing your wonderful experience and kind words about Mariola’s support. We’re thrilled to hear she was able to make such a positive impact on your PR journey. Your recommendation means a lot, and we’ll be sure to pass on your gratitude to her. Wishing you and your family all the best in this exciting new chapter!
  
 
 
     Posted on Google  
  
 
   Zaid Alshorogy 
 24 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.  I had an excellent experience with Kathy Zonnoorian as our immigration agent. She has been incredibly professional, knowledgeable, honest, and supportive throughout the entire process.

Kathy always took the time to understand my situation as well as my siblings' individual circumstances, carefully guiding each of us towards the best possible visa and immigration pathways. She explained our options clearly, provided valuable advice, and made sure we understood every step before making any decisions.

What truly sets Kathy apart is her genuine care for her clients. She doesn't just provide immigration advice; she takes the time to find the most suitable solutions for each person's circumstances.

I am extremely grateful for her dedication, patience, and professionalism. I would highly recommend Kathy to anyone seeking reliable, trustworthy, and knowledgeable immigration assistance in Australia.

Thank you, Kathy, for all your guidance and support!

Owner's reply
Thank you, Zaid, for sharing your wonderful experience working with Kathy! We're thrilled to hear how her professionalism, care, and dedication made such a positive impact on you and your siblings' journeys. Kathy takes pride in ensuring every client feels supported and informed throughout the process, and your feedback truly reflects her commitment. We’re so glad we could assist you and appreciate your kind recommendation!
  
 
 
     Posted on Trustindex  
  
 
   Zaid Alshorogy 
 24 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Trustindex.  Outstanding Service and Professional Support from Kathy Zonnoorian
I had an excellent experience with Kathy Zonnoorian as our immigration agent. She has been incredibly professional, knowledgeable, honest, and supportive throughout the entire process.

Kathy always took the time to understand my situation as well as my siblings' individual circumstances, carefully guiding each of us towards the best possible visa and immigration pathways. She explained our options clearly, provided valuable advice, and made sure we understood every step before making any decisions.

What truly sets Kathy apart is her genuine care for her clients. She doesn't just provide immigration advice; she takes the time to find the most suitable solutions for each person's circumstances.

I am extremely grateful for her dedication, patience, and professionalism. I would highly recommend Kathy to anyone seeking reliable, trustworthy, and knowledgeable immigration assistance in Australia.

Thank you, Kathy, for all your guidance and support!
  
 
 
     Posted on Google  
  
 
   nima dvr 
 25 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.  It was a great experience working with Kathy. She was always available and willing to share her knowledge.
Thanks for your hard work 🙏

Owner's reply
Thank you, Nima! We're thrilled to hear about your positive experience with Kathy. She truly values teamwork and sharing her expertise. Your appreciation means a lot, and we’ll make sure to share your kind words with her!
  
 
 
     Posted on Google  
  
 
   Santiago San Martin 
 31 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.  Ian and Mariola were amazing throughout our permanent residency application. They were always helpful, supportive and happy to answer our questions, making the process much easier to navigate.

We’re so grateful for their guidance and care from start to finish, and couldn’t be happier to finally have our PR approved! Thank you both for everything. Highly recommend—definitely 10/10!

Owner's reply
Thank you, Santiago! We're thrilled to hear Ian and Mariola made your permanent residency process smooth and stress-free. Your kind words mean so much to the team, and we're delighted to have been part of such a significant milestone. Congratulations on your PR approval, and thank you for recommending us!
  
 
 
     Posted on Google  
  
 
   Alena Stus 
 39 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.  It was a pleasure working with Australia Migrate on my partner visa. My case was quite complicated, but Australia Migrate walked me through the entire journey from start to finish, making the process a lot less stressful than if my partner and I were doing it by ourselves. Very professional firm, fast to address any questions/concerns, no time wasted. Questions answered right away, paperwork submitted the same day - exactly what you want to have going through such a major process. 10/10 recommend.

Owner's reply
Thank you, Alena, for your wonderful feedback! We're thrilled that we could make the process smoother for you and your partner. It's great to hear that our team's professionalism and efficiency made a difference in such an important journey. Wishing you both the very best!
  
