# Skilled Work Regional visa (subclass 491) for applicants from India

The subclass 491 is a five-year provisional visa for regional Australia with 15 nomination points, leading to permanent residence through the subclass 191 after three years of living and earning in a regional area.

Source: https://australiavisahub.com/visas/skilled-work-regional-491 · Updated 2026-10-08 · Australia Visa Hub, a brand of Pro Lifeset Overseas Private Limited, Patiala, India. WhatsApp +91 91155 80911, Mon to Sat, 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM IST.

## For Indian applicants
With 15 extra points this is the lowest-score entry to skilled migration, and regional programs often favour occupations like nursing, teaching, trades and engineering. Regional Australia means everywhere except Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane, so Adelaide, Perth, Canberra, Hobart and the Gold Coast all count.

## Eligibility
- Nomination by a state or territory, or sponsorship by an eligible relative living in a regional area
- Occupation on the relevant list and a positive skills assessment
- Under 45, competent English, at least 65 points including the 15 nomination points
- Live, work and study only in designated regional areas for the visa period

## Documents
- Everything required for 189, plus the nomination or the relative's sponsorship evidence
- Regional residence evidence later, for the 191 permanent stage

## Government fee (2026-27)
- Skilled Work Regional visa, Skilled Work Regional, Primary applicant: A$6,140 (about ₹4,13,406 at 67.33 INR/AUD on 2026-10-07), effective 2026-07-01

## Common refusal reasons
- Points not evidenced; nomination criteria not met at decision time
- Breach of regional conditions on a previous provisional visa

## FAQ
**How do I become permanent after a 491?**
The subclass 191 Regional Provisional stream requires an eligible visa held for at least three years, compliance with its conditions and ATO notices of assessment for three income years out of the five years of the eligible visa. There is no minimum income requirement.

**Can I work for any employer?**
Yes, in any regional area, in any occupation. The condition is where you live and work, not who you work for.

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