The Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Visa subclass 491 is a program by the Australian government. It encourages skilled people and their families to live in regional areas of Australia. This visa allows them to help these areas grow and improve. It also gives them a chance to become permanent residents of Australia eventually.

The Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Visa subclass 491 is designed for skilled individuals and their families to reside, work, and study in designated regional areas of Australia for 5 years. This visa is provisional, but after 3 years of issuance, holders become eligible to apply for permanent residence. To qualify, applicants must be nominated by an Australian state or territory government agency. Alternatively, they can be sponsored by an eligible family member residing in a designated regional area. The invitation to apply for this visa is granted following the submission of an Expression of Interest in the Skill Select system.

On November 16, 2019, the Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Visa subclass 491 was introduced, replacing the Skilled Regional Visa subclass 489 as directed by the Australian Department of Home Affairs.

Skilled Regional Visa Benefits:

• International visitors can stay, study, and work anywhere in Australia.
• Candidates can apply for Australian Permanent Residence.
• They can include their family members in the visa application.
• The visa subclass can be sought for from anywhere, both inside and outside Australia.
• Candidates can travel in Australia multiple times while the visa is valid.