Australian Skilled Regional Provisional Visa

It is important to note that the Subclass 489 visa (referenced in your images) was replaced by the Subclass 491 (Skilled Work Regional) in late 2019. While the core logic remains similar, the current 491 visa has different durations, fees, and requirements.

Core Eligibility & Requirements

• Age: You must be under 45 years of age when you are invited to apply.

• Points Test: You must score at least 65 points on the points test. Note that 491 visa applicants receive a 15-point bonus from state/territory nomination or family sponsorship.

• Occupation & Skills: Your occupation must be on the relevant Skilled Occupation List (SOL), and you must have a valid Skills Assessment.

• English Proficiency: You must demonstrate "Competent English" (e.g., IELTS 6.0 in each band or PTE equivalent).

Sponsorship & Regional Areas

To apply, you must be nominated by an Australian state/territory or sponsored by an eligible relative.

• Regional Definition (Updated): Regional Australia now includes all of Australia except Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane. Major cities like Perth, Adelaide, Gold Coast, Canberra, and Newcastle are now classified as regional.

• Eligible Relative Sponsor: Must be an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible NZ citizen living in a regional area. Relatives include parents, children, siblings, aunts/uncles, nephews/nieces, and first cousins.

Visa Entitlements & PR Pathway

• Validity: The current 491 visa is valid for 5 years (increased from the 4 years mentioned in your image).

• Living/Working: You and your family must live, work, and study in a designated regional area.

• PR Pathway: You can apply for Permanent Residency (Subclass 191) after living and working in a regional area for at least 3 years and meeting minimum income requirements.

Estimated Costs (Current 2026 Fees)

Fees are updated annually; current base rates as of 2026 are higher than those in your older documents:

Note: These figures represent the Department of Home Affairs application fees. They do not include costs for skills assessments, medical exams, or English tests.