What is the Subclass 491 Visa?

The 491 is a points-tested visa that allows you and your family to live, work, and study in a designated regional area of Australia for up to 5 years.

Why the 491 Visa is a Game-Changer

• The 15-Point Boost: The biggest advantage of the 491 visa is that securing state/territory nomination automatically adds 15 points to your overall PR points score. This is a lifeline for applicants struggling to hit the required threshold through age and English scores alone.

• The Pathway to PR: This visa is a direct stepping stone to the Permanent Residence (Skilled Regional) Visa (Subclass 191).

• Priority Processing: Because the government desperately needs to fill skill shortages in regional areas, 491 visas often benefit from faster processing times compared to standard 189 visas.

Eligibility Requirements for 2026

To apply, you must:

• Be nominated by an Australian state or territory government agency, or sponsored by an eligible relative living in a designated regional area.

• Have an occupation on a relevant skilled occupation list and possess a valid Skills Assessment.

• Score at least 65 points (inclusive of the 15 state nomination points).

• Be under 45 years of age at the time of invitation.

• Have Competent English (minimum IELTS 6.0 or PTE 50).

Transitioning to Permanent Residency (Subclass 191)

To convert your 491 to a 191 PR visa, you must live, work, and study in a regional area for at least 3 years while holding the 491 visa, and comply with all visa conditions.

From choosing a regional university in Perth to lodging your state nomination, Everest Global Education handles it all. Reach out to our Pokhara or Perth teams today to explore your regional PR options!

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