The Subclass 491 visa Australia is a temporary visa that will support skilled workers and their families to settle in regional areas of Australia. It allows the applicant to Obtain PR in Australia if he or she satisfies all the eligibility criteria, which are in line with the Australian drive to unlock regional growth through the unlocking of talent attraction in less populated parts of the country. The visa can result in permanent residency of the applicant after three years under the Subclass 191 visa if the applicant satisfies the income and residence conditions.
Recent Update Subclass 491 visa {2025}
Recent updates to the Subclass 491 Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa include changes to nomination criteria in New South Wales (NSW) and the suspension of expression of interest allocations in the Northern Territory. NSW has eased nomination criteria for Pathway 1, while the Northern Territory has temporarily paused allocations until the 2025-2026 program is open for nominations. Additionally, the 491 visa, also known as the Skilled Work Regional Provisional visa, is designed to encourage skilled migrants to settle in regional areas where their expertise is needed.
Also Read : How Much Does Australia PR Cost from India in 2025?Subclass 491 Eligibility Criteria (Updated)
If you're considering applying for the 491 visa in 2025 , understanding the eligibility criteria is crucial to ensure a smooth application process. The 491 visa, known as the Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa, offers a pathway for skilled workers to live and work in designated regional areas of Australia. By meeting the specific requirements, you can open doors to incredible opportunities and a promising future.
Eligibility Criteria for Applying for a 491 Visa:
- Applicants must be under 45 years old and demonstrate proficiency in English.
- Must undergo a skills assessment by an authorized assessing authority relevant to the occupation.
- Must accumulate a minimum of 65 points through various factors such as age, work experience, educational qualifications, and language proficiency.
- Submit an Expression of Interest (EOI).
- Applicants must be nominated by an Australian state or territory government agency or sponsored by an eligible family member residing in a designated regional area.
- Must meet health and character requirements as per Australian immigration laws.
- Applicants must agree to live, work, and study in a designated regional area of Australia for at least three years.
Subclass 491 Visa English Language Proficiency
To apply for the Subclass 491 Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Visa in 2025 , you must demonstrate a minimum level of English Language proficiency. Below is a breakdown of the acceptable test scores across different levels:
| English Level | Minimum Test Score Requirements |
|---|---|
| Competent English (Minimum Requirement) |
IELTS: 6.0 each band TOEFL iBT: 12 (L), 13 (R), 21 (W), 18 (S) PTE: 50 each band CAE: 169 each band OET: B in each component |
| Proficient English (To claim 10 points) |
IELTS: 7.0 each band TOEFL iBT: 24 (L), 24 (R), 27 (W), 23 (S) PTE: 65 each band CAE: 185 each band OET: B in each component |
| Superior English (To claim 20 points) |
IELTS: 8.0 each band TOEFL iBT: 28 (L), 29 (R), 30 (W), 26 (S) PTE: 79 each band CAE: 200 each band OET: A in each component |
Steps To Apply For Subclass 491 Visa in 2025
There are several phases involved in applying for a subclass 491 visa, starting with determining whether your profession is on the Skilled Occupation List...
- Eligibility Check - You use the official points calculator to make sure you have at least the 65 required points
- Expression of Interest (EOI): - Lodge your EOI through the SkillSelect system with the conditions to apply for regional areas or family sponsorship.
- Nomination or Sponsorship - After your EOI is allocated, a state/territory will nominate you or a family member sponsors you.
- Invitation Issued - After being nominated or sponsored, you will receive an invitation to apply for the visa
- Submission of Application - Complete the visa application with accompanying documents like results in skills assessment and proof of English proficiency.
- Processing Timeline - The processing time for visas is uncertain but generally ranges between 12 to 18 months.
- You have the lifelong opportunity to live and work in Australia.
- Pursue higher education within the country.
- Enroll in the Australian Government health scheme.
- Your spouse can also apply as a primary applicant.
- Under sponsorship, eligible family members or relatives can become permanent residents as subsequent entrants.
Total Cost to Apply for Subclass 491 Visa (Australia) in 2025
| Applicant | Fees Factor | AUD |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Applicant | Subclass 491 | 4,115 |
| Reliant (18 years and above) | Subclass 491 | 2,055 |
| Reliant (18 years and below) | Subclass 491 | 1,030 |
| For each applicant and dependent | Biometrics | 60 |
| For each applicant and dependent | Medical Test | 350 |
| For each applicant and dependent | Police Clearance Certificate | Depends |
FAQ's
When becoming an Australian permanent resident, you gain several benefits...
To convert your 491 visa into permanent residency under subclass 191, you need to meet specific requirements, such as living and working in a regional area for at least three years and earning a minimum salary threshold.
Generally, 491 visa processing takes about 9 to 12 months, but the timeline can vary depending on individual circumstances and the volume of applications.
Yes, you can include your dependents (spouse, children, or other eligible family members) in your 491 visa application, provided they meet the eligibility criteria.
Eligible occupations for the 491 visa are listed on the relevant Skilled Occupation List. Your nominated occupation must be in demand in regional Australia.
To be eligible for the 491 visa, applicants must meet the salary threshold, which is typically set by the Australian Government and varies each year. For the 491 visa, it is important to have a stable income in a regional area.
Yes, you can include your spouse, dependent children, and other eligible family members in your application for the 491 visa. They must meet the eligibility criteria to be included.
