Smart Pathway to Skilled Migration in Australia
Overview
The Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Visa (Subclass 491) is designed for skilled professionals aiming to live and work in Australia’s designated regional areas. It provides work experience opportunities and a pathway to permanent residency through the Subclass 191 visa.
Key Benefits
- Live, work, and study in regional areas of Australia
- Include spouse/partner and dependent children
- Pathway to permanent residency via Subclass 191 after meeting residency and work requirements
- Access to healthcare through Medicare
- Points boost from regional nomination or family sponsorship
- Integration into local communities and regional work experience opportunities
Basic Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must meet the following requirements:
– Occupation listed on MLTSSL, STSOL, or Regional Occupation List (ROL) eligible for regional nomination or family sponsorship
– Positive Skill Assessment from the relevant assessing authority
– Minimum 65 points on the points test (additional points for nomination/sponsorship)
– English language proficiency (IELTS / PTE / TOEFL)
– Age below 45 years at the time of application
– Health and character clearance
– Commitment to live, work, and study in a designated regional area for at least 3 years
Advantages of Subclass 491 Visa
- Points Boost – +15 points if nominated by a regional authority or sponsored by a family member in a regional area.
- Regional Focus – Addresses skill shortages, increasing approval chances.
- Pathway to Permanent Residency – Eligible for Subclass 191 visa after 3 years of regional residence and work experience.
- Occupation Flexibility – Regional occupation lists may include additional eligible occupations.
- Family Inclusion – Spouse and dependent children can be included.
- Community Support – Regional sponsorship often includes guidance on settling in the area.
Regional Nomination
Applicants may be nominated by an Australian regional government agency. Nomination criteria usually include residence, employment in the region, occupation on relevant lists, and sometimes specific commitments like surveys or declarations.
Nomination obligations often require living and working in the region for 3 years. The Department of Home Affairs processes the visa after nomination. Fees and conditions vary by region.
Family Sponsorship
Alternatively, applicants can be sponsored by an eligible relative residing in a regional area. Eligible relatives include parents, children, siblings, uncles, aunts, nephews, nieces, grandparents, and first cousins (including step and adoptive relations).
The sponsor must be at least 18 years old and demonstrate residence in the regional area (e.g., utility bills, rental agreements, electoral roll).
Sponsorship approval is required before visa grant and contributes additional points. Applicants must commit to living and working in the sponsor’s regional area.
Application Process
Check Occupation Eligibility – Ensure your occupation is eligible.
Skills Assessment – Obtain a positive assessment from the designated authority.
Points Calculation – Based on age, education, experience, English proficiency, and nomination/sponsorship.
Apply for Regional or Family Sponsorship – Submit to the nominating authority or family sponsor.
Submit Expression of Interest (EOI) – Through SkillSelect.
Receive Invitation – Upon approval of EOI and sponsorship.
Apply for Visa – Submit application with supporting documents.
Visa Grant – Enjoy provisional residency in a regional area.
How Waymax Global Can Assist
Personalized visa assessment and profile evaluation
Guidance on skills assessment and documentation
Assistance with regional or family sponsorship applications
Support with EOI submission and visa application
Expert advice on English proficiency tests
Support for including family members
Step-by-step guidance until visa grant and post-landing support
Transition from Subclass 491 to Subclass 191
What is Subclass 191?
The Subclass 191 visa is the permanent residency pathway for skilled workers who have lived and worked in Australia’s regional areas on a Subclass 491 visa.
Who Can Apply?
Holders of the 491 visa who have: – Lived in a designated regional area for at least 3 years
– Worked full-time (or equivalent part-time) in the region
– Held their 491 visa for at least 3 years
Note: No minimum income requirement in 2025.
Benefits of Subclass 191
Full permanent residency in Australia
Access to Medicare, work, and study rights nationwide
Include eligible family members in the application
How to Apply
Confirm eligibility based on regional residence and work
Prepare documentation including eligible family members
Submit Subclass 191 visa application to Department of Home Affairs
Receive permanent residency and enjoy life in regional Australia