Regional places cut from 33,000 to 14,110 for 2026-27.
Visa file / Skilled and work visas
Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa 491
Five-year regional visa with state nomination or a relative's sponsorship. Places cut to 14,110 in 2026-27.
ChangingInvitation only
File: 491
Main chargeA$6,140
Information checked22 October 2026
Personal adviceRegistered agent only
Who it is for
Skilled workers who will live and work in designated regional Australia, nominated by a state or territory or sponsored by an eligible relative living in a designated area.
Published eligibility
- Under 45 when invited, with at least competent English.
- Occupation on the list for the 491 and a suitable skills assessment.
- At least 65 points (nomination or family sponsorship adds 15).
- State nomination, or sponsorship by an eligible relative aged 18 or over, usually living in a designated area: parent, child, sibling, aunt, uncle, niece, nephew, grandparent or first cousin.
- Family members 18 or over need functional English or pay a second instalment.
- Health, character and the values statement.
Where you apply from
In or outside Australia once invited (not in immigration clearance).
Streams
- State or Territory nominated
- Family sponsored
- Subsequent entrant
From first enquiry to grant and after.
The usual steps, and where a registered migration agent can help at each one. Immi Worldwide gives general information and settlement support, never advice about your visa.
- 01
Enquiry and pathway
Choose state nomination or family sponsorship.
Where a registered migration agent can helpChecks the relative's eligibility and area, and explains the reduced places.
- 02
English test and skills assessment
Book the test and apply to the assessing authority.
Where a registered migration agent can helpChecks the occupation code.
- 03
Service agreement
Before any personal advice or preparation, you receive a written service agreement and the OMARA Consumer Guide.
Where a registered migration agent can helpSets out the work, the fee and the refund policy in writing. No money is taken for visa work before the agreement is signed.
- 04
Expression of Interest
Lodge an Expression of Interest indicating state nomination or family sponsorship.
Where a registered migration agent can helpKeeps claims provable.
- 05
Nomination or invitation
The state nominates, or an invitation round selects a family-sponsored Expression of Interest.
Where a registered migration agent can helpDiarises the 60-day deadline.
- 06
Lodge within 60 days
Lodge with the sponsor's declaration where family sponsored.
Where a registered migration agent can helpLodges a complete application.
- 07
Health, police and biometrics
Health examinations, police certificates and biometrics when the Department asks.
Where a registered migration agent can helpTracks every request and deadline so nothing lapses.
- 08
Five-year provisional visa
Live, work and study only in designated regional areas.
Where a registered migration agent can helpPlans regional compliance.
- 09
Pathway to permanent residence
After holding the 491 for 3 years, apply for the 191 with tax assessments for 3 income years.
Where a registered migration agent can helpTracks the 3-year date and tax evidence.
Charges and processing times.
| Charge | Amount |
|---|---|
| Main applicant | A$6,140 |
| Family member 18 or over | A$3,070 |
| Family member under 18 | A$1,535 |
| Second instalment | A$4,890 |
Source: Home Affairs Current visa pricing table, charges from 1 July 2026. Check the Visa Pricing Estimator before you rely on a figure.
| Stream | 50% decided within | 90% decided within |
|---|---|---|
| State or territory nominated | 5 months | 18 months |
| Family sponsored | 4 months | 7 months |
Home Affairs Global visa processing times. Read 22 October 2026. Times change monthly and are not a promise. Global visa processing times.
Common refusal reasons
- Points not proven.
- Relative not eligible or not living in a designated area.
- Sponsorship not approved.
- State nomination conditions not met.
- Health or character.
Drawn from the published criteria and general practice experience. They are not Departmental statistics.
Document checklist
Points evidence
Nomination or sponsor
Character
A general list. The Department's own document checklist for your application is the one that counts. Ticks stay on this page only.
What changed, and what people ask.
New processing order for skilled visas.
Sources
Information checked 22 October 2026. General information only, not advice about your circumstances.
Where this becomes advice
How any of these rules applies to a particular person, which visa to choose, and any application are immigration assistance, given only by a registered migration agent.
Immi Worldwide does not give immigration assistance. For advice about your own situation, Immi Worldwide can refer you to Sukh Sandhu, Registered Migration Agent, MARN 1384130, of The Immigration Worldwide Pty Ltd, or you can choose any registered migration agent.
Ask for a referral to Sukh Sandhu, Registered Migration Agent, MARN 1384130 Ask for a call back about a referral
The referral form opens with the box to pass your enquiry to the registered agent already ticked. Immi Worldwide does not charge for a referral.