Guides / Subclass 491 / How It Works

How Subclass 491 Works

SUBCLASS 491 REGIONAL PROVISIONAL

The Subclass 491 process involves sponsorship (state or family), an Expression of Interest, visa application, and ultimately a pathway to permanent residence. This guide explains each stage of the journey from start to PR.

The Complete 491 Journey

Timeline Overview

Step 1: Prepare & Submit EOI ? Step 2: Get Nominated ? Step 3: Receive Invitation ? Step 4: Lodge Visa (8-12 months) ? Step 5: Live/Work Regional (3+ years) ? Step 6: Apply for PR (191)

Stage 1: Preparation (1-6 months)

Before Starting Your EOI

1. Skills Assessment

Obtain positive skills assessment from relevant assessing authority for your occupation

2. English Test

Complete English test (IELTS/PTE/TOEFL) - minimum Competent English, but higher scores = more points

3. Calculate Points

Use our calculator to ensure you have minimum 50 base points (before +15 bonus)

4. Choose Nomination Path

Decide between state/territory nomination OR family sponsorship

Two Nomination Options

Key Decision: You must choose ONE nomination pathway:
  • Option A: State/Territory Government Nomination (+15 points)
  • Option B: Family Member Sponsorship (+15 points)

Option A: State/Territory Nomination

Most Common Path: State or territory government nominates you based on their specific criteria.

How It Works:

  1. Research which states nominate your occupation
  2. Check each state's specific requirements
  3. Submit EOI in SkillSelect indicating 491 interest
  4. Apply to state(s) for nomination OR wait for state invitation
  5. State approves and nominates you
  6. Receive visa invitation from Department of Home Affairs

Popular States for 491:

  • South Australia: Most accessible, diverse occupations
  • Victoria: Regional Victoria nominations (excludes Melbourne)
  • Queensland: Regional QLD areas
  • Western Australia: Regional WA, often requires job offer
  • NSW: Regional NSW only
  • Tasmania: Whole state is regional
  • ACT: Limited 491 nominations
  • NT: Northern Territory nominations

Option B: Family Sponsorship

Less Common: An eligible family member living in designated regional Australia sponsors you.

Eligible Family Sponsors:

  • Parent or step-parent
  • Child or step-child (18+ years)
  • Brother, sister, step-sibling
  • Nephew, niece, step-nephew, step-niece
  • Aunt, uncle, step-aunt, step-uncle
  • Grandparent
  • First cousin

Sponsor Requirements:

  • Must be Australian citizen or permanent resident
  • Must be 18+ years old
  • Must have lived in designated regional area for at least 12 months
  • Must still reside in that regional area

?? Stage 2: Expression of Interest (EOI)

Submitting Your EOI

The EOI is submitted through the SkillSelect system:

  1. Create SkillSelect account at SkillSelect portal
  2. Complete EOI form with all your details:
    • Personal information
    • Skills assessment details
    • English test results
    • Work experience
    • Education qualifications
    • Points claims
  3. Select Subclass 491 as visa type of interest
  4. Indicate preference for state nomination or family sponsorship
  5. Submit EOI (no fee required)
EOI Submitted! Your EOI is now visible to state/territory governments. It remains valid for 2 years and can be updated anytime.

?? Stage 3: Nomination/Sponsorship

For State Nomination Path:

Two Scenarios:

Scenario A - State Invites You:

  • State reviews EOIs in their system
  • If you meet criteria, state may invite you to apply for nomination
  • You then formally apply to that state
  • State assesses application (4-12 weeks)
  • If approved, state nominates you

Scenario B - You Apply Directly:

  • Some states allow direct applications (check state website)
  • You apply directly to state for nomination
  • Pay state nomination fee (AUD $200-330)
  • State assesses application (4-12 weeks)
  • If approved, state nominates you

For Family Sponsorship Path:

  • Your family member submits sponsorship form
  • Provides proof of relationship and residency
  • Home Affairs assesses sponsorship
  • If approved, you proceed to invitation

?? Stage 4: Invitation to Apply

After nomination/sponsorship approval:

  1. Nomination added to EOI: The +15 points are added to your profile
  2. Automatic invitation: You're automatically invited to apply for the visa
  3. 60-day window: You have 60 days to lodge your complete visa application
  4. Email notification: Check your email and SkillSelect account
? Critical Deadline: The 60-day window is strict. If you miss it, you lose your invitation and may need to reapply for nomination.

