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Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Visa (Subclass 491)
The Subclass 491 visa is a points-tested provisional visa for skilled workers who are nominated by a State or Territory government, or sponsored by an eligible family member residing in a designated regional area. This visa allows holders to live and work in regional Australia for up to five years.
2026 Cost and Processing Benchmarks
| Fee Category | Amount (AUD) |
| Base Application Charge | $4,910 |
| Additional Applicant (18+) | $2,445 |
| Additional Applicant (<18) | $1,230 |
Latest Processing Times
- 50% of applications: 20 Months
- 90% of applications: 28 Months
Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (Provisional) Visa (Subclass 494)
The Subclass 494 visa enables regional employers to address labour shortages within their communities by sponsoring skilled foreign workers where an appropriately skilled Australian worker is unavailable. It offers a five-year validity and access to Medicare.
2026 Cost and Processing Benchmarks
| Fee Category | Amount (AUD) |
| Base Application Charge | $4,910 |
| Additional Applicant (18+) | $2,455 |
| Additional Applicant (<18) | $1,230 |
Latest Processing Times (Employer Sponsored Stream)
- 50% of applications: 8 Months
- 90% of applications: 11 Months
Permanent Residence (Skilled Regional) Visa (Subclass 191)
The Subclass 191 visa is the permanent residency pathway for individuals who have lived and worked in regional Australia while holding an eligible provisional regional visa (Subclass 491 or 494).
2026 Cost and Processing Benchmarks
| Fee Category | Amount (AUD) |
| Base Application Charge | $505 |
| Additional Applicant (18+) | $250 |
| Additional Applicant (<18) | $130 |
Latest Processing Times
- 50% of applications: 9 Months
- 90% of applications: 14 Months
FAQ Section
Q: Do I need to be in Australia to apply for a regional visa?
A: No, you can apply from either inside or outside of Australia. However, if you are applying from within Australia, you must hold a substantive visa or a Bridging Visa A, B, or C.
Q: Can I move between different regional areas?
A: Yes. Holders of Subclass 491 and 494 visas are generally permitted to move between designated regional areas, provided they do not live or work in major metropolitan hubs like Sydney, Melbourne, or Brisbane.
Q: What happens if I change my Mobile number during processing?
A: You must update the Department of Home Affairs immediately via ImmiAccount or Form 929 to ensure you receive all critical correspondence regarding your application.
Q: Is there a minimum income requirement for the Subclass 191 visa in 2026?
A: As of the current 2026 regulations, there is no specific minimum taxable income threshold required for the Subclass 191 visa. However, you must still provide Australian Taxation Office (ATO) Notices of Assessment for three years.
