The 491 Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Visa is not new — many migrants already know the basics: it’s points-tested, requires regional sponsorship, and is a pathway to permanent residency. But beyond these surface facts, there are several advantages that are often overlooked. In this article, we go deeper into what makes the 491 Visa not just an option, but a strategic opportunity for skilled migrants.
1. It’s Not Just Another Temporary Visa
Unlike Temporary Graduate (TR) visas, the 491 Visa is not a dead-end. It’s a provisional visa with a clear and simplified path to permanent residency through the Subclass 191 Visa. What makes this different is that you don’t have to meet a new points threshold, nominate an occupation again, or retake English tests to apply for PR. All you need is to have lived and worked in a designated regional area for at least 3 years out of 5.
2. No More Minimum Income Requirement
Initially, 491 visa holders had to show they earned at least AUD $53,900 per year to be eligible for the 191 Visa. However, with recent changes in immigration policy, that requirement has been completely removed. This makes the pathway to PR more accessible, especially for those working part-time, in less stable jobs, or in sectors where high income is harder to achieve.
3. Free Access to Public Healthcare
Previously, 491 visa holders did not automatically qualify for Medicare. That has changed. Now, holders of this visa can access public health services, including major surgeries and routine medical care — a financial relief for many families.
4. Access to All Skilled Occupation Lists
Most skilled visas are tied to specific occupation lists: MLTSSL, STSOL, or ROL. The 491 Visa is the only one that accepts occupations from all three lists. This dramatically increases the range of professions eligible for nomination and gives applicants more flexibility in choosing their migration path.
5. Longer Validity for English Test Results
Most English proficiency tests are valid for two years. But for skilled migration — including the 491 — they are valid for three years. This gives applicants more breathing room and avoids the stress and cost of retaking exams if the process takes longer than expected.
6. 15 Bonus Points
Applicants for the 491 Visa receive 15 additional points for regional nomination. This is a game changer for those struggling to reach the 65-point threshold. With these extra points, more applicants are able to qualify for invitations under the points-tested system.
7. More Flexibility for Health and Character Cases
Surprisingly, many applicants with complicated medical histories or previous visa issues (including bans, overstays, and PIC 4020 breaches) have still been granted a 491 Visa. Even applicants with outstanding debts to the government have been successful — provided they repaid those debts when asked by the Department of Home Affairs.
8. Full Work Rights — No Restrictions
Once you have the 491 Visa, you have the same work rights as someone on a 189 or 190 visa. That means you can work in any field, in any job, or even start your own business. There are no restrictions on the type of employment you can take.
9. Stay Loyal to Your Nominating State
While the visa doesn’t legally bind you to stay in the state that nominated you, you are strongly encouraged to remain there — especially in a regional area. This shows good faith and helps maintain the integrity of the state nomination program. Moving to another state can raise concerns during your PR application, even if it’s technically allowed.
10. Only One Partner Needs to Fulfill the Criteria
If you’re applying as a couple or family, only one member of the family unit (usually the primary applicant) needs to meet the 3-year work and residence requirement to qualify for the 191 PR visa. This can be an advantage for couples where one partner needs more flexibility.
The 491 Visa is often underestimated, but in today’s migration landscape, it offers more flexibility and security than many realize. It opens doors to a wider range of occupations, allows time for personal and financial growth, and gives real benefits like Medicare access and full work rights. And now — with no income requirement to move to PR — the path is clearer than ever.