Skilled Work Regional Visa (Subclass 491)
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What this visa is
Subclass 491 is a 5-year provisional visa for skilled workers nominated by a state or territory, or sponsored by an eligible regional family member. You must live, work and study only in a designated regional area, and after three years of qualifying income you can transition to the Permanent Residence (Skilled Regional) visa (subclass 191).
Where applications go wrong
491 has more occupations available than 189/190 and lower point cut-offs, but the regional residency conditions are strict and enforced. A migration agent will check whether your intended postcode actually counts as regional, whether your income will meet the 191 threshold, and which state has the best fit for your occupation right now.