General Skilled Migration
Skilled Work Regional (491)
Five years in regional Australia, with a permanent pathway through the subclass 191 after three. Nominated by a state, or sponsored by eligible family in a regional area.
Requirements
What the 491 asks of you.
Designated regional Australia covers everywhere outside Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane.
A state nomination or family sponsor
Either a state or territory nominates you for its regional program, or an eligible relative in a designated regional area sponsors you: a parent, child, sibling, grandparent, aunt, uncle, niece, nephew or first cousin of you or your partner.
A skilled occupation and points claim
Occupation on the relevant skilled list with a positive skills assessment, and a points score at or above the floor. Regional nomination or sponsorship adds points.
The regional commitment
Live, work and study in designated regional areas while you hold the visa. Meeting the conditions is what unlocks the permanent 191.
Life on the visaThe pathway
How we run your 491.
Eligibility assessment
Occupation, points, and whether a state program or family sponsorship fits you best.
Skills assessment
Prepared and lodged with your occupation's assessing authority.
Expression of Interest
Your EOI enters SkillSelect for the stream we are targeting.
Nomination
For the state stream, we prepare the application to your nominating state or territory.
Visa application
Once invited, we lodge decision-ready, and plan your 191 eligibility from day one.
General information only, not immigration advice. Your circumstances matter. Visa requirements, fees and processing times change regularly. Facts on this page last reviewed 15 July 2026. Check current details with the Department of Home Affairs , or speak with us for advice on your situation. Website terms.
Begin with a conversation.
Speak with a MARA-registered migration agent in Melbourne about your pathway. Book a time that suits you.