Understanding the 491 Visa in 2025
The Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa (subclass 491) continues to be a key pathway for skilled migrants looking to live and work in regional Australia. This five-year provisional visa offers 15 bonus points and a clear pathway to permanent residency through the subclass 191 visa after meeting residency and income requirements.
491 Visa Occupation List: 504 Eligible Occupations
The 491 visa occupation list for 2025 comprises 504 occupations across three combined lists:
Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL) - 212 occupations for long-term skill needs
Short-term Skilled Occupation List (STSOL) - 215 occupations for short-term workforce gaps
Regional Occupation List (ROL) - 77 occupations specific to regional needs
This comprehensive list ensures skilled workers across diverse industries can contribute to regional Australia's growth.
Key Changes in 2025
The 2025 occupation lists reflect Australia's evolving economy with increased focus on:
- Technology and Innovation: Expanded opportunities for software engineers, cybersecurity specialists, data analysts, and ICT professionals
- Healthcare: Continued high demand for registered nurses, general practitioners, aged care workers, and allied health professionals
- Engineering: Strong demand across all engineering disciplines including civil, mechanical, electrical, and mining engineers
- Trades: Essential trades including electricians, plumbers, carpenters, and motor mechanics remain in high demand
- Education: Secondary school teachers and early childhood educators, especially for regional areas
Points System Requirements for 2025
The points-based system for the 491 visa requires a minimum of 65 points to be eligible, though competitive scores are typically much higher. Key point categories include:
Age Points
- 18-24 years: 25 points
- 25-32 years: 30 points
- 33-39 years: 25 points
- 40-44 years: 15 points
English Language Points
- Superior English (IELTS 8 or equivalent): 20 points
- Proficient English (IELTS 7 or equivalent): 10 points
- Competent English (IELTS 6 or equivalent): 0 points
Regional Experience Bonus
Major update for 2025: Additional weight given to regional Australian experience. Candidates with regional study or work experience receive enhanced consideration in state nomination processes.
Partner Points Requirements
Partner points can significantly boost your application. Here are the three scenarios:
10 Points - Partner with Skills
Your partner must meet ALL of the following:
- Under 45 years old at invitation
- Competent English (IELTS 6 or equivalent)
- Positive skills assessment in nominated occupation
- Nominated occupation on eligible list:
- For 491 State Nominated: Partner's occupation can be on MLTSSL, STSOL, or ROL
- For 491 Family Sponsored: Partner's occupation must be on MLTSSL only
5 Points - Partner with English
Your partner has Competent English (IELTS 6 or equivalent) but doesn't meet all skills requirements.
10 Points - Single or Partner is PR/Citizen
If you are single or your partner is an Australian permanent resident or citizen.
Regional Area Classifications 2025
Designated regional areas exclude Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane metropolitan areas. The classifications are divided into two categories:
Category 2: Cities and Major Regional Centres
New South Wales: 2259, 2264-2308, 2500-2526, 2528-2535, 2574
Victoria: 3211-3232, 3235, 3240, 3328, 3330-3333, 3340, 3342
Queensland: 4207-4275, 4517-4519, 4550-4551, 4553-4562, 4564-4569, 4571-4575
Western Australia: 6000-6038, 6050-6083, 6090-6182, 6208-6211, 6214, 6556-6558
South Australia: 5000-5171, 5173-5174, 5231-5235, 5240-5252, 5351, 5950-5960
Tasmania: 7000, 7004-7026, 7030-7109, 7140-7151, 7170-7177
Category 3: Regional Centres and Other Regional Areas
All of Australian Capital Territory (considered regional for 491 purposes)
All of Northern Territory
All of Tasmania (areas not in Category 2)
All of South Australia (areas not in Category 2)
For complete postcode listings for NSW, Victoria, Queensland, and Western Australia regional areas, refer to the Department of Home Affairs website.
High-Demand Occupations for 491 Visa 2025
Based on state nomination trends, the following occupations are seeing strong demand:
Healthcare Sector
- Registered Nurse (Aged Care) - ANZSCO 254412
- General Practitioner - ANZSCO 253111
- Physiotherapist - ANZSCO 252511
- Medical Diagnostic Radiographer - ANZSCO 251211
- Occupational Therapist - ANZSCO 252411
Information Technology
- Software Engineer - ANZSCO 261313
- ICT Business Analyst - ANZSCO 261111
- Cyber Security Specialist - ANZSCO 262112
- Developer Programmer - ANZSCO 261312
- Systems Administrator - ANZSCO 262113
Engineering
- Civil Engineer - ANZSCO 233211
- Mechanical Engineer - ANZSCO 233512
- Electrical Engineer - ANZSCO 233311
- Structural Engineer - ANZSCO 233214
- Mining Engineer - ANZSCO 233611
Trades
- Electrician (General) - ANZSCO 341111
- Plumber - ANZSCO 334111
- Carpenter - ANZSCO 331212
- Motor Mechanic - ANZSCO 321211
- Chef - ANZSCO 351311
Education
- Secondary School Teacher - ANZSCO 241411
- Early Childhood Teacher - ANZSCO 241111
- Special Needs Teacher - ANZSCO 241511
State Nomination Programs 2025-26
Each state and territory has specific requirements and priority occupations:
South Australia
Open program with focus on healthcare, engineering, and trades. Offers streamlined pathways for onshore applicants with South Australian connections.