?? Stage 5: Visa Application (Within 60 Days)

Lodging Your Application

  1. Create ImmiAccount if you don't have one
  2. Start visa application for Subclass 491
  3. Complete application form with all details
  4. Upload all documents:
    • Nomination/sponsorship approval
    • Identity documents (passport, birth certificates)
    • Skills assessment
    • English test results
    • Education documents
    • Employment evidence
    • Character documents (police checks)
  5. Pay visa application charge (AUD $4,640 main applicant)
  6. Submit application

? Stage 6: Processing (8-14 months)

What Happens During Processing

  1. Health examinations: You'll be asked to complete health checks
  2. Character assessment: Police certificates verified
  3. Document verification: All claims and documents checked
  4. Case officer review: Officer may contact you for additional info
  5. Decision: Visa granted or refused

Processing Times:

  • 75% of applications: 8-10 months
  • 90% of applications: 11-14 months
  • Complex cases may take longer

?? Stage 7: Visa Grant

Visa Granted! You'll receive grant notification via email and in ImmiAccount. Your 5-year provisional visa period begins!

What You Get

  • 5-year provisional visa: Valid for 5 years from grant date
  • Multiple entry: Travel in and out of Australia freely
  • Full work rights: Work anywhere in regional Australia
  • Study rights: Enroll in courses
  • Medicare access: Public healthcare coverage
  • Family included: Partner and children get same visa

Your Obligations

  • Live in regional Australia: Must reside in designated regional area
  • Work in regional Australia: Must work in regional area
  • Study in regional Australia: If studying, must be in regional area
  • Inform Home Affairs: Update address and contact details

?? Stage 8: Living on 491 (3-5 years)

During Your First 3 Years

This is when you work toward permanent residence eligibility:

  • Continuous residence: Live in regional Australia
  • Work requirement: Work in regional area and earn minimum $53,900/year taxable income
  • Maintain compliance: Follow all visa conditions
  • Build your life: Establish yourself, save money, grow career
  • Track your progress: Keep records of residence and income
Regional Areas: Most of Australia is considered regional! Only Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane CBDs are excluded. See our Regional Areas page for details.

Stage 9: Permanent Residence (After 3 Years)

Applying for Subclass 191

After completing 3 years on your 491 visa, you're eligible for PR through Subclass 191:

191 Requirements:

  • Held 491 visa for at least 3 years
  • Lived in regional Australia for at least 3 years
  • Earned taxable income of at least $53,900 per year for 3 years
  • Complied with all 491 conditions
  • Meet health and character requirements

Application Process:

  1. Lodge Subclass 191 application online
  2. Provide proof of residence (3 years)
  3. Provide proof of income (tax returns)
  4. Update health checks and police certificates
  5. Pay visa fee (around AUD $445)
  6. Wait for processing (3-6 months typically)
PR Granted! Once 191 is approved, you have full permanent residence. You can then:
  • Live anywhere in Australia (including major cities)
  • Access all social security benefits
  • Apply for Australian citizenship (after 4 years total)
  • Sponsor family members

Process Flowchart Summary

Your 491 Journey:

1?? Preparation (1-6 months)
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2?? Submit EOI (instant)
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3?? Get Nominated (2-12 weeks)
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4?? Receive Invitation (instant)
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5?? Lodge Visa (within 60 days)
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6?? Processing (8-14 months)
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7?? Visa Granted!
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8?? Live & Work Regional (3-5 years)
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9?? Apply for 191 PR (3-6 months processing)
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?? Permanent Residence!

Pro Tips

  • Apply to multiple states: If eligible, increase your chances
  • Keep EOI updated: Update with any new qualifications or experience
  • Research regional areas: Choose where you want to live before applying
  • Start documents early: Police checks can take months
  • Track everything: Keep records of residence and income from day one
  • Stay informed: State requirements change - check regularly

Ready for Details?

Now you understand the process - let's look at costs and timelines!

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