Australia’s Department of Home Affairs has outlined the conditions foreign nationals must meet to qualify for the Subclass 491 Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa in 2026.
The five-year visa targets skilled workers nominated by a state or territory government to live, work and study in designated regional areas of Australia.
The programme is intended to attract qualified professionals who can help address skill shortages outside Australia’s major urban centres.
Requirements for the Subclass 491 visa
According to the Department of Home Affairs, applicants must meet all of the following conditions:
- They must receive a nomination from a state or territory government agency or have an eligible relative sponsor them.
- Their nominated occupation must appear on the relevant skilled occupation list.
- They must obtain a suitable skills assessment for the occupation. They must receive an invitation to apply for the visa.
- They must meet the points-test requirement under Australia’s immigration rules.
- The skilled migration programme assesses applicants using factors such as age, English-language ability, work experience and educational qualifications.
What the visa allows
The Subclass 491 is a provisional visa, which means it does not provide immediate permanent residency.
Successful applicants can, however, live, work and study in designated regional parts of Australia for up to five years. The visa may also provide a pathway to permanent residence for applicants who later meet the additional requirements.
The scheme is aimed at skilled workers prepared to settle in regional Australia rather than immediately moving to the country’s larger cities.
