The Skilled Work Regional (Subclass 491) visa is a points tested application, giving the holder a 5-year temporary visa to live, work, and study in a designated regional area – with pathways to permanent residency.
Although anyone can submit an expression of interest through SkillSelect, it is an invitation only application where you need to either (a) be sponsored by an eligible Australian relative or (b) be nominated by an Australian State/Territory.
What are the stages of a Skilled Work Regional (Subclass 491) visa application?
There are generally four key stages of a Skilled Work Regional (Subclass 491) visa application:
- skills assessment, where the applicant obtains a positive skills assessment in an occupation on the relevant occupation list;
- expression of Interest (EOI), where the applicant submits a points assessment through Skill Select;
- if pursuing the State/Territory nominated pathway, apply for State/Territory nomination; and
- if invited to apply for the visa, submit a valid visa application within 60 days of the invitation and with evidence to support the points claimed.
What are the eligibility requirements of the Skilled Work Regional (Subclass 491) visa?
Generally speaking, the requirements for a successful application are:
- be invited to apply for this visa and either (a) sponsored by an eligible Australian relative or (b) be nominated by an Australian State/Territory;
- be under the age of 45;
- have a suitable skills assessment for the occupation on the relevant occupation list;
- satisfy the points test (score 65 points or more, though pragmatically the minimum score is higher);
- have competent English at the time of invitation; and
- meet health and character requirements.
You can read a more detailed summary of the eligibility requirements at our Skilled Work Regional (Subclass 491) visa page.
What documents are required for the Skilled Work Regional (Subclass 491) visa?
The specific documents required for a Skilled Work Regional (Subclass 491) visa application will depend on the individual and their family members unique circumstances. Additional documents may be required for the skills assessment or State/Territory nomination application, which are not addressed here.
For a general Skilled Work Regional (Subclass 491) visa checklist, refer to the table below:
| Document required | Primary applicant | Secondary applicants |
| Passport | ✔ | ✔ |
| CV | ✔ | ✖ |
| Relevant change of name documents | ✔ | ✔ |
| Marriage certificates / de facto evidence (partner) | ✔ | ✔ |
| Birth certificates (children) | ✖ | ✔ |
| Relevant qualification certificates and academic transcripts (particularly in relation to points claimed) | ✔ | ✖ |
| Relevant skills assessment in relation to the nominated occupation) | ✔ | ✔ (if claiming points for your partner’s skills assessment) |
| Previous employment payment evidence (in relation to points claimed) | ✔ | ✖ |
| Previous employment contracts (in relation to points claimed) | ✔ | ✖ |
| Previous employment references (in relation to points claimed) | ✔ | ✖ |
| Community Credentialed Language certification (if claiming points) | ✔ | ✖ |
| Professional year certification (if claiming points) | ✔ | ✖ |
| Australian study certification (if claiming points) | ✔ | ✖ |
| Evidence of regional Australian study such as certifications and lease agreements (if claiming points) | ✔ | ✖ |
| Relevant registration or licenses | ✔ (depending on occupation) | ✖ |
| Police clearances from every country you have spent 12 months or more in the past 10 years (since turning 16 years of age) | ✔ | ✔ |
| Health assessments | ✔ | ✔ |
| Evidence of English language proficiency (you will need to demonstrate at least a “competent” level of English but likely more depending on your points claimed) | ✔ | ✔ (if claiming points for your partner’s English) |
If applying under the “sponsored eligible relative” pathway, refer to the table below for additional documents that may be required:
| Evidence required | Suggested documents |
| Sponsor’s identity and age |
|
| Sponsor’s Australian status |
|
| Evidence sponsor is usually resident in a designated regional area |
|
| Evidence the sponsor is related to the applicant |
|
| Evidence the sponsor has agreed to sponsorship |
|
If applying under the “State/Territory Nomination” pathway, refer to the table below for additional documents that may be required:
| Evidence required | Suggested documents |
| State/Territory Invitation |
|
The above are general checklists so further information may be required.
Who can I include in my Skilled Work Regional (Subclass 491) visa application?
Members of the family unit can be included in your Skilled Work Regional (Subclass 491) visa as secondary applicants. This includes your spouse or de facto partner, children under 18 years of age, and dependent children 18 years of age or over in certain circumstances.
To include dependents over 18 years of age (up to 23 years of age) who are not your spouse / de facto partner, you need to provide additional evidence that they are financially dependent on you or your partner. ‘Dependency’ refers to your child being substantially reliant on you to meet their basic needs. To demonstrate dependency, your Skilled Work Regional (Subclass 491) dependent visa document checklist should include evidence that:
- they live with you (bills / lease agreements);
- they are a full-time student (course enrolment, payment of fees);
- you send them money (bank statements)
In limited circumstances a dependent child over 23 years old can be included with your Skilled Work Regional (Subclass 491) visa (e.g. if they have a recognised disability).
You can also read our blog “Member of the Family Unit” – Who can I include in my Australian visa application?” which explains this in further detail.
I have lodged my Skilled Work Regional (Subclass 491) visa – what happens now?
If you are on a substantive visa in Australia and have validly lodged a Skilled Work Regional (Subclass 491) visa application, you will be granted a bridging visa A (BVA) to allow you to remain in Australia while a decision is made. A BVA application is typically submitted alongside your Skilled Work Regional (Subclass 491) visa application simultaneously (and automatically). Please note that you will not be allowed to re-enter Australia if you depart on a BVA. You will need to apply for a different type of bridging visa if you wish to travel.
You can learn more about bridging visas and what they mean for your immigration status here.
If you are outside Australia when you apply for your Skilled Work Regional (Subclass 491) visa application, you will need to wait for it to be granted before entering Australia (or otherwise obtain another visa to allow you to first travel).
Do you require further assistance?
If you require assistance with your Skilled Work Regional (Subclass 491) visa application, or have any other immigration related queries, get in touch with our experienced team. Contact us by email at [email protected] or by phone at +61 3 9016 0484.
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