Guides / Subclass 491 / Eligibility

Eligibility Requirements

SUBCLASS 491 REGIONAL PROVISIONAL

The Subclass 491 has specific eligibility criteria that all applicants must meet. This page covers all requirements including age, occupation, skills assessment, points, and nomination criteria.

? Core Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible for the Subclass 491 visa, you must meet ALL of the following requirements:

1. Age Requirement

You must be under 45 years of age at the time you receive an invitation to apply.

2. Occupation on Regional Lists

Your occupation must be on a relevant regional occupation list for your chosen state/territory.

3. Skills Assessment

You must have a positive skills assessment for your nominated occupation from the relevant assessing authority.

4. Competent English

You must demonstrate at least Competent English (IELTS 6.0 or equivalent in all components).

5. Points Score

You must score at least 65 points total (50 base + 15 nomination bonus).

6. Nomination/Sponsorship

You must be nominated by a state/territory government OR sponsored by an eligible family member.

7. EOI Invitation

You must receive an invitation to apply through SkillSelect.

8. Health and Character

You must meet health and character requirements.

?? Age Requirement

Age is one of the most critical eligibility factors:

  • Maximum Age: Under 45 years at time of invitation
  • When It's Assessed: At the time you receive your invitation, not when you submit your EOI or visa application
  • Points Impact: Age also affects your points score (25-32 years old receive maximum 30 points)
?? Critical Timing: If you're approaching 45, apply urgently. You cannot receive an invitation once you turn 45, even if your EOI was submitted earlier.

Occupation Lists

Unlike the 189 visa, the 491 uses regional occupation lists that vary by state and territory.

Regional Occupation Lists

Each state/territory has its own occupation list for regional nominations:

  • Broader than MLTSSL: Regional lists typically include more occupations
  • State-specific: What's available varies by state
  • Regularly updated: States adjust lists based on regional needs
  • Less competitive: Many occupations closed for 189/190 remain open for 491
Finding Your Occupation: Check the official state government websites for current regional occupation lists. Each state publishes their own list with specific requirements.

Popular Occupations for 491

  • Healthcare: Registered Nurses, Medical Practitioners, Allied Health (high demand in regional areas)
  • Engineering: Civil, Mechanical, Electrical Engineers
  • ICT: Software Engineers, Developers, Analysts
  • Trades: Electricians, Plumbers, Carpenters, Chefs
  • Education: Teachers (especially secondary, early childhood)
  • Other: Accountants, Social Workers, Veterinarians

?? Skills Assessment

A positive skills assessment is mandatory and must be obtained before submitting your EOI.

What is Skills Assessment?

Skills assessment is an evaluation by a relevant assessing authority that confirms:

  • Your qualifications are suitable for your nominated occupation
  • Your work experience is relevant and of sufficient duration
  • You have the skills to work in that occupation in Australia

Common Assessing Authorities

Occupation Field Assessing Authority
ICT/Computing ACS (Australian Computer Society)
Engineering Engineers Australia
Accounting CPA Australia, CA ANZ, IPA
Trades TRA (Trades Recognition Australia)
Healthcare AHPRA, ANMAC (nursing), various medical boards
Other Occupations VETASSESS
Processing Times: Skills assessments can take 6-12 weeks or longer depending on the authority. Start this process early! Most assessments are valid for 3 years.

??? English Language Requirement

You must demonstrate at least Competent English to be eligible (though higher scores earn more points).

Competent English Minimum

  • IELTS: 6.0 in each of the four components
  • PTE Academic: 50 in each of the four components
  • TOEFL iBT: 12 (Listening), 13 (Reading), 21 (Writing), 18 (Speaking)
  • OET: B in each component
  • Cambridge: 169 in each component

Test Validity

Test results must be less than 3 years old at the time of invitation.

Points Advantage: Higher English scores can significantly boost your points. Proficient English (IELTS 7) = 10 points, Superior English (IELTS 8) = 20 points!

Points Requirement

You need a minimum of 65 points total to be eligible for the 491 visa:

  • Base points: At least 50 points from standard criteria (age, English, work, education, etc.)
  • Nomination bonus: +15 points from state/territory nomination or family sponsorship
  • Total: 65 points minimum (50 + 15 = 65)
Pro Tip: Unlike 189 and 190, you only need 50 base points before the +15 bonus. This makes 491 accessible to more applicants!

?? Nomination/Sponsorship Requirement

You MUST have either state nomination OR family sponsorship. This is what provides the +15 points.

Option A: State/Territory Nomination

Requirements vary by state, but generally include:

  • Occupation on state's regional occupation list
  • Meet state-specific criteria (work experience, English level, commitment to state)
  • Demonstrate commitment to live and work in regional area
  • Some states require job offer or connection to the region

Option B: Family Sponsorship

Your sponsor must:

  • Be an eligible family relative (parent, child 18+, sibling, aunt/uncle, nephew/niece, grandparent, cousin)
  • Be Australian citizen or permanent resident
  • Be 18+ years old
  • Have lived in designated regional area for at least 12 months
  • Currently reside in that regional area
?? Important: You can only use ONE nomination pathway (state OR family), not both.

?? Health Requirements

You must meet Australia's health requirements:

  • Health examinations: Medical examination and chest X-ray required
  • No health risk: Must not pose a public health risk
  • Healthcare costs: Must not impose significant healthcare costs on Australia
  • Pre-existing conditions: May be assessed on case-by-case basis

Character Requirements

You must meet Australia's character requirements:

  • Police certificates: From every country you've lived in for 12+ months over the last 10 years
  • No substantial criminal record: Generally, no sentences of 12+ months
  • Good character: No involvement in serious crimes, human trafficking, war crimes, etc.
  • Disclosure: Must declare ALL criminal history, even if spent/pardoned

? Quick Eligibility Checklist

Am I eligible for Subclass 491?

  • ? Under 45 years old at invitation time
  • ? Occupation on regional list for your target state
  • ? Positive skills assessment obtained or in progress
  • ? Competent English (IELTS 6.0) or higher
  • ? At least 50 base points (use our calculator)
  • ? Can get state nomination OR have eligible family sponsor in regional area
  • ? Good health and character
  • ? Willing to live and work in regional Australia for 3+ years

? Common Eligibility Issues

Issue: Age Over 44

Solution: Unfortunately, you cannot apply for 491 if you're 45 or older. Consider other visa options.

Issue: Occupation Not on Regional Lists

Solution: Check all states - your occupation may be available in some but not others. Consider alternative related occupations.

Issue: Points Below 50 (before bonus)

Solution: Improve English scores, gain more work experience, or consider partner points.

Issue: No State Nomination or Family Sponsor

Solution: Research state requirements carefully. Many states have open applications. Family sponsorship is less common but check eligibility.

Next Steps

If you meet all eligibility criteria, learn how points are calculated to maximize your score!

Next: Points Calculation ?