What is Australia's Subclass 491 and who is it for
Subclass 491 (Skilled Work Regional — Provisional) is a 5-year provisional visa for people settling in regional Australia. According to the Australian Department of Home Affairs, being sponsored by an eligible state or relative adds up to 15 points — the highest bonus in the GSM group.
After living and working in a regional area long enough and meeting the income requirement, you can move to Subclass 191 to obtain permanent PR. This is a good option when your points are not yet enough for 189/190.
Want to know which stream fits your profile? Get a free profile assessment or try the GSM points calculator.
- +15 points — the highest bonus in the GSM group
- Clear pathway: 491 → 191 PR after 3 years regional
- The whole family relocates together and enjoys regional settlement benefits
Key requirements of Subclass 491
Subclass 491 requires an occupation matching the regional list and an eligible sponsoring party.
Points & skills
GSM
Reach at least 65 points (including the +15), have an occupation on the relevant list and pass the skills assessment.
Regional sponsorship
Nomination/Sponsor
Be nominated by a state or sponsored by a relative living in a regional area.
Transition to 191
PR pathway
Live and work in a regional area, meeting the minimum income threshold for 3 years to qualify for 191 PR.
The process for Subclass 491 and moving up to 191
491 is a provisional visa with a clear pathway to PR.
Step 1 — Skills assessment & choosing the region
Identify an occupation matching the regional list, lodge the skills assessment and identify the sponsoring party (state or relative).
Step 2 — EOI + nomination/sponsorship
Submit an EOI and apply for state nomination or relative sponsorship to earn +15 points.
Step 3 — Receive the 5-year provisional visa
After being invited and lodging the application, receive the 491 visa for the whole family and relocate to live in a regional area.
Step 4 — Transition to 191 PR
After 3 years of living/working regionally and meeting the income threshold, lodge Subclass 191 to obtain permanent PR.
Documents and costs to prepare
The cost of 491 includes: skills assessment, English test, nomination fee (if applying for state nomination), visa application fee to the Australian Department of Home Affairs, medical examination, police checks and service fees. Transitioning to 191 incurs additional fees. See the cost structure on our price list.
- Passports and personal identity documents for the whole family
- Skills assessment result and English test result
- State nomination or regional relative sponsorship application
- Evidence of regional residence and income (for the 191 step)
- Medical examination and police certificates when invited
Comparing Subclass 189, 190 and 491
Australia’s three GSM skilled points-tested streams differ in sponsorship and bonus points. M2W consultants advise the optimal stream based on your profile and score.
| Subclass 189 | Subclass 190 | Subclass 491Viewing | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Outcome | Permanent PR | Permanent PR | 5-year temporary residence → 191 PR |
| Sponsorship | Không cần | Tiểu bang đề cử | Tiểu bang/thân nhân |
| Bonus points | — | +5 points | +15 points |
| Residency obligation | Anywhere | State-based for the first 2 years | Regional area |
| Requirements | MLTSSL + skills assessment | State occupation list | Regional occupation list |
Frequently asked questions about Subclass 491
How many points does Subclass 491 add?
A state nomination or sponsorship by a relative in a regional area adds 15 points — the highest bonus in the GSM group, suitable when your points are not enough for 189/190.
Is 491 permanent residence?
Not yet. The 491 is a 5-year temporary visa. After living/working in a regional area for 3 years and meeting the income threshold, you switch to Subclass 191 to obtain PR.
Which areas count as regional?
Most of Australia is regional, except the three major cities of Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane. The list of regions is updated per the Department of Home Affairs regulations.
Can the whole family come along?
Yes. Your spouse and dependent children accompany you on the 491 visa and transition to 191 together once eligible.
What are the requirements to move to 191?
Live and work in a regional area for 3 years on the 491 visa and meet the prescribed minimum income threshold. M2W advises on a plan to meet the requirements.
Not enough points for 189/190? 491 is your way through.
Subclass 491 adds up to +15 points and opens a clear pathway to PR via 191. M2W consultants advise on the regional area and an eligibility plan for the whole family.
