The 491 Family Sponsored Visa is one of the most sought-after family-sponsored visas in Australia. It provides skilled workers the opportunity to live, work, and study in designated regional areas, with a pathway to permanent residency after meeting certain conditions.
Duration: A 5-year provisional visa that allows unrestricted work and study in regional Australia.
Pathway to PR: After three years of living and working in a regional area while meeting income requirements, visa holders can apply for permanent residency through the subclass 191 visa.
Sponsorship: Requires a family member sponsor residing in a designated regional area.
Limited Availability: Due to the low number of visas issued annually, competition is high.
Challenges of the 491 Family Sponsored Visa
Limited Allocations: Only a small number of these visas are issued each year, making it difficult to obtain.
High Points Requirement: While the minimum required points are 65, in reality, applicants often need higher points to receive an invitation.
Regional Sponsorship Requirement: If your family member lives in a major city (Sydney, Melbourne, or Brisbane), they cannot sponsor your application.
To be eligible for the 491 Family Sponsored Visa, applicants must meet the following criteria:
Applicant Requirements:
Age: Between 18 and 45 years old.
Skills Assessment: A positive skills assessment in an occupation listed on the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL).
English Proficiency: Minimum of IELTS 6 in each component or hold an approved passport from certain English-speaking countries.
Points Test: Score at least 65 points on the skilled migration points test.
Health & Character: Must meet the health and character requirements set by the Australian Government.
Eligible Family Sponsor Requirements:
Must be an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen.
Be 18 years or older.
Be usually resident in a designated regional area.
Must be the applicant’s relative or applicant’s spouse’s relative:
a parent
a child or step-child
a brother, sister, adoptive brother, adoptive sister, step-brother or step-sister
an aunt, uncle, adoptive aunt, adoptive uncle, step-aunt or step-uncle
a nephew, niece, adoptive nephew, adoptive niece, step-nephew or step-niece
a grandparent, or
a first cousin.
Application Process for the 491 Family Sponsored Visa
Secure an Eligible Sponsor
Ensure your family member meets sponsorship criteria and resides in a designated regional area.
Obtain a Positive Skills Assessment
Pass a skills assessment in an occupation on the Skilled List.
Submit an Expression of Interest (EOI)
Lodge an EOI through SkillSelect and aim for at least 90-95 points for a competitive application.
Receive an Invitation to Apply
If selected, apply for the visa within 60 days.
Limited Availability & Alternative Pathways
Even if you meet all requirements, the 491 Family Sponsored Visa remains highly competitive due to its low allocation numbers. Many applicants do not receive invitations despite meeting eligibility criteria.
Need Help?
If you need assistance determining your eligibility or maximizing your points score, consider consulting with one of our registered migration agents.
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