What are the Benefits of a 491 Visa in Australia?

Australia offers various skilled working visas to eligible applicants. One of the most attractive options is the subclass 491 visa. It provides a pathway to permanent residency and excellent rewards. But before you can learn the benefits of the 491 visa, you must understand what it entails. 

What Is a 491 Visa? 

The 491 Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Visa is a temporary, points-tested visa for skilled workers who want to live and work in regional areas — locations outside major Australian cities like Sydney and Melbourne. Here’s what to know about the 491 visa: 

• Applicants can be invited to apply after submitting an expression of interest (EOI).
• The invitation is based on a points system and considers factors like age, education, skilled employment experience and English language proficiency.
• You get residence and working rights in Australia for up to 5 years.
• You can apply for permanent residence after 3 years.
• Visa holders must commit to working and living in regional areas.
• You can receive sponsorship from a state or territory in a regional area or a family member living in one of those regions.

Benefits You Get on a 491 Visa

The 491 visa offers migrants various perks, making it one of the most attractive options. Here are some of the benefits you can enjoy on a 491 visa: 

1. Working Rights 

The most attractive perk of the 491 visa is working rights in regional areas. Applicants can live and work in designated regions. They can also earn a competitive salary and valuable experience, leading to more opportunities in Australia. 

2. Five Year Duration 

The 491 option offers longer working and living rights than other skilled worker visas. Migrants with this visa can stay in Australia for five years and travel outside the country when required. 

3. More Points 

Another excellent benefit of a 491 visa is earning additional points. Visa holders get 15 more points to add to their initial score. This increase can help you secure other migrant visas and live permanently in Australia.  

4. Increased Job Opportunities

While Australia offers many working opportunities, native-born graduates and employees are often the first choice for them. However, regional areas usually have higher shortages of skilled workers, making the market less competitive. Migrants, in turn, benefit from more work opportunities and access to exclusive positions. 

5. Permanent Residence After Three Years

Where other skilled visa options require four or more years of working and living in Australia before applying for PR, 491 visa holders can apply after three years. This perk reduces your waiting time for permanent residence and fast-tracks your journey to citizenship. 

6. Attractive Salaries 

With high skills demand in regional areas, employees are often more willing to pay higher incomes or salaries to attract and retain workers with valuable expertise.

7. Lower Living Expenses

Regional areas have lower rental, schooling, and living costs than major cities. Visa holders can save more on living expenses and enjoy a more comfortable and opulent lifestyle. 

8. Family Sponsorship 

Another perk of the 491 visa is family and spousal sponsorship. Subject to various requirements, your partner and children can have full living and working rights on your visa. 

9. Relocation Support

Various employer or company sponsors offer relocation and living support for candidates. They may pay for you and your family’s initial travel and accommodation expenses, making the relocation more cost-effective.

10. Spacious Homes

In contrast to smaller apartments in busy cities and metros, regional areas offer more spacious homes. These accommodations are also closer to nature in quiet areas and provide more relaxation and comfort. 

11. Quality of Life 

The 491 visa offers an excellent path to living in Australia with excellent employment, income, and accommodation options. It also provides your family with a prosperous future and affords you a higher quality of life. 

How To Get a Subclass 491 Visa?

Here’s how you can apply for a 491 visa and move one step closer to living in Australia:

Invitation 

Eligible applicants can be invited to apply for a visa after submitting an EOI on SkillSelect. You must ensure your occupation is on the relevant occupation list and pass the required assessments before registering an expression of interest. If your EOI meets the score requirements, the Department of Home Affairs can invite you to apply for a 491 visa. 

State/Territory Nomination

You can be nominated by a state or territory agency in a regional area to receive visa sponsorship. Here’s how you apply for nominations.

• Submit or register an EOI on SkillSelect.
• After submitting, your application will be scored, and you’ll be allocated points.
• If you’ve received the minimum score of 65 points, a state or territory may invite you to apply for a visa or nominate you for sponsorship.
• If you’re invited to apply, you must complete your visa application in the required time.  

Relative Nomination

An eligible relative who is an Australian or New Zealand citizen can nominate you to apply for visa sponsorship.

• Submit or register an EOI on SkillSelect and indicate sponsorship through an eligible relative.
• After submitting, your application will be accessed against various criteria. 
• If you qualify, you may be invited to apply for a visa.
• If you’re invited to apply, you must complete your visa application in the required time.  

Who Is Eligible?

Here are some essential criteria to be eligible for the 491 visa:

• Your occupation is on the relevant occupation list.
• You must be under 45 years of age. 
• You passed your occupation skill assessment test.
• Qualified for the English proficiency test. 
• You meet the minimum points requirement. 
• Your occupation opportunity is in a regional area.
• You’re invited to apply by the Department of Home Affairs. 
• You’re nominated by an eligible relative, state or territory agency. 
• You meet the visa character requirements. 

FAQs About 491 Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Visas

Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about 491 visas.

1. Is a 491 visa a good option? The 491 visa is an excellent option towards permanent residency for those willing to work and live in a regional area. 
2. Does 491 guarantee PR? While the 491 visa offers you a pathway to permanent residency, it does not guarantee it. 
3. Do 491 visa holders get Medicare? You are eligible for Medicare with a subclass 491 visa. 
4. Can a 491 visa holder buy a house? Migrant visa holders will be temporarily restricted from purchasing established houses or private dwellings as of 1 April 2025. 

Start Your Application With Australia Migrate 

Now that you know the benefits of a 491 Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Visa and how to apply, it’s time to start your application. If you need skilled and reliable expertise, we can help. 

Australia Migrate is a leading Immigration and visa services provider. We specialise in various skilled visa options, including subclass 491 visas. Our team of attentive and experienced professionals know the intricacies of submitting visa applications and guide you through the process. 

We offer tailored and transparent services to ensure you understand the requirements and get the best visa for your goals. 

Contact us online today to speak with one of our professionals and start your journey to living in Australia.