[2025-2026 Update]491 Skilled Occupation List: Complete Guide to Australia's Regional Migration Pathway

Are you considering regional migration to Australia? The Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa (subclass 491) offers an excellent pathway for skilled workers seeking to build their future in regional Australia.

This comprehensive guide will explore everything you need to know about the 491 visa occupation list, eligibility requirements, application process, and the pathway to permanent residency.

What is the 491 Skilled Work Regional Visa?

The 491 visa is a points-tested provisional visa designed to address skills shortages in regional Australia. This visa allows skilled workers and their families to live, work, and study in designated regional areas of Australia for up to 5 years, with a clear pathway to permanent residency through the subclass 191 visa.

Key Features of the 491 Visa

Understanding the 491 Skilled Occupation List

The 491 visa relies on several occupation lists to determine eligibility. To be eligible, your occupation must be on the relevant skilled occupation list, which includes:

1. Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL)

2. Short-term Skilled Occupation List (STSOL)

3. Regional Occupation List (ROL)

It's important to note that the Department of Home Affairs uses the ANZSCO 2013 version for the 491 visa occupation list assessment, unlike some other visa types that use the 2022 version.

Popular Occupations in High Demand for 491 Visa

The following occupations are particularly in demand across regional Australia. These occupations typically have strong nomination prospects for the 491 visa:

Each state and territory also maintains its own list of priority occupations based on local labor market needs. These lists can vary significantly and are regularly updated, so it's essential to check the specific requirements for your target region.

State and Territory Nomination Requirements

Each Australian state and territory has its own nomination criteria and occupation lists for the 491 visa. Here's a brief overview of the key states:

New South Wales (NSW)

NSW offers several pathways for 491 nominations:

• Pathway 1: For applicants currently employed by a regional NSW employer (currently closed)

• Pathway 2: For those invited to apply by Investment NSW

• Pathway 3: For recent graduates from regional NSW institutions

Applicants must be skilled in an occupation within an ANZSCO unit group identified on the NSW Regional Skills List and meet residency requirements.

Victoria

Victoria prioritizes occupations on their Skilled Migration Occupation List and requires applicants to:

• Have a job offer in regional Victoria (for some occupations)

• Demonstrate strong employment prospects

• Show commitment to settling in regional Victoria

Queensland

Queensland offers 491 nomination for occupations on their State Nomination Skilled Occupation List (SNSOL) and requires:

• Evidence of funds for settlement

• Commitment to living in regional Queensland

• Possibly a job offer for certain occupations

South Australia

South Australia has one of the more accessible 491 programs with:

• A comprehensive state-specific skilled occupation list

• Opportunities for international graduates of South Australian institutions

• Special provisions for high-scoring candidates

For detailed, up-to-date information on state nomination requirements, visit the official migration portal of your target state or territory.

Comparing 491 Visa with Other Skilled Migration Pathways

The 491 visa has distinct advantages and considerations compared to other skilled migration pathways:

The 491 visa typically requires fewer points than the 189 visa due to the additional 15 points for state nomination and the regional commitment requirement. This makes it an attractive option for skilled workers who don't have enough points for direct permanent residency visas.

Pathway to Permanent Residency: The 191 Visa

One of the most attractive features of the 491 visa is the pathway to permanent residency through the Permanent Residence (Skilled Regional) visa (subclass 191).

Requirements for the 191 Visa:

• Hold a 491 visa: You must hold a 491 visa at the time of application

• Regional residency: Live, work, and study only in a designated regional area for at least 3 years

• Income requirement: Meet the minimum taxable income threshold (currently AUD 53,900 per year) for at least 3 years

• Compliance: Comply with all visa conditions during your stay

The 191 visa grants permanent residency in Australia, allowing you to live, work, and study anywhere in the country, access Medicare, and apply for Australian citizenship after meeting residency requirements.

How NovenAI Can Help with Your 491 Visa Application

Navigating the 491 visa application process can be complex, especially with varying state requirements and occupation lists. At NovenAI, we provide specialized assistance for your regional migration journey:

• Occupation Assessment

  1. Instant analysis of your occupation's eligibility across all state lists

  2. State nomination likelihood assessment

  3. Personalized recommendations for optimal nomination strategies

• Points Optimization

  1. Identify opportunities to increase your points score

  2. Develop strategies to meet state-specific requirements

  3. Compare various migration pathways based on your profile

• Application Preparation

  1. State nomination document checklists

  2. EOI lodgment guidance

  3. Visa application assistance

Our AI-powered platform is built on a knowledge base of 680+ successful cases, making it 49% more accurate than general AI models. For more information on navigating mltssl occupation lists, check our guide to using occupation lists effectively.

