What this visa lets you do
- Stay in Australia for 5 years from the grant date
- Live, work and study in a designated regional area
- Travel to and from Australia as many times as you want while the visa is valid
- Apply for permanent residence through the Permanent Residence (Skilled Regional) visa (subclass 191), if eligible
- Attend free English classes through the Adult Migrant English Program, if eligible
Key requirements
- Be nominated by a state or territory government agency, or sponsored by an eligible relative
- Submit an EOI and be invited to apply
- Be under 45 when invited
- Have an occupation on the relevant skilled occupation list
- Have a suitable skills assessment
- Score at least 65 points (nomination or sponsorship adds 15 points)
- Have at least Competent English when invited
- Meet health and character requirements
Nomination or family sponsorship
You can be nominated by a state or territory government agency, or sponsored by an eligible relative. A sponsoring relative must be 18 or older, usually resident in a designated regional area, and an Australian citizen, permanent resident or eligible New Zealand citizen.
Living in regional Australia
You and family members who hold the visa must live, work and study in a designated regional area. Unless you have held the 491 for 3 years, you can't make a valid application for some other visas, including a subclass 820 Partner visa.
Points-testedYou'll need at least 65 points. Your invitation states the score you must have when your application is assessed — it may be higher than 65. Estimate your points.