Do I need a job offer before I can apply?” You’ve probably heard conflicting advice, so let’s clear it up. In most cases, the answer is no, you don’t need a job offer. Getting a 491 visa without a job offer is a common and achievable pathway.
Instead of a job offer, your success often depends more on factors like your skills, your points score, and getting nominated by an Australian state or territory. It’s also important to understand the term “Child 1” in the context of subclass 491 eligibility. This is simply industry jargon for the main person applying for the visa, as the government calls the “Primary Applicant.” It has nothing to do with an actual child, and knowing this can help you focus on the correct requirements.
This comprehensive guide clarifies the 491 visa and walks you through everything you need to know. We’ll explain what the Subclass 491 visa actually is, break down the complete eligibility requirements, and compare the two main pathways: state nomination versus family sponsorship.
What is the Subclass 491 Visa?
The Skilled Work Regional visa (subclass 491) is a five-year visa of general skilled migration program that allows you and your family to live, work, and study in a designated part of Australia.
This bridge has a clear purpose: it is the official 491 visa pathway to permanent residency. After you’ve held the visa and met requirements for at least three years, like living and working in the region, you can apply for the Subclass 191 visa. Meeting the subclass 191 permanent visa requirements is what grants you permanent resident status, giving you the long-term security to build your future in Australia. Want know complete about subclass 491, read our 491 regional visa guide.
Eligibility requirements for subclass 491 regional visa
Be invited:
- You can only apply for this visa if you are invited.
- Submit an expression of interest (EOI) in SkillSelect to let them know you would like to apply for the visa.
Age:
- You must be under 45 to apply for the visa.
- You can still apply for the visa if you turn 45 after you apply.
- If you turn 45 after you submit your EOI but before you apply, you will not be invited to apply.
English:
- You must have at least competent English
-
Family members 18+ need Functional English OR must pay the second instalment charge
Skills Assessment:
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Must have a suitable skills assessment valid for the nominated occupation
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Assessment must be obtained within 3 years before the invitation
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Can now be obtained within a 60-day invitation period
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Medical/legal practitioners can use registration/admission as proof
Occupation and Skill
Your occupation must be on the relevant list of eligible skilled occupations
Nomination or Sponsorship
You must have either received a nomination from an Australian state or territory government agency or be sponsored by an eligible relative who lives in a designated regional area of Australia.
Each state and territory has its own nomination criteria, which may include factors like your occupation, work experience, English proficiency, and connection to the region.
Health requirement:
You and any family member who applies for the visa with you must meet health requirement.
Character requirement:
You and family members aged 16 years and over who apply for the visa with you must meet character requirement
Points Requirements
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Minimum 65 points required
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Points-tested visa – use the PR points calculator to calculate the score
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Must provide evidence supporting all claims
Other Requirements
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Occupation must be on the combined eligible skilled occupations list
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Meet health and character requirements (applicants and family 16+)
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No debt to the Australian government
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Sign the Australian Values Statement if 18+
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The Two Main Doors to a 491 Visa: State Nomination vs. Family Sponsorship
You can’t just send an application to the Australian government directly. First, you need an official “invitation” to apply, which comes from one of two different sources. This choice is the first major step in your visa journey. The critical difference in the 491 family-sponsored vs. state-nominated stream is who supports your application.
- State/Territory Nominated Stream:
For skilled workers whose profession is needed by a specific Australian state or territory government.
- Family Sponsored Stream:
For skilled workers who have an eligible relative already living in a designated regional area of Australia.
If you don’t have a close relative in regional Australia, your path is clear: State Nomination. This route is all about your skills and experience, meeting the subclass 491 state nomination requirements for a particular state.
The State Nomination Path
For the state nomination path, you can often apply for a subclass 491 visa without a job offer. Most states are primarily focused on filling skill shortages. If your profession is on their in-demand list and you have a high points score, that is often enough to secure their nomination.
This official support is a massive win, as it automatically adds 15 crucial points to your score, significantly boosting your chance of receiving a visa invitation.
If a job offer isn’t always required, why is it so often discussed? Because in a highly competitive system, a job offer can be a powerful tie-breaker. Think of two applicants with similar skills and points. The one who has already secured a job in that state is demonstrating a stronger commitment and ability to contribute immediately. For this reason, some states give preference to applicants with job offers, or even have specific application streams where an offer is mandatory.
The importance of a 491 visa job offer vs state nomination depends on the individual state’s rules. Your first step should always be to research the specific subclass 491 state nomination requirements for the state you want to live in. A job offer may not be your only ticket, but for some states, it can be the key that puts you at the front of the line.
The Family-Sponsored Path
The family-sponsored path is a distinct alternative that focuses on your personal connections in Australia. In this stream, your eligibility hinges on a relative who can sponsor you, completely removing the pressure to find a job before you apply.
An “eligible relative” is quite specific: a parent, child, sibling, aunt, uncle, niece, nephew, grandparent, or a first cousin. This includes step-family and adoptive relationships. Your sponsor must be at least 18 years old and agree to provide you with support for your first few years in Australia.
What to Focus on Right Now for Your 491 Visa?
