Yes. You can include your spouse or de facto partner and dependent children in your visa 491 Australia application. Once granted, they all share the same rights to live, work, and study in regional Australia.
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Move to Regional Australia with 491 Visa – Free Advice
Worried about meeting regional work and study requirements? GIEC Global UK ensures your eligibility for the 491 visa
What is 491 visa Australia ?
The 491 visa also known as Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa. It was designed to attract workers with in demand skills to fulfill the regional requirement and balance workforce needs outside the major cities. It is a temporary visa that allows skilled workers and their families to live, work and study in regional areas (not major cities) of Australia for up to 5 years.
The 491 visa is an excellent opportunity for skilled workers who are open to building their careers in Australia’s regional communities while working toward permanent residency. You can apply for permanent residency after living and working in a regional area for at least 3 years and fulfill the income requirement.
Benefits of the 491 Visa
- You can live, work and study in regional Australia.
- You can bring family members with you on the same visa.
- You can access a pathway to permanent residency through the 191 visa.
- Regional areas may offer priority processing and slightly more flexible requirements compared to bigger cities.
491 visa Australia Eligibility
To apply for the 491 visa Australia, you need to meet several important eligibility requirements set by both the Department of Home Affairs and the state of Victoria. This visa is intended for skilled individuals who genuinely wish to live and work in designated regional areas of Australia.
- Applicant must be under 45 years of age at the time you receive state or territory nomination.
- Applicant must have your skills assessed by a recognised assessing authority for an occupation listed on the Skilled Occupation List.
- Applicant must meet the English language requirement, usually at a “Competent” level or higher.
- Applicant must score at least 65 points on the Australian immigration points test (factors include age, work experience, qualifications, English skills and other criteria).
- Applicant must submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) through SkillSelect to indicate your interest in state or family sponsorship.
- Applicant must be nominated by a state or territory government or sponsored by an eligible family member living in a regional area.
- Commit to living, working and studying in regional Australia for the duration of your visa.
Once granted, the visa is valid for 5 years and it is a easy pathway to permanent residency through the Subclass 191 visa if you meet the income and residence requirements after at least 3 years.If you are confused about PR points, you can use the Australia PR Points Calculator to check your eligibility.
Victorian Subclass 491 Skilled Work Regional Visa Nomination
To apply for a 491 regional visa, you must be nominated by a state or territory government. For Victoria, the state government assesses your skills and job prospects in regional Victoria.
To identify candidates who are the best, the Victorian government will use your EOI (Expression of Interest). Applicants with in-demand skills in sectors like health, trades, hospitality, and agriculture have better chances of receiving a nomination.
Victoria focuses on individuals who:
1. Have STEMM skills (Science, Technology, Engineering, mathematics and Medicine)
2. Are currently working in regional Victoria
3. Have strong ties to the regional community
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Invitation to Apply for Victorian Nomination
After submitting your EOI, if you’re selected, you’ll receive an invitation from the Victorian government to apply for a nomination for visa 491 Australia . Bear in mind that receiving an invitation does not guarantee a visa. It’s a state-level nomination step required before you can proceed with the 491 visa application through the Department of Home Affairs.
This invitation is based on
| Your points score |
| The demand for your occupation |
| Your current employment in regional Victoria |
| Contribution to priority sectors |
Your application must include
| Personal details and contact information |
| Your occupation and ANZSCO code |
| Skills assessment results |
| Employment evidence |
| Proof of current residency in regional Victoria |
| Commitment to living and working in regional areas |
Submitting accurate information is crucial. False or misleading documents can lead to delays or refusal of your Subclass 491 visa nomination.
Nomination Application Assessment
Once you submit your application for the subclass 491 skilled work regional visa nomination, it goes through a thorough assessment process by the Victorian Government. This step is crucial because receiving state nomination is mandatory before you can be invited to apply for the 491 visa Australia.
he Victorian Government evaluate your nomination application based on several major factors to ensure you meet both the federal and state-specific requirements.While the 491 visa Australia processing time can fluctuate, the Victorian nomination assessment usually its takes 4 to 12 weeks, depending on the volume of applications and your occupation’s priority. Keeping your documents accurate, complete and well-organized helps speed up the review process.
