Regional Visa

Quick answer

EMI International advises on Australia's regional skilled visas: the Skilled Work Regional visa (subclass 491), which needs state/territory nomination or family sponsorship, and the Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional visa (subclass 494), which needs a regional employer. Both are five-year provisional visas with a pathway to permanent residence through the subclass 191 visa.

• Visas covered: Subclass 491, 494 and the 191 permanent pathway
• Regional areas: All of Australia except Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane
• First step with EMI: Free 45-minute in-person consultation in Sydney CBD

Last reviewed: September 2026, against current Department of Home Affairs policy. General information only, not legal advice.

Skilled Work Regional Visa (Subclass 491) — Provisional

A 5-year provisional, points-tested visa for skilled workers who live and work in designated regional Australia.

Two Pathways

• State/Territory nominated: nominated by a state or territory government
• Family sponsored: sponsored by an eligible relative living in a designated regional area

Key Requirements

• Occupation on the relevant list and a positive skills assessment
• At least 65 points, including 15 points for nomination or sponsorship
• Under 45 at invitation, Competent English, health and character
• Live, work and study only in designated regional areas (condition 8579)

Family Sponsor Eligibility

• 18 or older and usually resident in a designated regional area
• Australian citizen, permanent resident or eligible New Zealand citizen
• Parent, child, brother or sister, aunt or uncle, niece or nephew, grandparent or first cousin (including step-relatives)

Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional Visa (Subclass 494) — Provisional

A 5-year provisional visa that lets employers in regional Australia sponsor skilled workers.

Applicant Requirements

• Under 45 when applying (some exemptions apply)
• Competent English
• At least 3 years of full-time work experience in the nominated occupation
• Positive skills assessment (unless exempt)

Employer Requirements

• Located in designated regional Australia and an approved standard business sponsor
• Genuine full-time position available for at least 5 years
• Advice from the relevant Regional Certifying Body (RCB)
• Pay at least the annual market salary rate

Pathway to Permanent Residence (Subclass 191)

After holding a 491 or 494 visa for at least 3 years, complying with its conditions and earning taxable income of at least AUD 53,900 in each of 3 income years (shown in ATO notices of assessment), you may apply for the Permanent Residence (Skilled Regional) visa, Subclass 191. A 494 holder does not need a second employer nomination.

Visa	Main applicant charge (from 1 July 2026)
Subclass 491 / 494	AUD 6,140
Subclass 191	AUD 630

Government charges shown are base application charges for the main applicant from 1 July 2026 and change regularly. Confirm current amounts with the Home Affairs Visa Pricing Estimator.

Frequently Asked Questions

What counts as regional Australia for visa purposes?

For skilled regional visas, all of Australia except the Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane metropolitan areas is designated regional, including cities such as Perth, Adelaide and the Gold Coast.

What is the difference between the 491 and 494 visas?

The 491 is based on state/territory nomination or sponsorship by an eligible relative and uses the points test. The 494 requires sponsorship by an employer in regional Australia.

How do I get permanent residence from a 491 or 494 visa?

After holding the provisional visa for at least three years and meeting the residence and income requirements, you may apply for the Permanent Residence (Skilled Regional) visa, subclass 191.

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