Skilled Work Regional Visa (Subclass 491) - Family Sponsored Stream

The Family Sponsored stream of the 491 visa provides a unique pathway to permanent residency through the support of eligible relatives living in regional Australia. With the same powerful 15-point bonus as state nomination, this stream opens doors for those with family connections.

Family Support = Migration Success

Unlike other family visas with long waiting lists, the 491 family sponsorship is points-tested and processed like skilled migration. Your eligible relative’s sponsorship provides the crucial 15 points that can make the difference between waiting indefinitely and receiving an invitation.

Who Can Sponsor You?

Eligible sponsors include a wider range of relatives than most realize:

• Parents, children, siblings (most common)
• Aunts, uncles, cousins (often overlooked)
• Grandparents, grandchildren
• Step-relatives and adoptive family

Regional Living Near Family

This stream combines the benefits of skilled migration with family proximity. You’ll live in the same regional area as your sponsor, building your Australian life with family support while working towards permanent residency.

Who Should Apply

• Those with eligible relatives in regional Australia
• Skilled workers needing 15-point boost
• Applicants whose occupation isn’t on state lists
• People wanting family support during settlement
• Those preferring direct EOI over state processes
• Families seeking regional lifestyle near relatives

Core Requirements

You Must Have:

1. Age: Under 45 years when invited
2. Occupation: On combined occupation lists (MLTSSL, STSOL, or ROL)
3. Skills Assessment: Positive assessment required
4. Points: Minimum 50 base points (65 with family 15)
5. English: Competent minimum (IELTS 6.0 each)
6. Family Sponsor: Eligible relative in regional area
7. Health & Character: Pass all checks

Sponsor Eligibility

Your Sponsor Must Be:

• Australian citizen OR permanent resident
• 18 years or older
• Usually resident in designated regional area
• Settled in Australia (usually 2+ years)

Eligible Relationships:

Immediate Family:

• Parent (including step-parent)
• Child (including step-child)
• Brother or sister (including step/adoptive)

Extended Family:

• Aunt or uncle
• Nephew or niece
• Grandparent
• Grandchild
• First cousin

Important: Relationships through marriage count (e.g., your spouse’s sister can sponsor)

Regional Residence Requirement

Sponsor Must Live In:

• Designated regional area (not Sydney/Melbourne/Brisbane)
• Same area for past 12+ months
• Continuing to live there

You Must Commit To:

• Living in a designated regional area
• Can be different from sponsor’s area
• Can move between regional areas

Points Calculation Example

Achievable with just basic qualifications!

Occupation Lists

Three Lists Available:

1. MLTSSL - Best options, all regional areas
2. STSOL - Good options, most areas
3. ROL - Regional Occupation List

Advantage: Broader than 189 visa (MLTSSL only)

Common Eligible Occupations:

• Accountants
• Engineers (various)
• IT Professionals
• Nurses
• Teachers
• Chefs
• Marketing Specialists
• HR Advisers

Proving the Relationship

Primary Documents:

• Birth certificates showing links
• Marriage certificates
• Adoption papers
• Official family registry

Supporting Evidence:

• Family photos over time
• Communication records
• Travel together
• Family event invitations
• Statutory declarations

DNA Testing:

• Only if documents unavailable
• Approved labs only
• Department may request

Maximizing Family Sponsorship

Eligible Relatives You Might Have Missed:

• Spouse’s siblings can sponsor
• Half-siblings count
• Step-relatives eligible
• Adoptive relationships valid
• Great-aunts/uncles possible

Strategic Considerations:

Multiple Eligible Sponsors? Choose the sponsor:

• In best regional location
• With longest residence
• Most stable situation
• Best documentation

No State Competition:

• Apply directly through EOI
• No state quotas
• No state requirements
• Simpler process

Points Strategy

With Just 50 Base Points Needed:

Minimum Viable Path:

• Age 25-32: 30 points
• Degree: 15 points
• Any experience: 5 points
• Family: 15 points = 65 points achieved!

Easy Improvements:

• Proficient English: +10
• Australian study: +5
• NAATI: +5
• Partner skills: +10

Regional Living Benefits

Near Family Support:

• Settlement assistance
• Childcare help
• Social connections
• Cultural familiarity
• Emergency support

Regional Advantages:

• Lower living costs
• Less competition for jobs
• Stronger communities
• Better work-life balance
• Easier commutes

Common Mistakes to Avoid

❌ Wrong relationship proof - Get official documents ❌ Sponsor not settled - Need 12+ months regional ❌ Metro area sponsor - Must be regional ❌ Missing Form 956 - Essential for sponsorship ❌ Delaying after invitation - 60 days only

Sponsor Responsibilities

What Sponsors Must Do:

• Complete Form 956
• Provide documents
• Declare regional residence
• Support application

What Sponsors DON’T Do:

• No financial support required
• No housing obligation
• No work guarantee
• No ongoing liability
• No Assurance of Support

Comparison with State Nomination

Success Factors

Strong Applications Have:

1. Clear relationship evidence
2. Long-settled sponsors
3. Higher points scores (70+)
4. In-demand occupations
5. Good English scores

Weak Applications:

• Minimal relationship proof
• Recently arrived sponsors
• Exactly 65 points
• Oversupplied occupations
• Basic English only

Alternative If Not Eligible

If family sponsorship isn’t viable:

1. State Nomination 491 - Broader eligibility
2. Partner Visa - If partner is citizen/PR
3. Skilled 190 - If 60+ points
4. Build Points - Improve English/experience
5. Different Sponsor - Check all relatives