What Happens During the Assessment?
Steps in the Assessment
- 1Occupation must be on Victoria's Skilled Occupation List.
- 2Work experience and qualifications must match regional needs.
- 3Authorities verify that your EOI matches your documents.
- 4Show genuine intention to live and work in regional Victoria.
- 5Priority for applicants with high-demand sector experience.
- 6Supporting documents checked for completeness and authenticity.
🔄 Processing Time Checklist
- 1Ensure your EOI matches your application.
- 2Check your skills assessment validity.
- 3Include a strong commitment statement.
- 4Submit only certified documents.
- 5Keep English test results valid.
✔ Following this checklist reduces processing delays.
Priority Sectors
Applicants with skills in these fields often get faster consideration:
Health • ICT • Engineering • Construction • Agriculture
Australian Skilled Visa Comparison
| Feature | Subclass 189 – Skilled Independent Visa | Subclass 190 – Skilled Nominated Visa | Subclass 491 – Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Visa |
|---|---|---|---|
| Visa Type | Permanent | Permanent | Provisional (Temporary) – 5 years |
| Sponsorship/Nomination | No nomination required (independent) | Requires state or territory nomination | Requires state/territory nomination OR family sponsorship in a regional area |
| Location Requirement | Can live and work anywhere in Australia | Must live and work in the nominating state/territory | Must live, work, and study in a designated regional area |
| Points Requirement | Minimum 65 points | Minimum 65 points | Minimum 65 points |
| Pathway to PR | Direct permanent residency | Direct permanent residency | Pathway to PR after 3 years via Subclass 191 visa (if income and residence requirements are met) |
| Family Members | Can be included | Can be included | Can be included, but they must also live in regional areas |
| Duration | Permanent from grant date | Permanent from grant date | Up to 5 years (with PR option after 3 years) |
| Flexibility | Most flexible, no location restrictions | Some restrictions (must stay in nominating state) | More restrictions (must stay in regional area) |
| Competition Level | Very high due to limited spots | High, but slightly easier than 189 if state nomination available | Comparatively easier due to regional focus and priority processing |
Nomination Application Outcome
You will receive one of the following outcomes:
- Nomination approved – You will receive an invitation from the Department of Home Affairs to apply for the subclass 491 visa.
- Nomination refused – If refused, you’ll be provided with a reason. You can reapply if eligible but cannot appeal the decision.
- Once nominated, apply for your 491 visa within 60 days through your ImmiAccount on the Department of Home Affairs website.
Need Help with Your Victorian Subclass 491 Visa?
Let our 491 visa Australia agent assist you in navigating the complex nomination and visa application process with ease. GIEC GLOBAL UK has helped hundreds of applicants successfully navigate this process.This visa process is challenging and a single mistake can lead to visa rejection. MARA Registered Agent guidance helps to avoid common pitfalls and ensure application presents the strongest possible case without single error.
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frequently asked questions
You can learn more from our asked questions
The subclass 491 visa is a 5 year which is a provisional visa for skilled workers nominated by an Australian state. It permits you to live, work and study in australian areas while earning points toward permanent residency PR.
You can apply for 491 visa if you are under 45, have a positive skills assessment in an occupation on the regional list, fulfill English requirements, score at least 65 points and receive a state or territory nomination for the 491 regional visa.
Processing times might differ, but most 491 visa AU applications are decided within 6 to 12 months. Your timeline depends on the completion of your documents, your occupation demand and current application volumes.
You can work full-time in any job within your regional area with the australia 491 visa. You are not tied to a single employer or role and giving you flexibility to explore different opportunities.
After living and working in Australia for at least 3 years and fulfilling income requirements then you can apply for the subclass 191 visa permanent residency under the Skilled Worker regional pathway.
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Note: Contact the nearest GIEC Global branch by searching “australia immigration agent near me” for the most recent and updated information.
