Skilled Independent Visa
Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Visa (Subclass 491)
The Subclass 491 is a 5-year provisional visa designed to bring skilled migrants to designated regional areas of Australia. It is an ideal option for applicants who may not meet the extremely high points threshold for the Subclass 189/190 visas. By committing to live and work regionally, the applicant receives a crucial 15-point bonus towards their total score. After three years of compliance with the visa conditions, holders become eligible to apply for the Permanent Residence (Skilled Regional) Visa (Subclass 191).
The Visa at a Glance
Sponsorship Requirement
Regional Nomination/Sponsorship
Requires nomination from a State/Territory government or sponsorship by an eligible relative living in a designated regional area of Australia.
Status and Obligation
Clear Pathway (Subclass 191)
After holding the 491 visa for three years and meeting minimum income requirements, you can transition directly to the Subclass 191 PR visa.
Points Advantage
Significant 15-Point Bonus
The 15 extra points significantly boosts your score, making it achievable to receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA) even with lower base scores than the 189/190 visas.
Family Inclusion
Live and Work Regionally
You must live, work, and study in a designated regional area of Australia for the duration of the provisional visa.
The 5 Critical Stages We Manage for You
Regional Strategy & Skills Assessment
We identify the specific regional area and nominating state/territory where your occupation is in highest demand and manage the initial Skills Assessment process.
Targeted Nomination: Regional lists and nomination criteria are constantly changing. We ensure your application targets the right region at the right time.
Points Calculation & 15-Point Claim
We formally calculate your points, accurately claiming the 15 points for regional commitment, ensuring your total score is highly competitive to secure an invitation.
Accuracy & Competitiveness: We ensure every claim is verifiable, maximizing your score while preparing you for the higher competition among regional applicants.
Nomination Application Submission
We prepare and submit a robust application to the state or territory, detailing your genuine intention to settle, work, and contribute to their regional community for the required period.
Compelling Case: We help you craft the strongest possible commitment statement, often a key differentiator in successful regional nominations.
EOI and Invitation Management
Once the regional nomination is secured, we lodge/update your Expression of Interest (EOI) via SkillSelect, triggering the formal Invitation to Apply (ITA) from the DHA.
Speed: We expedite the EOI process post-nomination, moving swiftly to the final visa application stage.
Compliance and PR Pathway Planning
We provide a detailed guide on the income and residency requirements (Subclass 191 eligibility) you must meet over the five years to ensure a smooth transition to permanent residency.
Long-Term Success: We ensure you understand the post-grant obligations, safeguarding your eligibility for the permanent visa down the track.
What to Expect in Your Consultation
📞 Book Your Subclass 190 Strategy Session
The Subclass 491 is a strategic move, not a desperate one. Book a consultation to ensure your regional commitment pays off with permanent residency.
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Points Verification and Bonus Check: A formal review of your profile to confirm your eligibility and ensure the +15 points are accurately claimed and justified.
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Regional Commitment Assessment: A detailed discussion on the best region for your occupation (where our client has offices: Adelaide, Gold Coast, Brisbane, Melbourne, Sydney) and its specific nomination requirements.
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Pathway to PR (Subclass 191): A clear map of the three-year process, including the specific income threshold you must meet to satisfy the criteria for the final permanent visa grant.
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Financial Transparency: A full breakdown of the government fees, any state nomination fees, and our fixed professional service fee.