Regional Australia: Why Consider Visa 491 and 191?
Exploring the benefits of regional migration through visa 491 and the pathway to permanent residency with visa 191, including lower competition and unique opportunities.
Regional Australia Migration Guide
- Lower points requirements compared to metropolitan areas
- Additional 15 points for regional nomination
- Clear pathway to permanent residency via visa 191
- More occupation opportunities and faster processing
Understanding Regional Migration
Regional migration has become an increasingly attractive pathway for skilled migrants to Australia. The Australian government actively encourages migration to regional areas to support local communities and address skill shortages outside major cities. This creates unique opportunities for migrants who are willing to live and work in regional Australia.
The regional migration pathway offers several advantages including lower competition, additional points, and often faster processing times. With the introduction of visa 491 and the pathway to permanent residency through visa 191, regional migration has become more attractive than ever.
Visa 491: Skilled Work Regional (Provisional)
Key Features of Visa 491
Visa Benefits
- • 5-year provisional visa
- • Live, work, and study in regional Australia
- • Include family members in application
- • Pathway to permanent residency
Requirements
- • State/territory nomination or family sponsorship
- • Meet points test (minimum 65 points)
- • Skills assessment in eligible occupation
- • English language proficiency
Points Advantage
Nominated by state or territory government for regional areas
- • Significantly boosts your total score
- • Lower competition than metro areas
- • State-specific occupation lists often more generous
Sponsored by eligible relative living in designated regional area
- • Must be Australian citizen or permanent resident
- • Must be living in designated regional area
- • Relationship requirements apply
Visa 191: Permanent Residence (Regional)
Visa 191 provides the pathway from provisional to permanent residency for holders of visa 491. This visa represents the final step in your regional migration journey, offering full permanent residence rights while maintaining the commitment to regional Australia.
Eligibility Requirements
- • Hold visa 491 for at least 3 years
- • Live in designated regional area for at least 3 years
- • Work in designated regional area for at least 3 years
- • Meet minimum taxable income requirement
- • Comply with all visa 491 conditions
Income Requirements
Minimum taxable income thresholds (as of 2024):
Regional Areas Definition
What Counts as Regional Australia?
Regional Australia includes all of Australia except Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Gold Coast, and Perth metropolitan areas. This opens up numerous opportunities across the country.
Major Regional Cities
- • Adelaide (entire SA)
- • Darwin (entire NT)
- • Hobart (entire TAS)
- • Canberra (entire ACT)
NSW Regional
- • Newcastle
- • Wollongong
- • Central Coast
- • Regional NSW
Other States
- • Regional Victoria
- • Regional Queensland
- • Regional Western Australia
- • Many other locations
Benefits of Regional Living
- • Lower cost of living
- • More affordable housing
- • Better work-life balance
- • Career advancement opportunities
- • Less competition for jobs
- • Closer community connections
- • Beautiful natural environments
- • Less traffic and congestion
- • Family-friendly environments
- • Unique Australian experiences
- • Research your chosen regional area thoroughly
- • Ensure job opportunities exist in your field
- • Consider family needs (schools, healthcare, amenities)
- • Understand the 3-year commitment for visa 191
- • Plan for income requirements and documentation
- • Connect with local communities before moving
Application Strategy
Choose Your Pathway
Decide between state/territory nomination or family sponsorship based on your circumstances and connections.
Tip: State nomination is more common and offers broader opportunities across different regional areas.
Research Regional Opportunities
Different states and territories have different occupation lists and nomination criteria. Research thoroughly to find the best match for your skills.
Tip: Some regional areas have specific industry focuses that might align perfectly with your background.