Australia Skilled Work Regional visa

Skilled workers under 45 at invitation who meet the occupation, skills assessment, English and points requirements.

• Nomination or family sponsor

  You must be nominated by an Australian state or territory government agency or sponsored by an eligible relative. A relative sponsor must be at least 18, usually resident in a designated area, and an Australian citizen, Australian permanent resident or eligible New Zealand citizen.

  immi.homeaffairs.gov.au · checked 4 days agoSource

• Eligible occupation

  Your occupation must be on the combined list of eligible skilled occupations for the subclass 491 visa.

  immi.homeaffairs.gov.au · checked 4 days agoSource

• Skills assessment

  You must have a suitable skills assessment for your nominated occupation. It must have been obtained within the three years before invitation, unless it has a shorter validity period that has not expired. The visa page also describes accepted evidence for medical and legal practitioners.

  immi.homeaffairs.gov.au · checked 4 days agoSource

• Age at invitation

  You must be under 45 when invited to apply; you can still apply if you turn 45 after invitation.

  immi.homeaffairs.gov.au · checked 4 days agoSource

• Points score

  You need at least 65 points to be invited and must substantiate the score stated in your invitation, which may be higher than 65.

  immi.homeaffairs.gov.au · checked 4 days agoSource

• Competent English

  You must have at least Competent English at invitation. One accepted way to demonstrate it is an IELTS Academic or General Training score of at least 6 in each of listening, reading, writing and speaking; the Department also lists other accepted evidence.

  immi.homeaffairs.gov.au · checked 4 days agoSource

• Invitation to apply

  You can apply only if invited after submitting an expression of interest in SkillSelect. You have 60 calendar days from invitation to apply.

  immi.homeaffairs.gov.au · checked 4 days agoSource

• Health requirement

  You and family members applying with you must meet the health requirement. Non-accompanying family members might also need to meet it if requested.

  immi.homeaffairs.gov.au · checked 4 days agoSource

• Character requirement

  You and applying family members aged 16 or over must meet the character requirement. Non-accompanying family members must also meet it.

  immi.homeaffairs.gov.au · checked 4 days agoSource

• Australian Government debt

  If you or any family members, including those not applying, owe the Australian Government money, it must be repaid or arrangements made to repay it.

  immi.homeaffairs.gov.au · checked 4 days agoSource

• Australian values statement

  If you are 18 or older, you must read or have explained to you Life in Australia and sign an Australian Values Statement confirming you will respect the Australian way of life and obey Australian laws.

  immi.homeaffairs.gov.au · checked 4 days agoSource

• Adult family members’ English

  A family member aged 18 or over applying with you must have functional English or pay a second instalment visa application charge when asked.

  immi.homeaffairs.gov.au · checked 4 days agoSource

• Main applicant visa application charge, from; concessions apply in limited circumstancesimmi.homeaffairs.gov.au · checked 4 days agoSource$6,140 per person

1. Get ready

   • Check your occupation

     Check that your occupation appears on the eligible skilled occupations list for subclass 491.

   • Get your skills assessed

     Obtain a suitable assessment from the assessing authority listed for your occupation.

     You’ll need: Skills assessment

   • Check your points and English

     Check the points table and prepare evidence of at least Competent English at invitation.

     You’ll need: Evidence of English, Evidence supporting points claims

   • Gather your documents

     Prepare identity documents and evidence for your EOI claims and other visa criteria, including sponsor documents if a relative is sponsoring you.

     You’ll need: Passport pages, Skills assessment, English evidence, Evidence supporting points claims, Sponsor declaration, if sponsored

2. Apply

   • Submit an expression of interest

     Submit an EOI through SkillSelect for the subclass 491 Invited pathway, indicating whether you seek state or territory nomination or eligible-relative sponsorship.

   • Wait for an invitation

     If nominated or considered for eligible-relative sponsorship, wait for an invitation before applying for the visa.

   • Apply online within 60 days

     Use the invitation link to apply in ImmiAccount, attach documents and pay the first visa application charge within 60 calendar days of invitation.

     You’ll need: Supporting documents

3. Visa

   • Wait for a decision before arranging travel

     If you applied outside Australia, do not arrange travel, leave your job or sell your home until the Department advises you in writing that it has granted the visa.

4. Settle in

   • Live in a designated regional area

     After grant, you and family members holding the visa must live, work and study in a designated regional area and comply with visa conditions.

     You’ll need: Visa grant letter

Eligible holders can apply for the Permanent Residence (Skilled Regional) visa (subclass 191) after holding the subclass 491 visa for three years.

• Subclass 491 Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa - Main applicantimmi.homeaffairs.gov.auOfficial
• immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/getting-a-visa/visa-processing-times/gl…Official
• Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa (subclass 491) immi.homeaffairs.gov.auOfficial
• immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/help-support/meeting-our-requirements/english…Official

Japper is an AI immigration assistant. It gives general information from official sources, not legal advice, and it can be wrong. For your own case, ask a licensed advisor.