When considering skilled migration to Australia, most applicants aim for the permanent Subclass 189 (Skilled Independent) or 190 (State Nominated) visas. However, one of the most overlooked but accessible pathways is the Subclass 491 – Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Visa.
While temporary in nature, the 491 visa provides real advantages and a solid route to permanent residency especially for applicants looking to increase their chances of receiving a nomination.
What Is the 491 Visa?
The Subclass 491 visa is part of Australia’s General Skilled Migration (GSM) program, alongside the 189 and 190 visas. It’s a 5-year provisional visa for skilled workers who are nominated by:
- An Australian state or territory government, or
- An eligible family member living in a designated regional area.
Key Features:
- Provisional (Temporary) visa valid for 5 years
- Requires living and working in a designated regional area for at least 3 years
- 15 additional points for state nomination
- Leads to permanent residency via Subclass 191 after meeting residence and income criteria
Why the 491 Can Work in Your Favour
While many prefer the 189 or 190 due to their permanent status, the 491 often has higher availability and greater chances of nomination, especially when competition for direct PR is high or when points are lower.
Here’s why many applicants find success with the 491:
- States are more open to nominating for 491 than for 190 in certain occupations
- The extra 15 points can help bridge the gap for those below competitive points thresholds
- Processing times can be faster due to reduced application volumes
- It's ideal for those willing to live and work in a regional area
Your Pathway to PR
The 491 visa isn’t a dead-end. In fact, it’s a stepping stone to permanent residency through the Subclass 191 – Permanent Residence (Skilled Regional) visa.
Once you’ve:
- Lived and worked in the nominating regional area for at least 3 years, and
- Met the income requirement (currently AUD $53,900 per year, subject to change),
you’ll be eligible to apply for permanent residency.
Is the 491 Right for You?
If you're struggling to reach high points for a 189 or can’t secure a nomination for a 190, the 491 may be your best chance to start your journey in Australia and it still leads to the same ultimate goal: PR.
At Australian Shores, we guide applicants through every step of the GSM process, whether it's 189, 190, or 491. We'll help you understand your realistic options, improve your points where possible, and make the best strategic decision for your circumstances.
