01
Basic Eligibility Requirements
Applicants generally need to:
Be nominated by a state or territory government or sponsored by an eligible relative
Nominate an occupation on the relevant skilled occupation list
Obtain a suitable skills assessment
Submit an Expression of Interest through SkillSelect
Receive an Invitation to Apply
Satisfy the skilled migration points test
Demonstrate the required level of English
Meet health and character requirements
Applicants need an estimated score of at least 65 points to be eligible for an invitation. However, meeting the minimum score does not guarantee an invitation.
02
Nomination or Family Sponsorship
Applicants may qualify through one of two pathways:
State or Territory Nomination
An Australian state or territory government nominates the applicant based on its own occupation priorities, eligibility conditions and regional workforce requirements.
Eligible Family Sponsorship
An eligible relative residing in a designated regional area may sponsor the applicant, subject to the applicable relationship and residence requirements.
State nomination or eligible family sponsorship provides 15 additional points under the skilled migration points test.
03
Designated Regional Areas
Subclass 491 holders must live, work and study in an approved designated regional area.
For migration purposes, designated regional locations include cities such as:
Perth
Adelaide
Canberra
Gold Coast
Sunshine Coast
Newcastle and Lake Macquarie
Wollongong and Illawarra
Geelong
Hobart
Therefore, the statement that regional Australia excludes Perth and the Gold Coast is outdated. The current regional classification is based on officially designated postcodes.
Can Family Members Be Included?
Eligible family members may be included in the main application. Family members who did not apply initially may also be able to apply later as subsequent entrants.
Applicants and accompanying family members must meet the relevant health and character requirements.
04
Pathway to Permanent Residence
Subclass 491 holders may later qualify for the Permanent Residence (Skilled Regional) Visa – Subclass 191.
Applicants generally need to:
Hold an eligible regional provisional visa for at least three years
Have complied with the conditions of that visa
Meet the applicable residence, work and income requirements
Your supplied content mentions a fixed minimum income of AUD 53,900. This figure should not be placed on the website without checking the current legislative income threshold, because the official government page refers to a specified taxable-income requirement rather than confirming that amount as a permanent fixed threshold.
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Important Notice
Meeting the minimum points requirement, receiving nomination or obtaining family sponsorship does not guarantee an invitation or visa approval. Occupation lists, regional postcodes, nomination criteria and immigration requirements may change. Final visa decisions are made solely by the Australian Department of Home Affairs.