 
 
     Posted on Google  
  
 
   Hans van der Heijden 
 39 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.  The AustraliaMigrate team has assisted me and my employer with the transfer of a TSS482 from one employer to another and a 186DE  PR application, which was recently approved. The team is very professional and thorough, always responded to questions I had, and definitely recommended. Special thanks to Mariola, Ian, and Eileen.

Owner's reply
Thank you, Hans, for sharing your experience! We're thrilled we could assist with your TSS482 transfer and 186DE PR application. It's wonderful to hear Mariola, Ian, and Eileen provided the support you needed. Wishing you all the best in this new chapter!
  
 
 
     Posted on Google  
  
 
   Angus Ma 
 51 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.  Thank you Eileen and team for providing exceptional service across all areas of the visa application. Appreciate your patience and care during each stage!

Owner's reply
Thank you, Angus, for your kind words! We're thrilled to hear that Eileen and the team were able to provide you with exceptional support throughout the visa process. Your appreciation means a lot to us, and we're glad we could assist you every step of the way. Wishing you all the best moving forward!
  
 
 
     Posted on Google  
  
 
   Wenona Tumbaga 
 59 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.  Mariola, Eileen, and Ian were all helpful in processing both our graduate and PR visas. They were very thorough and attentive to details. They were also very patient with my queries and follow ups.

Thank you Ian and team!

Owner's reply
Thank you, Wenona! We're thrilled to hear that Ian, Mariola, and Eileen were able to assist you so thoroughly and patiently. Your kind words mean a lot to the team, and we’re glad we could make the process smoother for you. If you ever need further assistance, don’t hesitate to reach out!
  
 
 
 
 
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What Does Visa Let You Do?

You can include your partner and children on your application. At the time of decision your children cannot be older than 23 unless they financially rely on you because they are incapacitated for work due to the total or partial loss of their bodily or mental functions.

This is a temporary visa. Once it is granted it allows you:

to travel to, enter and remain in Australia for 5 years from the date of grant.
live, work and study only in a part of Australia that was a designated regional area at the time the visa was granted.
apply for permanent residence, if eligible, through the Permanent Residence (Skilled Regional) visa (subclass 191) – which commences on 16 November 2022.

Subclass 491 - Skilled Work Regional (Provisional)

HOW THIS VISA WORKS

You can be in or outside Australia when you apply for this visa. If you are in Australia at the time of application you have to hold a substantive visa or bridging visa A, B or C.

Who Is Eligible For This Visa?

General Requirements:

You meet the required points for the visa (65 points is the minimum). Points are comprised of a number of factors such as age, qualifications, English fluency, work experience in Australia and overseas, qualifications obtained in Australia, state sponsorship and partner qualifications.
At the time of the invitation, you cannot be older than 45.
You have a valid positive skills assessment of your qualifications.
Undertook an English language test (IELTS, OET, TOEFL, iBT, PTE Academic or Cambridge English: Advanced) and achieved the required score.
All dependents who are 18 or older have to have at least functional English. Alternatively, $4,890 per person who does not have functional English will have to be paid.

Steps in the process

You have to be nominated by a state or territory or your relative who is your parent, child or step-child, a brother, sister, adoptive brother, adoptive sister, step-brother or step-sister, aunt, uncle, adoptive aunt, adoptive uncle, step-aunt or step-uncle, nephew, niece, adoptive nephew, adoptive niece, step-nephew or step-niece, grandparent or a first cousin. Your relative he has to be at least 18yo Australian citizen, Australian permanent resident or eligible New Zealand citizen. Your sponsor also has to be usually resident in a designated regional area.

If you are sponsored by your relative your occupation must be on the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List. If you are nominated by state or territory your occupation must be on the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List, Short-term Skilled Occupation List or Regional Occupation List.

Lodgment of the Expression of Interest (EOI) – The EOI is a system which gives the Government the tools to prioritize and rank prospective migrants in order of merit, selecting the ‘brightest and best’ migrants and/or candidates to fill labour market shortages. It also gives the Government the tools to tweak the type of occupations most needed, curb those occupations where there are too many applications and manage the general mix of occupations accepted in each program year.
Receive an invitation from the Department of Home Affairs;
Lodgement of the Visa application within the period stated in the invitation.

