Skilled Work Regional Visa (Subclass 491) - State/Territory Nominated Stream

The State/Territory Nominated stream of the 491 visa transforms regional migration into an achievable goal with its massive 15-point bonus. This stream opens doors for skilled workers who might struggle with the competitive 189/190 pathways, offering permanent residency through regional contribution.

The Game-Changing 15 Points

While 189 applicants compete with 85-95+ points, the 491’s regional bonus means you need just 50 base points to reach the 65 minimum. This mathematical advantage, combined with broader occupation lists, makes permanent residency realistic for thousands more skilled workers.

Regional Now Includes Major Cities

Forget remote outback towns - “regional” for 491 includes:

• Perth - Western Australia’s vibrant capital
• Adelaide - South Australia’s wine and festival hub
• Gold Coast - Queensland’s beach paradise
• Canberra - Australia’s planned capital
• Newcastle, Wollongong, Geelong - Thriving regional centers

Who Should Apply

• Skilled workers with 50-60 base points
• Those with occupations not on MLTSSL
• International graduates from Australian universities
• Professionals seeking faster PR pathway
• Families wanting affordable lifestyle with PR route
• Anyone open to 3 years in Perth or Adelaide

Core Requirements

Mandatory Criteria:

1. Age: Under 45 years when invited
2. Occupation: On state/territory regional occupation list
3. Skills Assessment: Positive assessment required
4. Points: Minimum 50 base points (65 with regional 15)
5. English: Competent minimum (IELTS 6.0 each)
6. State Nomination: Must secure before invitation
7. Health & Character: Pass all checks

Points Calculation with Regional Bonus

State/Territory Programs

Western Australia (Perth is regional!):

• WASMOL occupation list (200+ occupations)
• Graduate stream for WA students
• Construction and healthcare priority
• 12-month contracts acceptable
• Offshore applicants welcome

South Australia (Adelaide is regional!):

• Broadest occupation list
• Talent & Innovators Program
• Outer Regional SA additional benefits
• High Point (85+) pathway
• Offshore pathway available

Tasmania (Entire state regional):

• 3 pathways: Living, Working, Graduate
• 12+ months residence advantage
• Small business owners eligible
• Critical roles fast-tracked
• Lower competition

Northern Territory (Darwin regional):

• DAMA agreement opportunities
• Lower English requirements possible
• Graduate pathway strong
• Two-year commitment
• Priority sectors: Healthcare, Hospitality

ACT (Canberra is regional!):

• Canberra Matrix ranking system
• IT and healthcare focus
• Minimum 3 months residence
• Job offers valuable
• PhD graduates prioritized

Regional NSW (Excludes Sydney):

• Multiple RDAs (Regional Development Australia)
• Each region different requirements
• Healthcare always priority
• Offshore applications accepted
• Stream 1 (living) and Stream 2 (outside)

Regional Victoria (Excludes Melbourne):

• ROI system
• Target sectors change quarterly
• Victorian graduates preferred
• Regional experience valued
• Ballarat, Bendigo, Geelong opportunities

Regional Queensland (Excludes Brisbane):

• Cairns, Townsville, Sunshine Coast
• Engineering and trades focus
• Offshore friendly
• Working in Queensland advantage
• BSMQ manages nominations

What’s Actually Regional?

Regional = All of Australia EXCEPT:

• Sydney (postcodes 2000-2999)
• Melbourne (postcodes 3000-3999)
• Brisbane (postcodes 4000-4999)

Everything else is regional, including all major cities mentioned above!

Occupation Lists

Three Levels of Lists:

1. MLTSSL - Can apply all states
2. STSOL - Most states accept
3. State Supplementary - Specific additional occupations

Advantages over 189/190:

• States have broader lists for 491
• Occupations not on MLTSSL eligible
• Regional specific needs addressed
• Lower competition per occupation

State Selection Strategy

Best States by Profile:

Tech Professionals:

• Canberra (ACT) - Government contracts
• Adelaide (SA) - Defense industry
• Perth (WA) - Mining tech

Healthcare Workers:

• All states - Desperate need
• Tasmania - Fast processing
• NT - Lower requirements

Trades:

• WA - Mining boom
• Regional QLD - Infrastructure
• SA - Defense projects

Recent Graduates:

• State of study gives advantage
• Graduate streams available
• Lower experience requirements

Points Optimization for 491

With only 50 base points needed:

Achievable Combination:

• Age 25-32: 30 points
• Bachelor Degree: 15 points
• Competent English: 0 points
• Any experience: 5 points
• Regional Nomination: 15 points
• Total: 65 points!

Quick Improvements:

• Proficient English: +10 points
• Australian Study: +5 points
• Partner Skills: +10 points
• NAATI: +5 points

Living in “Regional” Cities

Perth (Population 2.1 million):

• Beautiful beaches
• Mining hub salaries
• Direct international flights
• Mediterranean climate
• Lower living costs than Sydney

Adelaide (Population 1.4 million):

• Wine regions
• Festival city
• Affordable housing
• 20-minute beaches
• Growing tech sector

Gold Coast (Population 700,000):

• Beach lifestyle
• Tourism industry
• Theme parks
• 1 hour to Brisbane (weekends)
• Growing health sector

Canberra (Population 460,000):

• Highest average incomes
• Government stability
• Planned city design
• Nature access
• Top-rated schools

Common Mistakes to Avoid

❌ Thinking regional means rural - Major cities included! ❌ Only applying to one state - Try multiple ❌ Generic state applications - Tailor each one ❌ Moving to metro areas - Breaches conditions ❌ Not planning for $53,900 income - Required for 191

Income Strategy for 191

Meeting the Threshold:

• Current threshold: $53,900
• Taxable income only
• Can combine jobs
• Business income counts
• Review salary packaging

Regional Advantages:

• Often higher salaries (shortage areas)
• Lower living costs
• Regional incentives
• Less competition

Success Timeline

Month 0: Start skills assessment
Month 3: Apply for state nomination
Month 4: Receive nomination & EOI invitation
Month 5: Lodge visa application
Month 10: Visa granted
Year 1-3: Work in regional area
Year 3: Apply for 191 PR
Year 4: Full permanent resident
Year 5: Eligible for citizenship

Why 491 Beats 189/190