Subclass 491 — Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa
Statutory definition
Subclass 491 is prescribed in Schedule 2 of the Migration Regulations 1994. It is a provisional (temporary) visa valid for 5 years. Holders must live and work in a designated regional area for at least 3 years to become eligible to apply for the Subclass 191 Permanent Residence (Skilled Regional) visa. State/territory nomination provides 15 additional points; relative sponsorship provides 10 additional points.
Explanation
The Subclass 491 is the primary regional skilled migration pathway for points-tested applicants. Because it provides more additional points than Subclass 190 (15 vs 5), it is more accessible for applicants with mid-range points scores. However, the trade-off is that the visa is provisional — permanent residence requires a further application (Subclass 191) and meeting the regional residence requirements over 3 years. Applicants must genuinely intend to live and work regionally and should understand that the Subclass 191 criteria must be met independently.