Regional migration: how the 491 leads to permanent residence
Fifteen extra points in exchange for three regional years. What counts as regional, what the 191 requires, and whether the trade is right for you.
published updatedReviewed MARN 03173826 min read
The 491 gives skilled candidates 15 extra points and a five-year visa in exchange for living and working in designated regional Australia. After three years, and with ATO notices of assessment for three income years, you can apply for the permanent 191. There is no minimum income threshold. "Regional" is broader than people assume: everywhere except Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane qualifies, including Perth, Adelaide, the Gold Coast, Newcastle, Wollongong, Canberra and Hobart.
What "regional" actually means
Designated regional areas are defined by postcode and cover all of Australia outside the Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane metropolitan areas. So a 491 does not mean a remote town: capital cities like Adelaide, Perth and Canberra count, as do major coastal centres. Where you live and where you work both need to stay regional, and the postcodes are worth checking before every move.
The road to the 191
- Hold the 491 (or 494) for three years, complying with its regional conditions.
- Tax evidence, not an income threshold: ATO notices of assessment for three income years out of the five years of your 491 or 494. Home Affairs confirmed in June 2023 that there is no minimum income requirement for the 191, so a quiet year doesn't count against you, but lodging your tax returns on time does matter.
- No second nomination or new points test: the 191 is largely administrative if the three years are clean.
Who the trade suits
The 491 rewards two profiles: candidates whose points score can't win a 189/190 invitation in the capitals, and people whose industry genuinely thrives regionally (health, trades, education, agriculture, hospitality). It punishes one profile: people who take it intending to quietly live in Sydney anyway. Compliance is checkable through addresses, employers and tax records, and a breached 491 poisons the 191 it was supposed to lead to.
General information only, current at 23 September 2026. Not immigration assistance or advice for your circumstances. Visacorp Pty Ltd — MARN 0317382 · 1799004.
Common questions
Which cities count as regional?
Everywhere outside metropolitan Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane, defined by postcode. Perth, Adelaide, Canberra, Hobart, Gold Coast, Newcastle and Wollongong all count.
What income do I need for the 191?
There's no minimum income. Home Affairs confirmed in June 2023 that no legislative instrument sets an income threshold for the 191. What you do need is ATO notices of assessment for three income years out of the five years you held the 491 or 494, so lodge your tax returns every year.
Can I change jobs or towns on a 491?
Yes, as long as you stay within designated regional areas and honour your nominating state's expectations. Moving regions is normal; moving to Sydney is a breach.
Unsure where your situation fits?
Twenty minutes with a registered agent is the fastest way to a straight answer.