Australian Points Test Guide for Subclass 491 Skilled Work Regional Visa (2026)

The Subclass 491 Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa offers a pathway to permanent residency in Australia through regional living. Understanding the points test system is crucial for maximising your chances of receiving a state or territory nomination and ultimately securing this visa.

Minimum Points Requirement

To be eligible for the Subclass 491 visa, you must score a minimum of 65 points on the points test. However, achieving just the minimum rarely guarantees success, as competitive scores vary significantly between states and territories, and nomination rounds are highly competitive.

Points Test Categories

Age (Maximum 30 points) - 18-24 years: 25 points - 25-32 years: 30 points - 33-39 years: 25 points - 40-44 years: 15 points - 45+ years: 0 points

English Language Ability (Maximum 20 points) - Competent English (IELTS 6.0 equivalent): 0 points - Proficient English (IELTS 7.0 equivalent): 10 points - Superior English (IELTS 8.0 equivalent): 20 points

Skilled Employment Experience (Maximum 20 points) Experience must be in your nominated occupation or closely related field: - 8+ years: 15 points (overseas) or 20 points (Australian) - 5-7 years: 10 points (overseas) or 15 points (Australian) - 3-4 years: 5 points (overseas) or 10 points (Australian) - Less than 3 years: 0 points

Educational Qualifications (Maximum 20 points) - Doctorate: 20 points - Bachelor's or Master's degree: 15 points - Diploma or trade qualification: 10 points

Australian Study Requirement (5 points) Complete at least two academic years of study in Australia in a relevant qualification.

Specialist Education Qualifications (10 points) Master's degree by research or Doctorate in Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics, or ICT from an Australian institution.

Community Language (5 points) Accredited interpreter-level proficiency in a designated community language.

Professional Year (5 points) Complete a Professional Year Program in Australia in accounting, engineering, or ICT.

Partner Skills (10 points) Your partner must meet age, English, and skills assessment requirements for an occupation on the same skilled occupation list.

Regional Study (5 points) Two years of study in regional Australia whilst living in a regional area.

State/Territory Nomination Bonus

The Subclass 491 visa includes an automatic 15 points bonus for state or territory nomination. This significant boost often makes the difference between meeting competitive thresholds and falling short.

Competitive Scores by State/Territory (2026)

Based on recent trends, competitive scores typically range from 75-95 points including the 15-point nomination bonus:

High Competition (85-95+ points): - Australian Capital Territory - New South Wales (selected regions) - Victoria (selected regions)

Moderate Competition (80-90 points): - Queensland - Western Australia - South Australia (non-priority occupations)

Lower Competition (75-85 points): - Tasmania - Northern Territory - South Australia (priority occupations)

These scores vary significantly by occupation, with healthcare, engineering, and ICT professionals often facing higher competition. If you're unsure about your eligibility or want to explore different state options, consider using a pathway checker to evaluate your best options.

Strategies to Maximise Your Points

Improve English Scores Moving from Proficient (7.0) to Superior (8.0) English adds 10 crucial points. Consider intensive English preparation or multiple test attempts across different testing systems (IELTS, PTE, TOEFL iBT, OET).

Gain Additional Work Experience Each additional year of skilled work experience can increase your points. Ensure your employment is properly documented and aligns with your nominated occupation.

Consider Australian Study If you're young enough, Australian study provides multiple point opportunities: the study requirement (5 points), potential regional study bonus (5 points), and specialist education qualifications (10 points).

Partner Contributions If your partner meets the skills requirements, they can contribute 10 points. Alternatively, having a partner with competent English (but without skills) still avoids the 5-point deduction for partners without English.

Target Regional Areas Research states and territories with lower competition in your occupation. South Australia, Tasmania, and Northern Territory often have more accessible pathways for certain professions.

Professional Development Complete a Professional Year Program if eligible, pursue community language accreditation, or obtain additional qualifications that may increase your points.

State Nomination Considerations

Each state and territory has unique requirements beyond the points test. Research specific criteria including: - Regional commitment requirements - Occupation availability - Local employment prospects - Previous state connections

Getting professional guidance can be inval