PR Pathway via the Subclass 491 then 191 (Regional Skilled)
The regional pathway to permanent residence is a two-step route: first you receive the provisional regional subclass 491 visa, live and work in a regional area for a period, and then become eligible to apply for PR through the subclass 191. This article outlines how the two steps connect and the figures you need to check yourself.
Who is this pathway for?
The 491→191 pathway suits skilled people willing to live and work in regional Australia in exchange for a PR opportunity. Many choose this route when the points level for the 189 is too competitive for them, or when a state/regional area nominates their occupation. It is a longer route than the 189/190 (because of the provisional step first), but it opens an additional door for applications that are not yet competitive on the direct PR pathways.
If you do not want a regional commitment, see the subclass 189 or 190 pathways. For the full picture of all the routes, see the PR overview.
Where it starts
The starting point is the familiar skills foundation: a relevant occupation and a valid skills assessment. For the 491, you also need one of two forms of backing: a nomination from a state/territory, or sponsorship by an eligible relative living in a regional area. The occupation list, nomination criteria and the definition of a regional area change over time — check on Home Affairs.
The steps to permanent residence
Step 1 — Skills assessment and arranging your backing. Complete the skills assessment; decide whether you will go via state nomination or relative sponsorship in a regional area.
Step 2 — Submit an EOI through SkillSelect. Create an EOI for the regional pathway and express interest in being nominated/sponsored.
Step 3 — Receive a nomination/sponsorship and an invitation. Once nominated or sponsored and invited, you lodge the subclass 491 application.
Step 4 — Receive the subclass 491 (provisional regional). This is a provisional visa, not PR. The duration of the subclass 491 is 5 years. During this time you must live and work in the designated regional area.
Step 5 — Meet the requirements for the 191. To become eligible for PR through the 191, you need to meet the regional residence and income requirements during the time you hold the provisional regional visa. These thresholds and the way they are calculated change — check on Home Affairs.
Step 6 — Lodge the 191 and receive PR. When eligible, you lodge the subclass 191 application. If approved, you receive PR.
Fees and the figures to check
The main application charge for the subclass 491 for the primary applicant is currently 6,140 AUD, and the duration of the subclass 491 is 5 years. The base charge does not include charges for dependants, health examinations, translation or the skills assessment fee; the later 191 step has its own separate fee.
The remaining figures change over time, so they are not stated fixed here:
- The regional residence requirement and income threshold to qualify for the 191 — this is the core condition of the second step; check on Home Affairs.
- The minimum points and the actual points to be invited in the regional pathway — these change by round and by state; check on SkillSelect/Home Affairs.
- The occupation list and the definition of a regional area — check on Home Affairs and the state’s page.
- The age limit, English level and years of experience — check on Home Affairs.
- Processing times for the 491 and 191 — check the updated figures on Home Affairs.
Deciding factors
Because this is a two-step route, the deciding factor lies not only in being granted the 491, but in whether you can actually meet the residence and income requirements of the 191 during the time you hold the provisional regional visa. Many applications reach the 491 but struggle at the step across to PR because they do not accumulate the necessary conditions. Planning for both steps from the very start — not just the first — is the most important thing.
Risks and common mistakes
- Treating the 491 as PR. The 491 is a provisional visa; PR only comes at the 191 step when you are eligible. This confusion leads to mistaken plans.
- Failing to meet the 191 requirements. Living/working outside the designated area, or not reaching the income threshold, can stop you from getting PR.
- Misunderstanding “regional area”. The definition follows the rules, not your impression; choosing the wrong place to live can break your eligibility.
- Letting a skills assessment or documents expire over the course of a long pathway.
When to ask an RMA
You should consider consulting a Registered Migration Agent (RMA) registered with OMARA when: you need to plan for both the 491 and 191 steps from the start; you are unsure whether your area or job satisfies the 191 requirements; or your case has sensitive factors around health, character or visa history. An RMA assesses your actual case against the current rules.
Learn more
The regional pathway demands foresight: the 491 step is only the entry, while PR depends on meeting the requirements of the 191. Plan for both steps and check every condition against official sources before you begin.
Last updated: 13/06/2026. Migration rules change frequently — always check official sources.