The question of a job offer no longer needs to be a source of confusion. Instead of spending months on a job hunt that may not be necessary, you can now focus your energy on what truly matters for meeting 491 visa eligibility criteria. This step-by-step action plan starts the journey with confidence:
- Check if your occupation is on the relevant skilled occupation list.
- Get your skills assessed by the designated authority.
- Research the specific nomination requirements for each state or territory.
- Calculate your points.
If you find any difficulty, use our FREE PR Points Calculator to see exactly where you stand
Residency Requirements
The “3-Year” Rule
To be eligible for permanent residency (Subclass 191), you must demonstrate that for at least 3 years while holding the 491 visa, you have:
- Lived in a designated regional area.
- Worked in a designated regional area.
- Studied (if applicable) in a designated regional area.
Note: “Regional Australia” is defined as almost anywhere except Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane.
Critical Visa Conditions of 491 Visa
The Department of Home Affairs monitors 491 holders through specific “Condition” codes. Violating these can lead to visa cancellation:
- Condition 8579: You (and all family members on the visa) must live, work, and study only in a designated regional area.
- Condition 8578: You must notify the Department within 14 days if you change your residential address, phone number, email, or employer.
- Condition 8580: If the Department asks for evidence of your address or employment, you must provide it within 28 days.
- Condition 8581: You may be required to attend an interview to prove you are complying with your regional stay.
Income Requirements for PR
- You must provide Notice of Assessments (NOAs) from the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) for three income years.
- Even if there is no “minimum” salary in 2026, you must show that you were economically active in the region.
Freedom of Movement
A common misconception is that you are “locked” to the state that nominated you.
- Legally: You can move between different regional areas (e.g., move from regional NSW to regional WA) without breaking federal visa conditions.
- Ethically/Morally: The state that nominated you expects you to stay there. Moving too early might affect your ability to get future state-sponsored benefits, though it rarely impacts the 191 PR grant as long as you stay in any regional zone.
2025–26 State Nomination Quotas and NSW Status
For the 2025–26 program year, the Australian Government has set specific nomination allocations for each state and territory to address local workforce needs. Understanding these quotas is essential, as pathways can close quickly once these limited spots are filled.
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2025–26 Subclass 491 Nomination Allocations
The following table outlines the total nomination places allocated to each jurisdiction for the Skilled Work Regional (Subclass 491) visa:
|
State / Territory |
Subclass 491 Allocation (2025–26) |
|
New South Wales (NSW) |
1,500 |
|
Western Australia (WA) |
1,400 |
|
South Australia (SA) |
900 |
|
Australian Capital Territory (ACT) |
800 |
|
Northern Territory (NT) |
800 |
|
Queensland (QLD) |
750 |
|
Victoria (VIC) |
700 |
|
Tasmania (TAS) |
650 |
NSW Status Update: February 2026
As of February 2026, the availability for NSW state nomination has changed significantly due to extreme demand:
- Pathway 1 (Working in Regional NSW): CLOSED. This pathway for skilled workers currently employed in regional NSW reached its full capacity and closed for the remainder of the 2025–26 program year.
- Pathway 3 (Regional NSW Graduate): CLOSED. This pathway for recent graduates from regional NSW institutions is also closed to new applications after reaching its allocation.
- Pathway 2 (Invited by Investment NSW): OPEN. This remains the only active route for NSW 491 nomination. It is an invitation-only stream where the state selects candidates directly from the SkillSelect pool based on high-demand occupations and points.
Applicants who were unable to lodge before the closure of Pathways 1 and 3 are advised to monitor official announcements for the 2026–27 program year or explore alternative regional sponsorship options.
How The Migration helps you In 491 Visa
Navigating the Subclass 491 visa process can feel overwhelming, but The Migration transforms this complex journey into a manageable pathway for you. We assess your eligibility accurately, identify the best nomination strategy for your profile, and maximise your points score through expert guidance.
Our MARA-registered consultants at Sydney and Melbourne handle all documentation requirements, ensure you meet state-specific criteria, and submit error-free applications that avoid costly delays. The Migration monitors changing state nomination rules, keeps you compliant with visa conditions, and guides you seamlessly toward permanent residency. We stay updated on the latest policy changes so you don’t have to.
With The Migration’s professional support, you avoid common pitfalls, save valuable time, and significantly increase your chances of securing your Australian dream.
Conclusion
The Subclass 491 visa offers a clear pathway to permanent residency in Australia, and the good news is that most applicants don’t need a job offer to get started. Your success depends on understanding the eligibility requirements, choosing the right nomination stream, and building a competitive points score. Whether you’re pursuing state nomination or family sponsorship, the key is to focus on what truly matters: your skills assessment, occupation eligibility, and meeting the specific requirements of your chosen state or territory.
Don’t let confusion or conflicting advice hold you back from your Australian dream. Our MARA-registered experts have guided countless skilled workers through the 491 visa process, from initial eligibility assessment to successful permanent residency applications. Book your consultation with our MARA expert today and get personalised advice tailored to your unique situation. Let’s turn your regional visa journey into a success story.
