Thinking about your next step after working in Australia? The Skilled Work Regional (subclass 491) visa is a great option if you are already onshore and want a pathway to permanent residency via the skilled route. It is designed for applicants whose occupation is on an eligible skilled occupation list, such as the Regional Occupation List (ROL) or the Medium to Long‑term Strategic Skills List, including roles in engineering, health, education, ICT, hospitality, automotive trades (mechanics, welders, fitters, panel beaters) and construction.

Recent program years have provided strong opportunities for applicants willing to live and work in regional areas. This year, there are more places available in Queensland and South Australia. This can be particularly attractive if you are already in Australia, have local work experience and are open to relocating to a designated regional area.

If you are considering the 491, make sure you:

• Are under 45 years of age at the time of invitation.
• Hold a current, positive skills assessment (for example, many VETASSESS assessments are valid for 3 years).
• Have a valid English test result (such as IELTS or PTE), usually valid for 3 years, with at least the equivalent of IELTS 6.0 in each band.
• Can provide evidence for all points you claim, including skilled work experience, qualifications, partner points (if applicable) and any additional factors.
• Have received an invitation to apply based on either state or territory nomination or eligible family sponsorship.
• Meet all health and character requirements, including medicals and police checks.

The 491 visa allows you to live, study and work in a designated regional area for a minimum of 3 years while you work towards meeting the requirements for permanent residency. It can be a strategic pathway if you plan your occupation, location and points carefully from within Australia.
State and territory nomination criteria change over time, so always check the latest government information before applying.

However, the next invitation round for New South Wales 491 Skilled (Regional) is on 13 January 2026 for Pathway 1 where you must meet the income threshold and have 6 months work experience in regional New South Wales or Pathway 3 must hold a bachelor’s degree or higher from a regional NSW institution and the occupation must be on the Regional Skills List

If you are onshore in Australia and want expert guidance on using the 491 visa as your pathway to permanent residency, contact SEA today to assess your eligibility, maximise your points and build a personalised migration plan.

If you are onshore in Australia and want expert guidance on using the 491 visa as your pathway to permanent residency, contact SEA today to assess your eligibility, maximise your points and build a personalised migration plan.

If you are onshore in Australia and want expert guidance on using the 491 visa as your pathway to permanent residency, contact SEA today to assess your eligibility, maximise your points and build a personalised migration plan.