Skilled Work Regional (subclass 491)

Who it’s for

Applicants open to regional living or with an eligible relative in a regional area.

Key requirements

• State nomination or eligible relative sponsorship
• Positive skills assessment
• Competent English
• 65+ points including nomination

Step by step

1. 1
   Secure regional nomination or family sponsorship

   Check state regional lists or your relative’s eligibility.
2. 2
   Lodge EOI and get invited

   Then apply within 60 days.
3. 3
   Live and work regionally for 3 years

   Meet the taxable income requirement to apply for the 191 PR visa.

Document checklist

Start the application to track these, set due dates and attach files.

• Valid passport
  Bio page scan. Check it is valid for the whole planned stay (6+ months beyond travel is safest).
• Positive skills assessment
  From the assessing authority for your nominated occupation (e.g. ACS, Engineers Australia, VETASSESS).
• Language test result
  An approved test for this visa, taken within the validity period (Canada: 2 years; Australia: 3 years).
• Degree certificates and transcripts
  All post-secondary qualifications, with certified translations if not in English/French.
• Employment reference letters
  On letterhead: job title, duties, hours per week, salary and dates, signed by a manager or HR.
• State or provincial nomination
  Nomination certificate or approval letter.
• Police clearance certificates
  From every country where you lived 6+ months (12+ for Australia) since age 18.
• Immigration medical exam
  With a panel physician approved by the destination. Do it only when asked or allowed.
• Expression of Interest / online profile
  Create the profile in the official system and keep it up to date.
• Government fees paid
  Keep the receipt. Check the current fee on the official site before paying.