Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa
The Subclass 491 visa is a five-year provisional points-tested visa for skilled workers nominated by an Australian state or territory or sponsored by an eligible regional family member. Holders must live, work, and study only in a designated regional area. After three years of meeting the regional requirement and an income threshold, holders can apply for permanent residency through the Subclass 191 visa.
At a glance
- Points test
- Yes — points-tested via SkillSelect
- Sponsor
- State nomination or eligible family sponsor required
- Base application charge
- from $4,640 (check immi.gov.au for current fee)
- Processing time
- ~8-15 months (median)
- Pathway
- Provides a pathway to permanent residency via the Subclass 191 visa after three years of regional residence and meeting the minimum income threshold.
Recent updates
See all updates →- infoOSCA launched as ABS classification standard
The Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) released the Occupation Standard Classification for Australia (OSCA), progressively replacing the long-standing ANZSCO (Australian and New Zealand Standard Classification of Occupations). OSCA preserves a similar 6-digit structure but introduces revised major groups, updated occupation definitions, and new entries for emerging roles. The Department of Home Affairs is adopting OSCA progressively across 2025-2026 — most skilled-visa occupation lists still reference ANZSCO codes during the transition. Always cross-check the live occupation list on home affairs at application time.
- infoDirection 110 replaces Direction 99 for s501 character decisions
Ministerial Direction 110 issued under section 499 of the Migration Act 1958, providing the framework decision-makers must apply when refusing or cancelling visas on character grounds under section 501. Direction 110 replaces Direction 99 and re-emphasises Australia's expectations of non-citizens. Affects character considerations across all visa subclasses, including skilled visas at the application and post-grant stage.
- watchVisa application charges are reviewed annually
Visa Application Charges (VAC) for all Australian visa subclasses are reviewed and typically adjusted in line with the Federal Budget each financial year (taking effect 1 July). Fees displayed across this site reflect a recent editorial review (see each page's 'Last reviewed' stamp) but should always be cross-checked against the official fee schedule on home affairs at application time. Additional charges may apply for secondary applicants, dependent children, English-language tests, skills assessments, and biometrics — these are NOT included in the base application charge.
SkillSelect points trend
Minimum points score from the last 6 invitation rounds for Subclass 491.
- 13 November 2025300 invited65 pts
- 21 August 2025150 invited5 pts
- 18 December 202379 invited65 pts
- 25 May 202374 invited65 pts
- 8 December 2022120 invited65 pts
- 6 October 2022818 invited65 pts
Source: Department of Home Affairs SkillSelect. Information only. Consult a registered MARA agent for personalised guidance.
Key requirements
High-level eligibility criteria. Each criterion has further sub-rules; verify with immi.gov.au before applying.
- Under 45 years of age at invitation
- Competent English (IELTS 6 or equivalent)
- Positive skills assessment in a nominated occupation
- State/territory nomination OR eligible regional family sponsor
- Live, work, and study only in a designated regional area
- Health and character requirements
Skills assessment
Each occupation has a single designated assessing authority — refer to the occupation page for the body that assesses it.
Eligible occupations(505 total)
