Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Visa
Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Visa
Visa Cost
AUD 4,910
Processing Time
About 11 months (50%) / 22 months (90%)
Eligibility
- Under 45 years of age
- The occupation is on the relevant skills list (MLTSSL, STSOL or ROL)
- Pass the skills assessment
- An EOI score of 65 or above (including 15 state nomination points)
- English at Competent English
- Obtain state/territory government nomination or eligible family sponsorship
Key Information
Validity / Stay / Residence
Valid 5 years; you must live, work and study in a designated regional area, completing at least 3 years before moving to 191.
Eligible Dependants
Can include the spouse/de facto partner and dependent children as secondary applicants, who must likewise comply with the 8579 regional residence condition.
PR / Permanent Residence Pathway
A temporary (transitional) visa, not permanent residence. After living/working in a designated regional area (DRA) under condition 8579 for 3 years and providing ATO notices of assessment for 3 income years, you can apply for the 191 permanent residence visa to move to PR.
View provisional-to-permanent transition overview →Common Visa Conditions
Full explanations of condition codes are in the Visa Conditions Lookup
Application Steps
Check Occupation & Sponsorship
Check Occupation & Sponsorship
Confirm the occupation list and sponsorship eligibility
- Check each regional state's nominated occupation list
- Confirm whether there is an eligible relative in a regional area
- Understand each state's additional requirements
Skills Assessment & English Test
Skills Assessment & English Test
Complete the skills assessment and English test
- Lodge the skills assessment application
- Sit the English test and meet the requirement
Apply for Nomination
Apply for Nomination
Apply for state nomination or family sponsorship
- State nomination: apply for nomination from the target state
- Family sponsorship: the relative must live in a regional area
- Can gain an additional 15 points
Lodge Visa Application
Lodge Visa Application
Lodge the visa application after receiving the invitation
- Lodge the application after receiving the invitation
- Upload all documents
- Pay the visa fee
- Wait for the decision (usually 12-18 months)
Apply for Permanent Residency
Apply for Permanent Residency
Apply for the 191 permanent visa once eligible
- Live in a regional area for 3 years
- Meet the minimum income requirement (currently about AUD 53,900 per year)
- After holding a 491 visa for 3 years you can apply for 191 permanent residence
Required Documents
| Document Name | English Name | Required | Description | Tips |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Passport | Passport | Valid for at least 6 months | - | |
| Skills Assessment | Skills Assessment | Issued by the assessing authority | - | |
| Nomination/Sponsorship | Nomination/Sponsorship | State government nomination or a family sponsorship letter | - | |
| English Test Results | English Test Results | English test result | - | |
| Educational Qualifications | Educational Qualifications | Degree certificate | - | |
| Employment Evidence | Employment Evidence | Employment evidence | - | |
| Police Clearance | Police Clearance | Police clearance | - | |
| Health Examination | Health Examination | Health examination report | - |
FAQ
How long is the 491 visa valid?
Which areas count as regional?
What must you do in a regional area?
Common Refusal Reasons
- No state/territory nomination or eligible family sponsorship, or the nomination was withdrawn
- The skills assessment was not passed/has expired, or English or the score falls short (unable to substantiate the claimed score after invitation)
- Unable to prove a genuine intention to live in a regional area, or regarded as likely to move to a major city
- Health or character requirements not met
- The genuineness of the documents is in doubt (PIC 4020)
- The secondary or primary applicant fails to prove the relevant regional conditions
Can you appeal after a refusal? See the Visa Refusal & Review (ART) Guide.