Regional skilled migration
A provisional skilled pathway involving state or territory nomination or eligible family sponsorship.
Australian Skilled Migration
Provisional Skilled Visas
Explore selected Australian provisional and temporary skilled visa pathways for regional skilled workers and eligible international graduates.
Temporary & Regional Skilled Pathways
Skilled options before permanent residence
Provisional and temporary skilled visas can provide eligible applicants with an opportunity to live, work or study in Australia for a defined period while meeting the requirements of the relevant visa subclass.
Some regional provisional pathways may lead to a later permanent residence option if the visa holder satisfies the applicable residence, work and other requirements.
Subclass 491 and subclass 485 remain current visa pathways.
Subclass 489 is closed to new primary applications and should
be presented as a legacy pathway. However, certain pathways
for existing subclass 489 visa holders and eligible family
members may still remain relevant.
Graduate pathway
A temporary visa for eligible international graduates after completing Australian studies.
Legacy regional visa
A former provisional regional visa that is closed to new primary applications.
Future pathways
Some provisional regional visa holders may later become eligible for a permanent regional pathway.
Important subclass 489 status
The Skilled Regional (Provisional) visa (subclass 489) is closed to new primary applications.
Existing subclass 489 holders and certain eligible family members may still need advice about visa conditions, subsequent-entry arrangements or possible permanent residence pathways.
Visa Options
Provisional Skilled Visas
Review the three visa subclasses requested for this page and use the official Department of Home Affairs links for current details.
Subclass 491
Skilled Work Regional visa (Provisional)
Current Provisional Visa
A provisional visa for skilled workers who want to live and work in designated regional Australia.
- State or territory nomination, or eligible family sponsorship
- Relevant skilled occupation required
- Suitable skills assessment required
- Invitation and points-test requirements apply
- Regional residence and work conditions apply
Subclass 485
Temporary Graduate Visa
Current Temporary Visa
A temporary visa that may allow eligible international students to live, study and work in Australia after completing their studies.
- Eligible Australian study and qualification requirements apply
- Applicants must use the stream relevant to their circumstances
- Age requirements apply, with limited exceptions
- Eligible visa and recent Student visa history are relevant
- Required evidence must be provided with the application
Subclass 489
Skilled Regional Visa
Skilled Regional Visa
(Provisional)
Closed to New Primary Applications
A legacy provisional skilled visa for regional Australia. It is closed to new primary applications but remains relevant to some existing holders and family matters.
- Closed to new primary applications
- Existing visa holders may still have ongoing obligations
- Some subsequent-entry family applications may remain relevant
- Regional residence and work history can affect later pathways
- Individual visa history should be reviewed carefully
Eligibility Considerations
What may affect your provisional skilled visa options?
Each subclass has different eligibility, timing and evidence requirements.
01
Occupation
Skilled regional pathways may require an occupation on a relevant skilled occupation list.
02
Skills assessment
A suitable skills assessment may be required for the nominated occupation.
03
Nomination or sponsorship
Subclass 491 requires relevant nomination or eligible family sponsorship before invitation.
04
Points and invitation
Points-tested regional pathways can require an Expression of Interest and invitation to apply.
05
Australian study
Subclass 485 eligibility depends heavily on eligible study, qualification and visa-history requirements.
06
Visa history
Existing or previous provisional visas can affect available pathways, especially for legacy subclass 489 matters.
Application Journey
How a provisional skilled visa matter may be reviewed
1
Profile assessment
Review your occupation, study history, qualifications, visa history and migration objectives.
2
Pathway selection
Identify whether a regional skilled, graduate or legacy visa matter is relevant.
3
Evidence preparation
Gather skills, study, nomination, sponsorship and visa-history documents as required.
4
Application support
Prepare the relevant application, nomination or supporting material where professional assistance is engaged.
Frequently Asked Questions
Provisional skilled visa questions
Is subclass 491 a permanent visa?
No. Subclass 491 is a provisional visa. Eligible holders may later consider a permanent regional pathway if they meet the requirements applying to that visa.
Does subclass 491 require nomination or sponsorship?
Yes. Applicants generally need nomination by a state or territory government agency or sponsorship by an eligible family member, together with the other visa requirements.
Is the Temporary Graduate visa subclass 485 a skilled points-tested visa?
No. Subclass 485 is a separate temporary graduate pathway. Eligibility is linked to study, qualification, visa history, age and stream-specific requirements rather than the skilled migration points test.
Can I submit a new primary subclass 489 application?
No. Subclass 489 is closed to new primary applications. Existing holders and certain eligible family members may still have matters connected with the visa.
Can a provisional visa lead to permanent residence?
Some provisional regional visa holders may later be able to apply for a permanent regional pathway if they satisfy the applicable requirements. It is not automatic.
Can a visa outcome be guaranteed?
No. Visa decisions are made by the Australian Department of Home Affairs according to the law, evidence and individual circumstances.
Important skilled migration information
Skilled occupation lists, nomination programs, graduate visa rules, age requirements, invitation priorities, regional definitions and migration policy can change. This page provides general information only and does not guarantee eligibility, nomination, an invitation, permanent residence or visa approval. Current Department of Home Affairs information and individual circumstances should be reviewed before applying.
Need help with a provisional skilled visa?
Arrange a consultation to discuss your occupation, studies, skills assessment, nomination options, visa history and possible regional or graduate pathway.