ANZSCO occupations currently flagged for Subclass 491 in our latest dataset.
- 121111Skill level 1
Aquaculture Farmer
ROLCSOLStates: QLD, WA, SA, NT
- 121211Skill level 1
Cotton Grower
ROLStates: NSW, WA
- 121212Skill level 1
Flower Grower
STSOLCSOLStates: NSW, WA, SA
- 121213Skill level 1
Fruit or Nut Grower
ROLStates: NSW, WA, SA
- 121214Skill level 1
Grain, Oilseed or Pasture Grower / Field Crop Grower
ROLStates: NSW, WA, SA
- 121215Skill level 1
Grape Grower
STSOLStates: NSW, WA, SA
- 121216Skill level 1
Mixed Crop Farmer
ROLStates: NSW, WA, SA
- 121217Skill level 1
Sugar Cane Grower
ROLStates: NSW, WA
- 121221Skill level 1
Vegetable Grower / Market Gardener
STSOLStates: NSW, WA, SA, NT
- 121299Skill level 1
Crop Farmers nec
ROLStates: NSW, WA, SA
- 121311Skill level 1
Apiarist
STSOLCSOLStates: QLD, WA, SA, TAS
- 121312Skill level 1
Beef Cattle Farmer
ROLStates: QLD, WA, SA, NT
- 121313Skill level 1
Dairy Cattle Farmer
ROLCSOLStates: WA, SA
- 121314Skill level 1
Deer Farmer
ROLStates: WA, SA
- 121315Skill level 1
Goat Farmer
ROLCSOLStates: WA, SA
- 121316Skill level 1
Horse Breeder
ROLStates: WA, SA
- 121317Skill level 1
Mixed Livestock Farmer
ROLStates: WA, SA
- 121318Skill level 1
Pig Farmer
ROLCSOLStates: WA, SA
- 121321Skill level 1
Poultry Farmer
STSOLCSOLStates: WA, SA, TAS
- 121322Skill level 1
Sheep Farmer
ROLStates: WA, SA
- 121399Skill level 1
Livestock Farmers nec
ROLStates: WA, SA
- 121411Skill level 1
Mixed Crop and Livestock Farmer
ROLStates: NSW, WA, SA
- 131112Skill level 1
Sales and Marketing Manager
STSOLCSOLStates: QLD, WA, SA, TAS
- 131113Skill level 1
Advertising Manager
STSOLCSOLStates: SA, TAS
- 131114Skill level 1
Public Relations Manager
ROLStates: SA
- 132111Skill level 1
Corporate Services Manager
STSOLCSOLStates: SA, TAS
- 132211Skill level 1
Finance Manager
STSOLCSOLStates: WA, SA, TAS
- 132311Skill level 1
Human Resource Manager
STSOLCSOLStates: WA, SA, TAS
- 132411Skill level 1
Policy and Planning Manager
ROLCSOLStates: NSW, WA, SA, NT
- 132511Skill level 1
Research and Development Manager
STSOLCSOLStates: NSW, WA, SA, TAS
- 133111Skill level 1
Construction Project Manager
MLTSSLCSOLStates: NSW, VIC, QLD, WA, SA, TAS, ACT
- 133112Skill level 1
Project Builder
ROLCSOLStates: NSW, QLD, WA, SA, NT, ACT
- 133211Skill level 1
Engineering Manager
MLTSSLCSOLStates: NSW, VIC, QLD, WA, SA, TAS, NT, ACT
- 133411Skill level 1
Manufacturer
STSOLStates: NSW, QLD, SA
- 133511Skill level 1
Production Manager (Forestry)
STSOLCSOLStates: NSW, QLD, WA, SA
- 133512Skill level 1
Production Manager (Manufacturing)
STSOLCSOLStates: NSW, QLD, WA, SA
- 133513Skill level 1
Production Manager (Mining)
STSOLStates: NSW, QLD, WA, SA, NT
- 133611Skill level 1
Supply and Distribution Manager
STSOLCSOLStates: WA, SA, NT, ACT
- 133612Skill level 1
Procurement Manager
ROLCSOLStates: WA, SA, ACT
- 134111Skill level 1
Child Care Centre Manager
MLTSSLStates: NSW, VIC, QLD, WA, SA, NT, ACT
- 134211Skill level 1
Medical Administrator / Medical Superintendent
ROLCSOLStates: NSW, WA, SA, NT, ACT
- 134212Skill level 1
Nursing Clinical Director
MLTSSLCSOLStates: NSW, VIC, QLD, SA, TAS, NT, ACT
- 134213Skill level 1
Primary Health Organisation Manager
MLTSSLCSOLStates: NSW, VIC, WA, SA, TAS, ACT
- 134214Skill level 1
Welfare Centre Manager
MLTSSLStates: NSW, VIC, WA, SA, TAS, NT, ACT
- 134299Skill level 1
Health and Welfare Services Managers nec
STSOLStates: NSW, WA, SA, TAS, NT, ACT
- 134311Skill level 1
School Principal
STSOLCSOLStates: NSW, WA, SA, TAS, NT
- 134412Skill level 1
Regional Education Manager
ROLStates: SA
- 134499Skill level 1
Education Managers nec
STSOLCSOLStates: SA, NT
- 135112Skill level 1
ICT Project Manager
STSOLCSOLStates: NSW, WA, SA, TAS, ACT
- 135199Skill level 1
ICT Managers nec
STSOLCSOLStates: NSW, WA, SA, TAS, ACT
