Key Features & Benefits

• Stay in Australia for 5 years.
• Live, work, and study only in designated regional areas (everywhere except Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane).
• Move between different regional areas during your stay.
• Access to Medicare once granted.
• Include eligible family members in your application.
• Pathway to PR: apply for Subclass 191 after 3 years
• Extra points available under the GSM points test for state nomination or family sponsorship.

Streams of the 491 Visa

There are two official streams under this visa:

1. State/Territory Nomination Stream

• You must be nominated by a state or territory government agency.
• Each state and territory sets its own eligibility criteria (e.g., residency, work experience, or study requirements).
• Your occupation must be on the relevant skilled occupation list at the time of invitation (STSOL, MLTSSL, or regional lists depending on the state).

2. Family Sponsored Stream

• You must be sponsored by an eligible relative who is:
  • At least 18 years old, and
  • An Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen, and
  • Living in a designated regional area.
• Eligible relatives include:
  Parent • Child/Step-child • Brother/Sister • Aunt/Uncle • Niece/Nephew • Grandparent • First Cousin (including step/adoptive equivalents).
• For this stream, your occupation must be on the Medium and Long-Term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL).

Eligibility Criteria

To qualify for the 491 visa, you must:

• Be invited to apply via SkillSelect.
• Be under 45 years old at the time of invitation.
• Nominate a skilled occupation on the relevant list and have a positive skills assessment (not for Subclass 485 purposes).
• Have at least Competent English (IELTS 6.0 in each band or equivalent).
• Score at least 65 points on the GSM points test and meet/exceed the points stated in your invitation.
• Meet health and character requirements.
• Agree to live, work, and study only in designated regional areas.

GSM Points Test – Extra Points for 491 Applicants

The points test applies to all GSM visas. For the Subclass 491, extra points are available:

• 15 points – for state/territory nomination or family sponsorship.
• 10 points – for STEM qualifications.
• 10 points – if single, or if your partner has a skills assessment and Competent English.
• 5 points – if your partner has Competent English only.

Other factors like age, English, skilled employment, and qualifications also count toward your points score.

Regional Areas

Designated regional areas cover all of Australia except Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane.

Regional areas include Perth, Adelaide, Gold Coast, Hobart, Canberra, Newcastle, Wollongong, Sunshine Coast, Geelong, and many more.

Visa Conditions

All 491 visa holders must comply with mandatory visa conditions:

• Notify the Department of any change of address, email, phone, or passport.
• Live, work, and study only in designated regional areas.
• Provide evidence of regional residence, work, or study if requested.
• Must enter Australia by the initial entry date (if granted offshore).
• May apply to secondary applicants (not to marry or enter a de facto relationship before first entry).

Visa Costs

• Main applicant: AUD 4,910
• Additional applicant (18+): AUD 2,455
• Additional applicant (<18): AUD 1,230
• Second VAC: AUD 4,890 (if 18+ secondary applicant does not demonstrate Functional English)

Processing Times

Processing times vary depending on the stream and demand. Approximate DOHA ranges:

• 50% of applications: 8–10 months
• 90% of applications: 12–18 months

Pathway to Permanent Residency – Subclass 191

After holding a Subclass 491 visa for at least 3 years, you may be eligible for the Subclass 191 (Permanent Residence – Skilled Regional) visa

Quick Comparison: 189 vs 190 vs 491