Pathways / Subclass 491

Not permanent residency

Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa

Five-year provisional visa worth 15 points, converting to PR via the subclass 191.

The 491 is not permanent residency, but it is the most accessible entry point to it for many people. Regional nomination adds 15 points - the single largest bump available in the points test. You live and work in designated regional Australia (which includes everywhere except Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane) for three years, then apply for the permanent subclass 191.

Watch for thisThe 2026-27 program cut 491 places from 33,000 to 14,110. Competition for regional nomination is rising, so treat this as a route that needs a genuine plan, not a backup.
Grants
5-year provisional visa
Nomination points
+15
Path to PR
Subclass 191 after 3 years
Age limit
Under 45 at invitation
Places 2026-27
14,110 (down 57% on last year)
Regional means
Everywhere except Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane

What you need

  • Meet the core skilled requirements (skills assessment, Competent English, under 45, 65 points).
  • Be nominated by a state or territory in a designated regional area, or sponsored by an eligible relative living regionally.
  • Commit to living, working and studying only in a designated regional area.

How it works, step by step

  1. Identify regional areas actively nominating your occupation - many have small, targeted lists.
  2. Consider whether a regional job offer or existing regional ties strengthen your case.
  3. Submit an EOI selecting subclass 491 and the relevant region.
  4. Apply to the state or regional authority for nomination, or arrange family sponsorship.
  5. Once granted, comply strictly with the regional condition and keep tax records for the 191.

Strengths

  • 15 points is often the difference between waiting and being invited
  • Broad definition of regional
  • Full work rights for five years
  • Clear conversion to PR

Trade-offs

  • Not permanent residency
  • Places cut sharply for 2026-27
  • Locked to a region for 3 years
  • Must evidence income and compliance to convert
Where this leadsThis visa is a step, not the destination. The usual next move is the Permanent Residence (Skilled Regional) visa (subclass 191).
Check whether this fits you →

Registered migration agents

We are building a directory of MARN-registered agents and immigration lawyers. Listings are checked against the public register before they appear.

How the directory works

Placement shown on the subclass 491 page.

General information, not migration advice. myPRJourney summarises publicly available information about Australian visas so you can understand your options. It does not assess your case, and it is not a substitute for advice from a registered migration agent (MARN) or Australian legal practitioner. Migration rules, occupation lists, income thresholds and state nomination criteria change frequently and sometimes without notice. This page was last reviewed on 21 July 2026. Always confirm current requirements directly with the Department of Home Affairs at immi.homeaffairs.gov.au.