Application Process and Timeline

The 491 visa application process involves several distinct steps:

Step 1: Skills Assessment (2-4 months)

• Obtain a positive skills assessment from the relevant assessing authority for your occupation

• Prepare and submit documentation proving your qualifications and experience

Step 2: Submit Expression of Interest (EOI) in SkillSelect

• Create a SkillSelect account

• Submit an EOI with your points claim

• Select your preferred states/territories for nomination

Step 3: Receive State Nomination Invitation (Varies by state)

• Each state has different selection criteria and timeframes

• Prepare nomination application documents

• Submit your application within the specified timeframe (usually 14 days)

Step 4: Receive State Nomination and Apply for Visa (6-9 months)

• Receive nomination approval

• Receive invitation to apply for the 491 visa

• Submit a complete visa application

• Undergo health and character checks

• Receive visa decision

The total timeline from starting your skills assessment to receiving the visa typically ranges from 8-14 months, depending on various factors including processing times and state nomination procedures.

Strategic Considerations for High Demand Occupations

Different occupations face varying levels of competition and have different strategic considerations:

Healthcare Professionals

• Registered Nurses: In extremely high demand across all regional areas

• Strategy: Focus on demonstrating specialized skills in areas like aged care, mental health, or critical care

• State Preference: South Australia and Tasmania often have more accessible pathways

Engineering Professionals

• Civil Engineers: Strong demand for infrastructure development in regional areas

• Strategy: Highlight experience with regional/rural projects and infrastructure

• State Preference: Queensland and Western Australia offer strong opportunities

IT Professionals

• Software Engineers: Growing demand as tech companies expand to regional hubs

• Strategy: Demonstrate versatility and ability to work remotely

• State Preference: NSW regional tech hubs and Victoria's regional centers

Education Professionals

• Early Childhood Teachers: Critical shortages across regional Australia

• Strategy: Obtain Australian teaching registration before applying

• State Preference: All states have high demand, with NSW and Victoria offering strong nomination prospects

For a comprehensive understanding of how Australia's occupation lists are evolving, see our guide on the Core Skills Occupation List.

Tips for Maximizing Your 491 Visa Success

1. Research State Priorities

Different states prioritize different occupations based on their regional labor market needs. Research thoroughly to identify which state offers the best nomination prospects for your occupation.

2. Improve Your Points Score

While 65 points is the minimum requirement, higher scores significantly increase your chances of receiving state nomination. Focus on areas where you can gain additional points, such as:

• English language proficiency

• Professional year programs

• Additional qualifications

• Partner skills

3. Consider Regional Job Offers

Many states prioritize applicants who already have job offers in regional areas. Securing employment can dramatically improve your nomination prospects, even for competitive occupations.

4. Prepare for Regional Living

Research regional areas thoroughly to understand living costs, employment opportunities, housing availability, and lifestyle factors. Being well-prepared for regional life is essential for meeting the requirements for the 191 visa.

5. Maintain Accurate Documentation

Keep detailed records of your residence and employment in regional areas. This documentation will be crucial when applying for the 191 permanent visa after 3 years.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I move between different regional areas with a 491 visa?

A: Yes, you can move between designated regional areas. However, you must remain in a regional area for the entire 5-year visa period and during the 3 years required for the 191 visa application.

Q: What happens if my occupation is removed from the list after I get the 491 visa?

A: Once you have been granted the 491 visa, changes to the occupation lists will not affect your visa status or your ability to apply for the 191 visa, provided you meet all other requirements.

Q: Can I include family members in my 491 visa application?

A: Yes, you can include your partner and dependent children in your application. Family members will receive the same visa conditions and benefits.

Q: What is the minimum income requirement for the 191 visa?

A: You must earn at least the minimum taxable income (currently AUD 53,900 per year) for at least 3 years while holding the 491 visa. This income must be from employment in your nominated occupation or a related field.

Q: What are considered "designated regional areas" for the 491 visa?

A: Designated regional areas include all of Australia except Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane. Specifically, this includes regional cities, country towns, and other locations outside the major metropolitan areas.

Moving Forward with Your 491 Visa Application

The 491 Skilled Work Regional visa offers an excellent opportunity for skilled workers to establish themselves in Australia, particularly for those who may not have enough points for direct permanent residency pathways.

NovenAI offers comprehensive support for your 491 visa journey, including:

• Occupation eligibility assessment

• State nomination strategy development

• Points score optimization

• Application preparation guidance

• Regional settlement planning

With our data-driven insights from 680+ successful cases, we can help you navigate the complexities of regional migration and maximize your chances of success.

Start your regional migration journey today and take the first step toward building your future in Australia!