This is a provisional visa. It is for skilled workers who want to live and work in regional Australia. It allows you to stay in Regional Australia for 5 years.

Who is eligible for the Subclass 491?

You must:

• be nominated to apply by a state or territory government agency, or an eligible relative must sponsor you

• have an occupation on a relevant skilled occupation list

• have a suitable skills assessment for the occupation

• be invited to apply

• be under 45 years of age

• satisfy the points test

• meet minimum standards of English language proficiency (competent)

How to Apply

• Submit an expression of interest (EOI) in SkillSelect and estimate your points score.

• You must be either nominated by an Australian state or territory government agency or indicate that you will be sponsored by an eligible relative. See below for more information.

• If you score enough points, state and territory government agencies can see your EOI and might nominate you for the visa.

• If you indicate in your EOI that you will be sponsored by an eligible relative the Department may invite you to apply for a visa in an invitation round.

Nomination by an Australian state or territory government agency

• All state and territory government agencies have their own criteria for deciding who they will nominate.