About Skill-Select

It is important to understand that an Expression of Interest (EOI) is not a visa application and will not result in a bridging visa in Australia. Furthermore, any claims made in an EOI which cannot be substantiated in a visa application, for example, English fluency, qualifications, work experience, will lead to a refusal of the visa application.

Currently the following postcodes are considered to be a designated regional area:

NSW	2259, 2264 to 2308, 2500 to 2526, 2528 to 2535 and 2574 2250 to 2258, 2260 to 2263, 2311 to 2490, 2527, 2536 to 2551, 2575 to 2739, 2753 to 2754, 2756 to 2758 and 2773 to 2898
VIC	3211 to 3232, 3235, 3240, 3328, 3330 to 3333, 3340 and 3342 3097 to 3099, 3139, 3233 to 3234, 3236 to 3239, 3241 to 3325, 3329, 3334, 3341, 3345 to 3424, 3430 to 3799, 3809 to 3909, 3912 to 3971 and 3978 to 3996
QLD	4207 to 4275, 4517 to 4519, 4550 to 4551, 4553 to 4562, 4564 to 4569 and 4571 to 4575 4124 to 4125, 4133, 4183 to 4184, 4280 to 4287, 4306 to 4498, 4507, 4552, 4563, 4570 and 4580 to 4895
WA	All postcodes except for: 6000 to 6038, 6050 to 6083, 6090 to 6182, 6208 to 6211, 6214 and 6556 to 6558.
SA	All postcodes except for: 5000 to 5171, 5173 to 5174, 5231 to 5235, 5240 to 5252, 5351 and 5950 to 5960.
TAS	All postcodes except for: 7000, 7004 to 7026, 7030 to 7109, 7140 to 7151 and 7170 to 7177
NT	All postcodes
ACT	All postcodes

Related Visa Types

Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (Provisional) Visa Subclass 494

Permanent Resident Visa – (Skilled Regional) Subclass 191

Skilled Nominated Permanent Visa Subclass 190

What type of visa are you looking for?

We are a team of immigration specialists guiding individuals, families and corporates who aspire to migrate to Australia. Our migration consultancy has a successful track record in visa approval, with a fair fee structure.

Employer Sponsored Visa

Australian employers can sponsor skilled workers, whether already in Australia on a visa or applying from overseas, to meet skill shortage positions in their business.

Skilled Worker Visa

Skilled workers with qualifications and experience in demand can apply for visas to live and work in Australia permanently.

Partner Visa

Partner visas allows an Australian citizen or permanent resident to sponsor their spouse, de facto partner or fiancé to be with them in Australia.

Student or Graduate Visa

International students can study in Australia and apply for post-study temporary work visas.

Subclass 491 Frequently Asked Questions

What is an Expression of Interest (EOI)?

An EOI is not a visa application, it is an application that you would like to be invited to apply for a skilled visa. It’s an online form, with no fee which asks you a series of questions about how you intend to score your points for a subclass 189, 190 or 491 visa application. It is imperative that your points are calculated accurately so that when a visa application is lodged after being granted an invitation, the points in the visa application are the same as the points claimed in the EOI. An EOI does not result in a bridging visa.

I have lodged an EOI. Does that mean I will get an invitation?

No, not necessarily. You must obtain a minimum of 65 points to lodge an Expression of Interest. The higher the points, the more likely it is that you will receive an invitation to lodge a visa application.

However, depending on the volume of applications with the same occupation received by the Department of Home Affairs, a higher score than 65 is usually required to be granted an invitation to lodge a visa application. As an example, accountants may require 90 points or more to be granted an invitation whereas high school teachers may only require 80 points. The way the Department of Home Affairs will issue an invitation depends on a lot of factors, which could be what occupations are in most need at that point in time, such as medical occupations in the covid – 19 era receive the most invitations.

I am a holder of a subclass 491 visa. Can I apply for a subclass 189 or 190?

If you are a holder of a subclass 491 or 494 you must have held that visa for at least 3 years before you can lodge an application for a subclass 189 or 190. You will have to meet all criteria of that visa subclass in order to be granted the new visa.