Australia is a leading destination for skilled migrants, offering structured migration pathways that allow professionals to build rewarding careers and settle in thriving regional communities.
One of the most important options available is the Subclass 491 Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa. This visa provides a pathway to permanent residency and allows applicants to include their spouse or de facto partner, which can improve eligibility and increase the overall points score.
The Subclass 491 visa is part of Australia’s General Skilled Migration program. It uses a points-based system and requires either a state or territory nomination or sponsorship from an eligible family member who resides in a designated regional area.
Key Features
Valid for five years as a provisional visa
Pathway to the Subclass 191 permanent visa after three years if regional residency and employment requirements are met
Full work rights, including self-employment
An obligation to live, work, and study in designated regional areas
To qualify for a Subclass 491 visa, applicants must meet the following criteria:
Be under 45 years of age at the time of invitation
Hold a positive skills assessment in an eligible occupation
Demonstrate at least Competent English (IELTS 6.0 or equivalent)
Achieve at least 65 points on the points test, with higher scores being more competitive
Secure a state or territory nomination or family sponsorship from an eligible family member in a regional area
Meet Australian health and character requirements
Points are awarded based on a range of factors, including:
Age
English language ability
Skilled work experience in Australia and overseas
Educational qualifications
Study in Australia (including additional points for regional study)
Credentialed community language
Partner qualifications
State or family sponsorship
Adding a partner can strengthen your application and directly influence your points score.
Ten points are available if your partner is under 45, holds a positive skills assessment in an eligible occupation, has competent English, and is included in the application
Five points are available if your partner demonstrates competent English but does not hold a skills assessment
Single applicants, or those with an Australian citizen or permanent resident partner, automatically receive ten points
When a partner is included as a secondary applicant, they must:
Provide identity documents
Undertake health checks and police clearances
Provide relationship evidence such as marriage certificates, joint finances, shared living arrangements, and social proof
Demonstrate English proficiency if required
Providing weak or inconsistent relationship evidence, which can cause delays or refusals
Overlooking English language requirements for partners aged 18 or older
Failing to update your Expression of Interest if your partner gains new qualifications or a skills assessment
Assuming automatic eligibility without confirming that a partner meets all immigration requirements
Including a partner does not generally delay processing provided all documents are submitted correctly. In many cases, the additional points gained from a partner’s skills can make an application significantly more competitive.
Once granted, both you and your partner must live and work in a designated regional area. After three years of compliance, you may apply for the Subclass 191 permanent visa. While on the Subclass 491 visa, you will enjoy full work rights, flexibility to move between eligible regional areas, and the ability to pursue self-employment.
Whether your partner contributes additional points or joins as a dependent, careful preparation of your application is essential. Strong documentation, up-to-date evidence, and accurate partner details are critical to minimising delays and maximising the chance of approval. The Subclass 491 visa can be an excellent foundation for achieving permanent residency and securing your family’s future in Australia.
We provide expert migration services in Canberra, Sydney, Brisbane, Cairns and Melbourne. However, no matter where you are located in Australia or overseas, our team is fully equipped to assist you with your Subclass 491 visa application and partner inclusion requirements. Through our professional systems and proven processes, we deliver the same high-quality support whether you are nearby or connecting with us from overseas.
The Subclass 491 visa process is complex, and mistakes can be costly. Our professional advice and support can help you avoid delays and strengthen your application.
Book a consultation today and take the first step towards securing your future in regional Australia.
