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Your Pathway to Permanent Residency in Regional Australia
Get Expert Consultation- Valid for 5 years from the date of grant
- Permission to work and study in designated regional areas
- Access to Medicare and public healthcare
- Unlimited travel in and out of Australia
- Include family members in your application
- Live, work, and study in designated regional areas only
- Must live in the nominating region for the duration of visa
- Regional areas include all of Australia except:
• Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane metropolitan areas
• Gold Coast, Newcastle, Wollongong
- Eligible for Subclass 191 permanent visa after:
• 3 years of regional residence
• Minimum taxable income requirement for 3 years
• Compliance with visa conditions
- Can include dependent family members in PR application
Age Requirement:
- Must be under 45 years when invited
- Age is calculated at the time of invitation, not application
- No exceptions to the age requirement
English Language Proficiency:
- Minimum Competent English required (IELTS 6.0 in each band or equivalent)
- Higher points for Superior English (IELTS 8.0 or equivalent)
- Accepted tests: IELTS, TOEFL iBT, PTE Academic, CAE
Skills Assessment:
- Must have positive skills assessment in nominated occupation
- Occupation must be on relevant skilled occupation list
- Assessment must be valid at time of invitation
- Different assessing authorities for different occupations
Nomination Requirements:
- Must be nominated by either:
• State/Territory government agency, OR
• Eligible family sponsor living in designated regional area
- Family sponsors must be Australian citizens or permanent residents
- Must meet specific state/territory nomination criteria if applicable
Financial Requirements:
- Must have sufficient funds to settle in regional Australia
- Evidence of funds may be required by nominating state/territory
- Additional funds required for family members
To be eligible for the Subclass 491 visa, you must score at least 65 points. Points are awarded based on various factors:
| Factor | Maximum Points |
|---|---|
| Age (18-45 years) | 30 |
| English language skills | 20 |
| Skilled employment experience | 20 |
| Educational qualifications | 20 |
| Australian study requirement | 5 |
| Specialist education qualification | 10 |
| Credentialled community language | 5 |
| Study in regional Australia | 5 |
| Partner skills | 10 |
| State/Territory nomination | 15 |
The application process for Subclass 491 visa involves multiple stages. Here's a detailed breakdown of each step:
Before starting your application:
Choose from accepted tests:
Results validity: 3 years from test date
Submit through SkillSelect:
Apply for regional nomination:
After receiving invitation:
Submit within 60 days:
2-6 months
2-12 weeks
6-8 months