Skilled Work Regional visa 491
fifteen extra points, and Perth counts
Most people picture regional Australia as somewhere remote. For the 491, the whole of WA - Perth included - is classed as regional. That means you can live in the city, work your normal job, and still claim the full +15 points that change everything.
- Type
- Provisional, 5 years
- Points boost
- +15
- Perth counts as
- Regional ✓
- Leads to
- 191 permanent residence
- PR timeline
- 3 years regional living
- Family included
- Yes
Why the 491 Is Such a Big Deal in WA
Fifteen points is enormous. For a lot of people sitting just short of a 189 or 190 invitation, that regional boost is the difference between waiting indefinitely and getting picked up in the next round. It's the single biggest reason migrants in Perth have an edge that east-coast applicants simply don't.
The short version: live in Perth or anywhere in WA, get nominated or sponsored, add 15 points to your score, and you're on a five-year visa that leads straight to permanent residence. The path is clear and it's been walked by many people before you.
What the 491 Gives You
- A five-year visa to live, work and study in regional Australia - all of WA qualifies
- Fifteen points towards your skilled migration score - the biggest single points boost available
- A clear, mapped pathway to permanent residence through the 191 visa after three years
- Full work rights - you can change employers freely without affecting your visa
- The ability to include your partner and dependent children
- Access to Medicare while you hold the visa
How You Qualify
The 491 has two routes in. You either get nominated by a state like WA, or you're sponsored by an eligible relative living in a designated regional area. On top of that, the usual skilled migration basics apply: a skilled occupation on the relevant list, a positive skills assessment, at least 65 points before the regional boost, competent English, and being under 45 at invitation.
The 491 is provisional, not permanent - that matters. You need to live and work regionally and meet an income requirement for three years before moving to permanent residence through the 191. None of that is a problem if you're planning to settle in WA. But go in with your eyes open. We'll walk you through exactly what's expected so there are no surprises.
491 Compared to the 190 and the 191
People weighing up skilled migration in WA usually look at three options side by side. The 491 is regional and provisional with the largest points boost. The Subclass 190 Skilled Nominated visa is permanent from grant but adds fewer points. The Subclass 191 Permanent Residence (Skilled Regional) visa is where the 491 leads. Here is how they line up. The points shown are state and regional nomination points for WA, not a national figure.
| Feature | Subclass 491 | Subclass 190 | Subclass 191 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Visa status | Provisional, 5 years | Permanent from grant | Permanent residence |
| Nomination points (WA, state/regional) | +15 points (regional) | +5 points (state) | No points test |
| Where you must live | Regionally - all of WA, including Perth, qualifies | WA, under a genuine-settlement expectation | Regionally, carried over from your 491 years |
| How you reach it | State nomination or eligible relative sponsorship | State nomination | Held a 491 (or 494) for the required period |
| Key condition before PR | 3 years regional living plus the income test, then the 191 | Already permanent | 3 years regional plus a minimum taxable income across the required years |
| Typical processing | Generally around 4 to 8 months, depending on your case | EOI to invitation generally around 8 to 12 weeks, subject to WA capacity | Varies by case; we confirm current timing |
There is no fixed price we can publish for a 491. Government charges and our professional fees depend on your circumstances - your occupation, family size, nomination route and skills assessment all affect the total. We quote in writing before you commit, with no surprises. You can read how we quote, then we will give you a figure specific to your case.
How We Help
- 01
Map your score and occupation
We work out your current points, check your occupation against the WA list, and tell you honestly whether the 491 is your way in or whether another visa is better positioned.
- 02
Nomination and skills assessment
We handle the WA nomination application and guide the skills assessment so nothing delays your EOI submission.
- 03
EOI, invitation and visa application
We lodge your EOI with the right claims, wait for your invitation, then prepare and lodge the full 491 application properly the first time.
- 04
Set up your path to the 191
We don't disappear after grant. We brief you on the 191 conditions from day one so your three years of regional living count toward a clean permanent residence application.
Common Questions
How the 491 fits your journey to permanent residence
WA State Nomination
The most common route onto a 491. Check whether your occupation is on WA's list and what nomination involves.
How WA nomination works191 Permanent Residence
Where the 491 leads. After three years living regionally and meeting the income test, this is your permanent residence.
About the 191190 Skilled Nominated
Prefer permanent residence straight away? If your score allows it, the 190 skips the provisional stage entirely.
About the 190Written and reviewed by Brian Chan, Registered Migration Agent (MARN 2217857)
Visa Store Australia, Perth · Last reviewed June 2026 · Verify on the MARA register · General information only, not personal migration advice.
Perth is already working in your favour.
You just need to use it. Tell us your occupation and score - we'll show you what the 491 does for your picture.