Victoria
Priority given to healthcare workers, teachers, and skilled trades. Regional Victoria locations outside Melbourne metropolitan area eligible.
Queensland
Focus on occupations supporting regional economic development. Strong demand for healthcare, engineering, and hospitality professionals.
Western Australia
All postcodes except Perth metropolitan area considered regional. Graduate stream available for WA graduates.
Tasmania
All postcodes considered regional. Strong demand across all occupation categories. Family connection not required.
New South Wales
Focus on regional areas outside Sydney. Priority occupations include healthcare, engineering, and education.
Australian Capital Territory
All ACT postcodes considered regional for 491 purposes. Competitive program with matrix-based selection.
Northern Territory
All postcodes considered regional. Generous pathways for onshore applicants with NT connections.
Pathway to Permanent Residency
The 491 visa provides a pathway to permanent residency through the Subclass 191 Permanent Residence (Skilled Regional) visa after:
- Holding the 491 visa for at least 3 years
- Living in a designated regional area for at least 3 years
- Earning at least the minimum taxable income threshold for 3 years (currently AUD 53,900 per year)
- Complying with all visa conditions
Application Requirements
To apply for the 491 visa, you must:
- Be nominated by a state or territory government agency OR sponsored by an eligible family member
- Have an occupation on the combined MLTSSL, STSOL, or ROL
- Obtain a positive skills assessment from the relevant assessing authority
- Score at least 65 points on the points test
- Be under 45 years old at the time of invitation
- Have Competent English (IELTS 6 or equivalent in all components)
- Meet health and character requirements
Tips for Maximising Your Points
Improve English Scores
Achieving Proficient (10 points) or Superior English (20 points) can significantly boost your score.
Gain Australian Experience
One year of Australian work experience in your nominated occupation adds 5 points, with more years adding up to 20 points.
Consider Your Partner's Contribution
Ensure your partner obtains necessary skills assessments and English test results to maximise partner points.
Pursue Regional Study
Studying in regional Australia adds 5 points and may create pathways for state nomination.
Professional Year Programs
Completing a Professional Year in Australia (available for accounting, engineering, and IT) adds 5 points.
STEM Qualifications
A PhD in STEM fields from an Australian institution adds 10 points; other Australian PhD adds 5 points.
Skills Assessment Authorities
Each occupation has a designated assessing authority. Common authorities include:
- VETASSESS: For most professional and trade occupations
- Engineers Australia: For engineering occupations
- ANMAC: For nursing and midwifery occupations
- AITSL: For teaching occupations
- CPAA/CAANZ/IPA: For accounting occupations
- ACS: For ICT occupations
- TRA: For trade occupations
- MedBA: For medical practitioners
Processing times and requirements vary by authority, so start this process early.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I change employers on a 491 visa?
Yes, the 491 visa is not employer-sponsored. You can work for any employer in any occupation, as long as you live in a designated regional area.
Can I study on a 491 visa?
Yes, you can undertake any course of study while holding a 491 visa.
What happens if I don't meet the 191 income threshold?
You must earn at least the minimum taxable income threshold for 3 years before being eligible for the 191 permanent visa. If you don't meet this requirement, you cannot apply for permanent residency through this pathway.
Can I include family members?
Yes, you can include your partner and dependent children in your application. They will also receive 491 visas and must comply with regional living requirements.
How long does processing take?
Processing times vary by state and individual circumstances. Current processing times range from 6 to 12 months after invitation.
Take the Next Step
The 491 visa offers an excellent pathway for skilled migrants to establish themselves in regional Australia with the security of a 5-year visa and clear pathway to permanent residency. With 504 eligible occupations and generous points allocation, many skilled workers can qualify for this opportunity.
Ready to assess your eligibility? Contact First Migration Service for a comprehensive visa assessment and personalised migration strategy. Our experienced team can guide you through occupation selection, skills assessment, points optimisation, and state nomination applications.
Book your consultation today and start your journey to regional Australia.