If you’ve been thinking about living and working in Australia, especially outside the big cities, the 491 Regional Skill Migration in Australia might be the option for you. This visa gives skilled workers and their families a chance to move to regional parts of the country for up to five years. During this time, you can work, study, and enjoy life in your chosen area. After three years, you might be able to apply for permanent residency, as long as you meet a few rules.
Let’s break it down into simple steps so you can understand how this visa works and what you need to qualify.
I. What Is The 491 Regional Skill Migration Visa?
The Regional Migration Visa 491 is for people with job skills that are needed in certain areas of Australia. Instead of heading to busy cities like Sydney or Melbourne, this visa helps you live in smaller towns and growing regions that welcome new workers. It’s a points-based visa, which means you need to meet a certain score based on your age, skills, English ability, and other factors.
The visa is valid for five years. During that time, you must live and work in a designated regional area, which includes a lot of locations across Australia except the biggest cities.
Who Can Apply For The 491 Visa?
491 Visa Eligibility Australia includes the following:
- You must be under 45 years old.
- You need a positive skills assessment in an occupation that’s in demand.
- You must be able to speak English well.
- You must be invited to apply after submitting an Expression of Interest (EOI) through SkillSelect.
- You need sponsorship from either an eligible family member living in a regional area or a state or territory government.
You also need to meet income rules to apply for permanent residency later. For three years, you or your partner must earn a minimum taxable income each year. That amount is currently set at $53,900.
What Can You Do With This Visa?
With the 491 visa, you can:
- Live in a regional area of Australia.
- Work in almost any job (some conditions apply).
- Study in local institutions.
- Travel in and out of Australia freely during the visa period.
You don’t need to stick to one employer or one town. You can move between regional areas if needed, as long as the area is still considered “regional” by the government.
II. How Do You Get Permanent Residency?
Once you’ve lived and worked for three years in a regional area on this visa, you might be able to apply for the Skilled Regional 191 Visa, which is a permanent visa.
To apply for this step, you’ll need to show:
- You’ve lived in a regional area the whole time.
- You’ve followed all the visa conditions.
- You or your partner have earned at least the required income each year.
This gives you the chance to settle down in Australia more permanently.
III. What Are The Benefits Of The 491 Visa?
Some of the good things about the Regional Migration Visa 491 include:
- Extra points for your visa application if you’re sponsored by a state or territory, or an eligible family member.
- Faster visa processing times for regional visas.
- Access to more job options on the Regional Occupation List.
- More spots available each year compared to other skilled visas.
- If you graduate from a university in a regional area, you might get more time on a post-study work visa.
There are also special arrangements for towns that have special needs for skilled workers, like the Designated Area Migration Agreements (DAMAs). These give more flexibility for certain jobs.
IV. Where Can You Live On A 491 Visa?
Most of Australia is considered regional, except Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane. Some examples of allowed areas are:
- Adelaide
- Perth
- Hobart
- Canberra
- Gold Coast
- Geelong
- Newcastle
- Sunshine Coast
- Many smaller towns and rural areas
Each of these regions may have its own rules and job lists, so it’s good to look at what’s available in the area you’re interested in.
V. What Are The Points And How Do You Earn Them?
To get the 491 visa, you need to earn enough points. Here are some ways to boost your score:
- 15 points if you’re nominated by a state or territory or sponsored by a family member in a regional area.
- 10 points if you have certain degrees in Science, Technology, Engineering, or Maths.
Partner points:
- 10 points if your partner has skills and English ability.
- 5 points if your partner has English skills but no job skills.
- 10 points if you’re single.
You’ll also get points for your age, English skills, work experience, and qualifications.
Rules To Follow
There are a few rules that come with this visa:
- You must stay in a regional area.
- You can’t apply for other skilled visas until you’ve finished your three years unless something serious happens.
- If you’re sponsored by an employer, and that employer breaks the rules, it might affect your visa.
- You must follow the visa condition 8579, which says you have to live and work in regional places.
The Road To Settling Down
The 491 Regional Skill Migration in Australia is a way for skilled workers to build a new life in places that need them most. It’s not just about getting a visa – it’s about becoming part of a community, gaining work experience, and creating a pathway to stay long-term.
If you’re ready to start this journey, make sure to check what regions match your job, see if your skills are in demand, and understand what’s expected before you apply.
Ready To Explore Your 491 Visa Options?
Looking to start your move with the 491 Regional Skill Migration in Australia but unsure where to begin? Let Unique Education and Migration Services help. Our team can explain your options, help with paperwork, and guide you step-by-step based on your goals. Reach out today to take your first step toward living and working in regional Australia with confidence.