Route comparison
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| Field | 🇦🇺AustraliaAustralia Skilled Regional Visa (Subclass 491): 2026 Guide |
|---|---|
| Country | Australia (AU) |
| Route | Australia Skilled Regional Visa (Subclass 491): 2026 Guide |
| Route family | Other |
| Route type | skilled migration |
| Summary | Guide to the five-year subclass 491 regional provisional visa for state/territory nominees or eligible family-sponsored skilled applicants. |
| Last verified | 2026-09-16 |
| Official/supporting source count | 4 |
| Route guide | Open full guide → |
| Program availability | ActiveSource 1Source 2Source 3 |
| Best-fit work models | Local employmentSource 1Source 2Source 3 |
| Income requirement | Not applicableAs of 2026-10-09Source 1 |
| Savings requirement | Not applicableAs of 2026-10-09Source 1 |
| Investment requirement | Not applicableAs of 2026-10-09Source 1 |
| Government fees | Home Affairs currently lists the primary applicant charge from AUD 6,140; family-member charges and any applicable surcharge are additional. Check the estimator at lodgement.As of 2026-10-09Source 1Source 2 |
| Processing time | Processing times are dynamic and should be checked in Home Affairs' processing-time guide; published figures are indicative, not guaranteed, and can vary with completeness, checks and program settings.As of 2026-10-09Source 1 |
| Validity | Provisional visa valid for five years. Holders must comply with the regional residence and work conditions attached to subclass 491.As of 2026-10-09Source 1 |
| Renewal | Not applicableAs of 2026-10-09Source 1 |
| Family inclusion | Eligible family members can be included in the application, subject to family-unit, health and character requirements; additional applicant charges apply.As of 2026-10-09Source 1Source 2 |
| Spouse work rights | Family members included as subclass 491 visa holders may live, work and study in designated regional areas, subject to the visa conditions.As of 2026-10-09Source 1Source 2 |
| Local-work rules | The holder may live, work and study only in designated regional areas under subclass 491 conditions; the regional definition has exceptions and should be checked against the current Home Affairs list.As of 2026-10-09Source 1Source 2 |
| Application location | Obtain an invitation through SkillSelect after state/territory nomination or eligible family sponsorship, then lodge online through ImmiAccount. Check the selected stream's current eligibility and application instructions.As of 2026-10-09Source 1 |
| Permanent-residence pathway | Subclass 491 is provisional, not permanent. A holder may be eligible to apply for subclass 191 after meeting the required period of regional residence and other criteria; transition is not automatic.As of 2026-10-09Source 1Source 2 |
| Citizenship pathway | Subclass 491 itself is temporary. Citizenship may become possible only after obtaining permanent residence and separately meeting citizenship residence and other requirements.As of 2026-10-09Source 1 |
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