- 139911Skill level 1
Arts Administrator or Manager
MLTSSLCSOLStates: VIC, WA, SA, TAS, ACT
- 139912Skill level 1
Environmental Manager
MLTSSLCSOLStates: VIC, WA, SA, TAS, ACT
- 139913Skill level 1
Laboratory Manager
STSOLCSOLStates: WA, SA, TAS, ACT
- 139914Skill level 1
Quality Assurance Manager
STSOLStates: WA, SA, TAS, ACT
- 139915Skill level 1
Sports Administrator
ROLStates: WA, SA, ACT
- 139999Skill level 1
Specialist Managers nec
STSOLStates: WA, SA, TAS, NT, ACT
- 141111Skill level 1
Cafe or Restaurant Manager
STSOLStates: QLD, WA, SA, TAS, NT, ACT
- 141211Skill level 1
Caravan Park and Camping Ground Manager
ROLStates: WA, SA
- 141311Skill level 1
Hotel or Motel Manager
STSOLCSOLStates: QLD, WA, SA, TAS, NT, ACT
- 141999Skill level 1
Accommodation and Hospitality Managers nec
STSOLCSOLStates: QLD, WA, SA, NT
- 142115Skill level 1
Post Office Manager
ROLStates: WA, SA
- 149111Skill level 1
Amusement Centre Manager
ROLStates: SA
- 149112Skill level 1
Fitness Centre Manager
ROLStates: SA
- 149113Skill level 1
Sports Centre Manager
ROLStates: SA
- 149212Skill level 1
Customer Service Manager
STSOLStates: WA, SA
- 149311Skill level 1
Conference and Event Organiser
STSOLStates: WA, SA
- 149413Skill level 1
Transport Company Manager
STSOLStates: WA, SA
- 149912Skill level 1
Cinema or Theatre Manager
ROLCSOLStates: WA, SA
- 149913Skill level 1
Facilities Manager
STSOLStates: WA, SA, TAS
- 149914Skill level 1
Financial Institution Branch Manager
ROLStates: SA
- 211112Skill level 1
Dancer or Choreographer
MLTSSLStates: VIC, WA, SA
- 211212Skill level 1
Music Director
MLTSSLCSOLStates: VIC, SA
- 211213Skill level 1
Musician (Instrumental)
MLTSSLStates: VIC, SA
- 211299Skill level 1
Music Professionals nec
STSOLStates: SA
- 211311Skill level 1
Photographer
STSOLStates: SA
- 212111Skill level 1
Artistic Director
MLTSSLCSOLStates: VIC, SA
- 212212Skill level 1
Book or Script Editor
STSOLStates: SA
- 212312Skill level 1
Director (Film, Television, Radio or Stage)
STSOLStates: WA, SA
- 212314Skill level 1
Film and Video Editor
STSOLStates: WA, SA
- 212315Skill level 1
Program Director (Television or Radio)
STSOLCSOLStates: WA, SA
- 212316Skill level 1
Stage Manager
STSOLCSOLStates: SA
- 212317Skill level 1
Technical Director
STSOLCSOLStates: SA
- 212318Skill level 1
Video Producer
STSOLCSOLStates: SA
- 212411Skill level 1
Copywriter
STSOLStates: SA
- 212412Skill level 1
Newspaper or Periodical Editor
STSOLStates: SA
- 212413Skill level 1
Print Journalist
STSOLCSOLStates: SA
- 212415Skill level 1
Technical Writer
STSOLCSOLStates: SA
- 212416Skill level 1
Television Journalist
STSOLCSOLStates: SA
- 212499Skill level 1
Journalists and Other Writers nec
STSOLCSOLStates: SA
- 221111Skill level 1
Accountant (General)
MLTSSLCSOLStates: VIC, WA, SA, TAS, ACT
- 221112Skill level 1
Management Accountant
MLTSSLCSOLStates: VIC, WA, SA, TAS, ACT
- 221113Skill level 1
Taxation Accountant
MLTSSLCSOLStates: VIC, WA, SA, TAS, ACT
- 221211Skill level 1
Company Secretary
STSOLCSOLStates: WA, SA, TAS, ACT
- 221213Skill level 1
External Auditor
MLTSSLCSOLStates: VIC, WA, SA, TAS, ACT
- 221214Skill level 1
Internal Auditor
MLTSSLCSOLStates: VIC, WA, SA, TAS, ACT
- 222111Skill level 1
Commodities Trader
STSOLStates: WA, SA
- 222112Skill level 1
Finance Broker
STSOLCSOLStates: WA, SA
- 222113Skill level 1
Insurance Broker
STSOLCSOLStates: WA, SA
- 222199Skill level 1
Financial Brokers nec
STSOLStates: WA, SA
- 222211Skill level 1
Financial Market Dealer
STSOLStates: WA, SA
Skill-level distribution
How the 100 occupations on this page split across ANZSCO skill levels (1 = highest qualification).
- Skill level 1100
- Skill level 20
- Skill level 30
- Skill level 40
- Skill level 50
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