491 visa The Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa (subclass 491) is a points-tested, temporary visa for skilled workers who want to live and work in designated regional areas of Australia. Here's an overview of the subclass 491 visa: 1. **Regional Designation**: The subclass 491 visa is designed to address skill shortages and promote economic development in regional areas of Australia. To be eligible, you must be nominated by a state or territory government agency or sponsored by an eligible relative living in a designated regional area. 2. **Points-based System**: Like the Skilled Independent visa (subclass 189), the subclass 491 visa is points-tested. Points are awarded based on factors such as age, English language proficiency, work experience, education qualifications, and other relevant criteria. You must score a minimum number of points to be eligible. 3. **Occupation List**: To be eligible for the subclass 491 visa, you must nominate an occupation that is on the relevant skilled occupation list. Currently, this includes occupations listed on the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL) and the Regional Occupation List (ROL). 4. **State or Territory Nomination**: You can apply for the subclass 491 visa through the Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa (subclass 491) pathway if you are nominated by a state or territory government agency. Each state and territory has its own specific criteria and requirements for nomination. 5. **Family Sponsorship**: Alternatively, you may be eligible for the subclass 491 visa if you are sponsored by an eligible relative living in a designated regional area of Australia. The sponsoring relative must be an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen. 6. **Temporary Residence**: The subclass 491 visa is a temporary visa that allows you to live and work in designated regional areas of Australia for up to five years. After holding the visa for a certain period of time and meeting other eligibility criteria, you may be eligible to apply for permanent residency through the Skilled Regional (Permanent) visa (subclass 191). 7. **Pathway to Permanent Residency**: The subclass 491 visa provides a pathway to permanent residency for skilled workers who live and work in regional areas of Australia. After holding the visa for a specified period and meeting other criteria, you may be eligible to apply for the subclass 191 visa. Overall, the subclass 491 visa is designed to encourage skilled workers to live and work in designated regional areas of Australia, contributing to the economic development and growth of these regions. It's a popular visa option for individuals who meet the eligibility criteria and want to pursue permanent residency in Australia.