Australia Skilled Regional Visa (Subclass 491)
Looking to build a future in Australia’s high-demand regional zones? The Subclass 491 Visa is your ideal pathway. This 5-year provisional visa lets skilled professionals live, work, and study in designated regional areas, with a direct route to permanent residency (Subclass 191) after just 3 years. Whether you’re applying from India or already in Australia, Smart Geek Visas simplifies the process with expert guidance, state nomination support, and high visa success rates. Start your journey to Australian PR today!
What is the Australian Subclass 491 Visa?
The Australia Skilled Regional Visa (Subclass 491) is a provisional visa that allows skilled professionals and their families to live, work, and study in designated regional areas of Australia for up to 5 years. Designed as part of the country’s regional migration strategy, this visa is ideal for those looking to settle outside major metro cities like Sydney, Melbourne, or Brisbane. With the Subclass 491 visa, applicants can:
- Stay in Australia for 5 years.
- Work in regional areas with full rights.
- Pursue higher education at regional institutions.
- Travel in and out of Australia freely.
- Apply for Permanent Residency via Subclass 191
You must be nominated by a state/territory or sponsored by an eligible relative living in a regional area. Smart Geek Visas helps skilled professionals explore PR pathways through Subclass 491 and fast-track their Australia immigration process with expert support.
Benefits of Subclass 491 Visa
The Subclass 491 Skilled Regional Visa offers a practical pathway for skilled workers to establish themselves in Australia’s regional areas. It’s especially beneficial for professionals seeking permanent residency in Australia through a points-tested process.
- Stay in Australia for 5 years.
- Full work and study rights.
- Apply for PR after 3 years.
- Include spouse and dependants.
- Apply from India or onshore.
- Faster processing for regional visas.
- Travel in and out freely.
- Access to state sponsorship options.
- Boost CRS through regional nomination.
- Ideal for skilled migration to Australia.
Eligibility Criteria for Australia Subclass 491
To be eligible for the Australia Subclass 491 Visa, applicants must meet specific criteria laid out under the Australia Skilled Migration Program. These ensure that only qualified professionals are selected for regional settlement opportunities.
- Be under 45 years at the time of invitation.
- Submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) via SkillSelect.
- Score at least 65 points under the Australia PR points test.
- Be nominated by a state/territory or sponsored by an eligible family member.
- Hold a positive skill assessment for an occupation on the skilled occupation list.
- Prove competent English proficiency.
- Meet health and character requirements.
Step-by-Step Process to Apply for Subclass 491 Visa
The Skilled Regional Visa (Subclass 491) is part of Australia’s General Skilled Migration programme and requires precise documentation and timing. Here’s a simplified roadmap:
- Step 1: Submit your Expression of Interest (EOI) through SkillSelect.
- Step 2: Receive a nomination by a state/territory or sponsorship from an eligible relative.
- Step 3: Prepare and gather all required Australia PR documents.
- Step 4: Apply for Subclass 491 within 60 days of invitation.
- Step 5: If applying from within Australia, receive a Bridging Visa.
- Step 6: Get your Subclass 491 visa grant notice, including visa conditions and validity.
Smart Geek Visas offers end-to-end support for SkillSelect profiles, nomination filing, and visa documentation for faster approvals under Australia’s regional skilled migration stream.
Subclass 491 Visa Fees and Additional Charges
Understanding the cost structure of your subclass 491 visa is key to budgeting your Australia immigration process. Below is the updated fee breakdown:
- Main Applicant: AUD 4,770.
- Additional Applicant (18+ years): AUD 2,385.
- Additional Applicant (under 18): AUD 1,190.
Note that these fees can vary depending on the year and Australian policy. Smart Geek Visas ensures accurate fee planning and financial preparedness for a smooth visa journey.
Subclass 491 Visa Processing Time
The Australia Subclass 491 visa processing time is case-specific. Based on our observation, 90% of subclass 491 visas to Australia can take from 6 months to all the way up to 18 months, or even more in certain cases. It depends on several important factors:
- Submission of a complete and accurate application.
- Response speed to requests for additional information.
- Duration of background checks and skill verifications.
- Time taken for health and character clearances.
Smart Geek Visas monitors your file closely and coordinates with immigration authorities to minimise delays and maximise success rates.
Can I Include Family in Subclass 491?
Yes, the Subclass 491 skilled visa allows you to include your immediate family:
- Spouse or de facto partner
- Dependent children, including those added after application but before the final decision
Smart Geek Visas assists in family inclusion strategy, documentation, and dependent declarations—ensuring compliance with all immigration requirements.
When Can You Apply for PR After Subclass 491?
After holding the 491 Skilled Regional Visa for 3 years, you can apply for Permanent Residency via Subclass 191, provided you meet the following:
- Fulfilled residency requirements in designated regional areas.
- Met the income threshold set by the Department of Home Affairs.
- Complied with all Subclass 491 visa conditions.
Smart Geek Visas tracks your PR eligibility timeline and helps you prepare your Subclass 191 application without delays.
Why Choose Smart Geek Visas for Subclass 491?
- Authorised & licensed immigration consultants.
- Complete EOI, documentation & nomination guidance.
- 30,000+ success stories in Australian and Canadian PR.
- Transparent pricing with zero hidden charges.
- End-to-end process support until visa approval.
- High approval rates for regional and state-nominated programs
Book your FREE consultation today with Smart Geek Visas and take the next step toward your Australia permanent residency journey.
FAQs – Australia Subclass 491 Visa
1
Can I switch from a tourist visa to Subclass 491?
2
Is the Subclass 491 a permanent visa?
3
Which regions qualify as 'regional' for 491?
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Do I need a job offer for 491?
5
What is the difference between Subclass 190 and 491?
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