Australia Subclass 491 Visa
The Australia Subclass 491 Skilled Work Regional Visa is a provisional visa that allows skilled workers and their families to live, work, and study in designated regional areas of Australia for up to five years. This visa is designed to support regional development by bringing skilled professionals to areas with a shortage of qualified workers.
World Overseas Services helps applicants navigate the eligibility check, skill assessment, EOI filing, and state nomination requirements to increase their chances of receiving an invitation.
What Is the Subclass 491 Skilled Work Regional Visa?
Subclass 491 is a points-tested visa for skilled workers nominated by an Australian state/territory or sponsored by an eligible family member living in a regional area. After fulfilling the stay and income requirements, applicants can apply for Permanent Residency through Subclass 191.
Key Highlights
- Stay in Australia for 5 years
- Pathway to Permanent Residency (Subclass 191)
- Work and study in regional areas
- Travel freely in and out of Australia
- Include eligible family members
- Priority processing for regional areas
Subclass 491 Visa Eligibility Requirements
To apply for Subclass 491, you must meet the following conditions:
1. Nomination/Sponsorship
You must receive either:
- Nomination from a regional state or territory, or
- Sponsorship from an eligible family member living in a designated regional area.
2. Eligible Occupation
Your occupation must be listed on the skilled occupation list relevant to Subclass 491.
3. Skill Assessment
A positive skill assessment is mandatory for the nominated occupation.
4. Age
You must be under 45 years at the time of invitation.
5. Minimum Points
You must score at least 65 points, but higher points improve chances.
6. English Requirement
Competent English (IELTS/PTE) is required.
7. Health and Character
Medical and police clearance certificates are mandatory.
World Overseas Services ensures each eligibility requirement is met before submitting your EOI to avoid delays or rejections.
Subclass 491 Visa Processing Time (2025)
| Stage | Estimated Duration |
|---|---|
| Skill Assessment | 6–12 weeks |
| State Nomination | 4–10 weeks |
| Visa Grant | 7–12 months |
Subclass 491 Visa Fee
| Applicant Type | Fee (AUD) |
|---|---|
| Primary Applicant | $4,640 |
| Secondary Applicant (18+) | $2,320 |
| Child Applicant | $1,160 |
Latest 2025 Occupation List for Subclass 491 (Combined Table)
| ANZSCO Code | Occupation Name | Category | Assessing Authority |
|---|---|---|---|
| 261111 | ICT Business Analyst | IT | ACS |
| 261112 | Systems Analyst | IT | ACS |
| 261312 | Developer Programmer | IT | ACS |
| 261313 | Software Engineer | IT | ACS |
| 262112 | ICT Security Specialist | IT | ACS |
| 263111 | Network & Systems Engineer | IT | ACS |
| 233211 | Civil Engineer | Engineering | EA |
| 233512 | Mechanical Engineer | Engineering | EA |
| 233311 | Electrical Engineer | Engineering | EA |
| 233214 | Structural Engineer | Engineering | EA |
| 312211 | Civil Draftsperson | Engineering | EA |
| 312311 | Electrical Draftsperson | Engineering | EA |
| 254415 | Registered Nurse (Critical Care) | Healthcare | AHPRA / ANMAC |
| 254412 | Registered Nurse (Aged Care) | Healthcare | AHPRA / ANMAC |
| 253111 | General Practitioner | Healthcare | AMC |
| 252511 | Physiotherapist | Healthcare | AHPRA |
| 251999 | Health Diagnostic Workers | Healthcare | VETASSESS |
| 342111 | Airconditioning Mechanic | Trade | TRA |
| 341111 | Electrician (General) | Trade | TRA |
| 323211 | Metal Fabricator | Trade | TRA |
| 331212 | Carpenter | Trade | TRA |
| 322313 | Welder (First Class) | Trade | TRA |
| 351311 | Chef | Trade | TRA |
| 221111 | Accountant (General) | Business | CPA / IPA / CA |
| 225113 | Marketing Specialist | Business | VETASSESS |
| 132311 | HR Manager | Business | VETASSESS |
| 149212 | Customer Service Manager | Business | VETASSESS |
| 224711 | Management Consultant | Business | VETASSESS |
Benefits of Subclass 491 Visa
- Extra 15 points for regional nomination
- Access to job opportunities in high-demand regional areas
- Affordable cost of living
- Additional pathways to PR through Subclass 191
- Opportunity for long-term settlement in Australia
World Overseas Services provides complete guidance for state selection, EOI improvement, and documentation to increase your chances of being nominated quickly.
Step-by-Step Process for Subclass 491 Visa
1. Skill Assessment
Gather documents and obtain a positive skill assessment.
2. English Test (IELTS/PTE)
Ensure your score meets the requirement.
3. Submit EOI in SkillSelect
Your profile is ranked based on points.
4. Apply for State Nomination
Choose the best regional state based on your occupation.
5. Receive Invitation
Once invited, you can proceed with the visa application.
6. Lodge Visa Application
Submit documents, medical reports, and police clearances.
7. Receive Visa Grant
Move to Australia and begin your regional journey.
Why Choose World Overseas Services for Subclass 491 Visa?
- Expert guidance for skill assessments
- State nomination support for NSW, VIC, SA, WA, TAS, QLD, NT, ACT
- Detailed EOI preparation for higher ranking
- Transparent process with genuine documentation support
- High success rate for skilled visas