Are you an international student finishing your degree in Australia and dreaming of permanent residency? The Subclass 491 Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa is currently one of the most popular and achievable pathways for graduates in 2025–2026. It gives you 5 years to live and work in regional Australia with a clear route to the Subclass 191 Permanent Residence visa after just 3 years.

This complete guide is written especially for international students and recent graduates. We cover everything Google’s top-ranking queries ask: eligibility rules, how to calculate your points, state nomination chances, processing time, costs, and real tips that actually work in 2025.

Who Is Eligible for the 491 Visa as an International Student in 2025?

To lodge a valid 491 visa application, you must meet BOTH Department of Home Affairs requirements AND state/territory nomination rules.

Home Affairs (Federal) Requirements

• Age: under 45 years at time of invitation
• Occupation: on the relevant list (Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List or Regional Occupation List)
• Positive Skills Assessment in your nominated occupation
• Competent English (IELTS 6 / PTE 50 / OET B or higher) – no need for Superior English
• At least 65 points on the points test (most students actually score 80–100)
• Expression of Interest (EOI) submitted in SkillSelect
• Receive an invitation to apply (ITA)

Extra Advantages International Students Have

• Australian study (2+ years) → +5 points
• Study in regional area → +5 points (very common – Adelaide, Wollongong, Geelong, Hobart, Canberra, Gold Coast, Sunshine Coast, Newcastle, etc. are all regional!)
• Professional Year (IT, Accounting, Engineering) → +5 points
• Partner skills or partner English → +5–10 points
• State or family sponsorship → +15 points (this is the 491’s biggest advantage)

Real example: A 26-year-old Indian student who completed a 2-year Master of IT in Adelaide (regional) with IELTS 7.0 and no work experience already starts with 80–85 points before state nomination → almost guaranteed invitation.

491 Points Calculator 2025 – How Many Students Score 90+ Easily

State Nomination 2025–2026 – Where Students Are Getting Invitations Fastest

Pro tip 2025: South Australia, Tasmania and ACT are currently the fastest and most student-friendly for 491 nomination.

Step-by-Step Application Process for Students

1. Complete your 2-year CRICOS-registered course
2. Get skills assessment (Engineers Australia, ACS, TRA, VETASSESS, etc.)
3. Sit English test (valid 3 years)
4. Submit EOI in SkillSelect with 491 selected
5. Apply for state nomination (most states open July–October)
6. Receive state nomination → +15 points → invitation within weeks
7. Lodge visa within 60 days
8. Visa grant (current processing: 3–8 months)

Current Processing Time & Cost (December 2025)

• State nomination: 2–12 weeks
• Visa processing: 75% within 6 months
• Cost: $4,770 main applicant + $2,385 spouse + $1,195 child

How Edvise Hub Helps International Students Get 491 Visa Faster

At Edvise Hub (registered migration agency), we specialise in student-to-491 pathways. In 2025 alone we helped 400+ students secure state nomination and visa grant. Here’s exactly what we do for you:

• Free 491 eligibility & points assessment within 24 hours
• Accurate skills assessment guidance (we know which documents ACS accepts fastest)
• State nomination pre-lodgement checking (avoids refusal)
• EOI optimisation to get invitation in the next round
• Full visa lodgement with 100% complete evidence
• Ongoing support until PR (Subclass 191)

Book your free consultation 

Frequently Asked Questions (Updated December 2025)

Q: Can I study in Sydney/Melbourne/Brisbane and still get 491?

A: Yes! You can study in capital cities, then move to any regional postcode after graduation (e.g., Wollongong, Geelong, Gold Coast are regional).

Q: Do I need a job offer for 491?

A: No. Unlike 482/186, 491 does not require a job offer.

Q: Can my whole family be included?

A: Yes – spouse and children can be added.

Q: Can I buy a business in regional area and get 491?

A: Yes – Tasmania and South Australia have small business owner streams.

Q: How long do I have to live in regional area?

A: Minimum 3 years (and earn taxable $53,900+ each year) to apply for 191 PR.

Q: Is 491 better than 190 for students?

A: In 2025, yes – easier invitation + 15 points + more places.

Ready to start your 491 journey after graduation? Talk to Edvise Hub’s registered migration agents today and get your free points test + state nomination strategy.