Posted on March 22 2025

How many points do I need for a Subclass 491 visa?

By
Anshul Singhal
, Editor

Updated March 22 2025

You need to score a minimum of at least 65 points on the valid skilled assessment to apply for a Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa (subclass 491). The Skilled Work Regional visa is a temporary visa that allows skilled workers nominated by state or the government to live, work and study in the country for 5 years.

For Subclass 491 visa an applicant must satisfy the designated occupation on the skilled occupation list and have a suitable skill assessment for occupations. Additional to that meeting the occupation requirement and being invited to apply an applicant also must satisfy the SkillSelect points test.

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Factors that fetch points for a Subclass 491 visa

The Subclass 491 visa points are calculated based on factors like

Age
English proficiency
Work Experience : Overseas and Australia
Education
Specialised Educational Qualification
Professional Year in Australia
Study in regional Australia
State and Territory Nomination
Family Sponsorship
Partner skills
Other additional factors

Below mentioned table shows how the points are calculated for Subclass 491 visa:

Factors	Points
Age	Points
at least 18 but less than 25 years	25
at least 25 but less than 33 years	30
at least 33 but less than 40 years	25
at least 40 but less than 45 years	15
English	Points
Competent English	0
Proficient English	10
Superior English	20
Skilled employment experience
Overseas skilled employment – (outside Australia)	Points
Less than 3 years	0
At least 3 but less than 5 years	5
At least 5 but less than 8 years	10
At least 8 years	15
Australian skilled employment – (in Australia)	Points
Less than 1 year	0
At least 1 but less than 3 years	5
At least 3 but less than 5 years	10
At least 5 but less than 8 years	15
At least 8 years	20
Educational qualifications	Points
A Doctorate from an Australian educational institution or a Doctorate from another educational institution, that is of a recognised standard.	20
A Bachelor degree from an Australian educational institution or at least a Bachelor qualification, from another educational institution, that is of a recognised standard.	15
A diploma or trade qualification from an Australian educational institution.	10
Attained a qualification or award recognised by the relevant assessing authority for your nominated skilled occupation as being suitable for that occupation	10
Specialist education qualification	Points
A Masters degree by research or a Doctorate degree from an Australian educational institution that included at least 2 academic years study in a relevant field.	10
Australian study requirement	5
Professional Year in Australia	Points
Completion of a Professional Year in Australia	5
Study in regional Australia	Points
You must have at least 1 degree, diploma or trade qualification from an Australian educational institution	5
Partner skills	Points
Your spouse or de facto partner must also be an applicant for this visa and meet age, English and skill criteria	10
Your spouse or de facto partner must also be an applicant for this visa and has competent English	5
You are single or your partner is an Australian citizen or permanent resident*	10
Nomination or sponsorship	Points
If you are invited to apply for Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa (subclass 491) by state or territory	15