491
HomeMigration AgentsAustraliaSubclass 491
AustraliaMARA REGISTERED · AUSTRALIA ONLYPROVISIONAL

MARA Agents for Skilled Regional Visa (Subclass 491)

The Subclass 491 is a temporary (5-year) skilled migration visa for people who live and work in regional Australia. It can be nominated by a state or territory, or sponsored by an eligible relative in a regional area. After 3 years regionally, holders can apply for the Subclass 191 permanent visa.

34
MARA agents
5
Visa duration
AUD $3,500
Fees from
MARA
Required registration
Visa details
Subclass491
CategoryProvisional
Duration5 years → PR via Subclass 191
Est. agent feesAUD $3,500 – $6,500
Key eligibility
Occupation on the relevant state regional nomination list (or MLTSSL for relative-sponsored)
Positive skills assessment from the relevant assessing body
Points score of at least 65 (competitive score typically 75+)
Under 45 years of age
Competent English (IELTS 6.0 in each band or equivalent)
Commitment to live and work in a designated regional area for 3 years
🧮
Check your points score first
The Skilled Regional 491 is points-based — use our free calculator before speaking to an agent
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💡
Why use a MARA agent for the Skilled Regional 491?

The 491 is strategic — it is a pathway to permanent residency via the 191 for applicants who cannot yet reach the 189/190 cut-off scores. A MARA agent helps you identify which regional areas qualify, which states have lower point thresholds, and how to build toward PR from the 491.

MARA agents specialising in Skilled Regional 491

All agents are MARA-registered in Australia.

34 agents
Aussizz Group Sydney
Aussizz Group Sydney
📍Sydney, Australia
MARA Reg. On MARA register
Employer-sponsored (482/186/494)Skilled (189/190/491)Student (500)+1

Aussizz Group has been operating since 2009 and has grown to 30+ offices across Australia. Their Parramatta office serves Western Sydney and is particularly strong in employer-sponsored (482/186/494) and skilled migration (189/190/491). With 2,400+ Google reviews nationally, Aussizz is one of the most reviewed migration practices in the country.

4.0(1)
Mid-rangeView →
Visa Solutions Australia
Visa Solutions Australia
📍Melbourne, Australia
MARA Reg. On MARA register
Skilled (189/190/491)Employer-sponsored (482/186/494)Partner visa+1

Visa Solutions Australia (Visa Solutions Australia Pty Ltd) has been operating since 2005 with 20+ years in Australian immigration. They are based in Melbourne CBD and claim a 99.9% visa success rate — self-reported and not independently audited. Their practice covers skilled migration (189/190/491), employer-sponsored (482/186/494), partner visas, and family migration.

No reviews yet
From $1,500 (varies by visa)View →
Visa Solutions Australia
Visa Solutions Australia
📍Melbourne, Australia
MARA Reg. VERIFY
Skilled Migration (189/190/491)Employer Sponsored (482/186/494)Partner Visas+2

Visa Solutions Australia is a MARA-registered migration agency based in Melbourne CBD, established in 2005 with over 20 years of operation. The firm markets a 99.9% visa success rate across its portfolio of handled applications. Visa Solutions specialises in General Skilled Migration (189/190/491), employer-sponsored visas (482/186/494), partner visas, and family visas. The agency's longevity and high success rate claims have made it a trusted name among Melbourne's skilled migrant community, particularly for applicants in health, engineering, IT, and accounting occupations.

No reviews yet
AUD 2,500–7,000View →
True Blue Migration
True Blue Migration
📍Melbourne, Australia
MARA Reg. VERIFY
Employer Sponsored (482/186/494)Partner VisasParent Visas+2

True Blue Migration is a well-established MARA-registered migration agency founded in 2006 with offices in Melbourne CBD and Perth. With 19+ years of experience, True Blue has handled thousands of visa applications across employer-sponsored pathways (482/186/494), partner visas (820/801 and 309/100), parent visas, and General Skilled Migration. The agency is known for its transparent approach, providing detailed written cost agreements and regular application updates. True Blue also assists with visa decision appeals at the AAT and represents clients in complex cases involving character or health issues.

No reviews yet
AUD 3,000–8,000View →
AI
AIS Immigration Solutions Brisbane
📍Brisbane, Australia
MARA Reg. VERIFY
Skilled Migration (189/190/491)Employer Sponsored (482/186/494)Partner Visas+2

AIS Immigration Solutions is a MARA-registered migration agency based in Fortitude Valley, Brisbane, providing professional visa assistance to individuals and employers across Queensland. The agency handles General Skilled Migration (189/190/491), employer-sponsored visas (482/186/494), partner visas, and student visa applications. AIS Immigration provides initial free consultations for eligibility assessment and works with clients to identify the most viable pathway to Australian permanent residency based on their occupation, skills, and personal circumstances.

No reviews yet
AUD 2,500–7,000View →
BM
Bridge Migration Services
📍Brisbane, Australia
MARA Reg. 1057321
Regional VisasState NominationPR Pathways+1

Bridge Migration Services has been helping clients achieve permanent residency in Queensland since 2011. They specialise in regional migration pathways including state nomination and regional visas, making them a go-to for clients willing to settle outside major capital cities for faster PR.

No reviews yet
AUD $1,200–$4,500View →
Greenhill Migration
Greenhill Migration
📍Newcastle, Australia
MARA Reg. 1078432
Regional VisasStudent VisasSkilled Migration

Greenhill Migration serves the Hunter Valley region with affordable migration advice for students, skilled workers, and regional employers.

No reviews yet
AUD $1,000–$3,200View →
The Migration
The Migration
📍Sydney, Australia
MARA Reg. VERIFY
Student Visa (500)Graduate Visa (485)Skilled Migration (189/190/491)+2

The Migration is a MARA-registered migration agency in Sydney CBD that combines education consulting with immigration services, catering to international students and skilled workers pursuing Australian permanent residency. The agency assists students from initial enrolment through to Graduate Visa (485) and then on to skilled migration streams. For employer-sponsored pathways, The Migration works with both employers and individual workers on subclass 482 and 186 applications. The firm also handles partner visas and citizenship applications, making it a one-stop resource for clients at all stages of the Australian immigration journey.

No reviews yet
AUD 2,000–6,000View →
IME Advisors
IME Advisors
📍Sydney, Australia
MARA Reg. VERIFY
Standard Business SponsorshipAccredited SponsorshipEmployer Sponsored (482/186/494)+1

IME Advisors is a MARA-registered migration agency based in Parramatta, Sydney, with over 10 years of specialisation in employer-sponsored visa pathways. The firm is particularly experienced with Standard Business Sponsorship (SBS) and Accredited Sponsorship applications, helping Australian businesses bring skilled workers through subclass 482 Temporary Skill Shortage and subclass 186 Employer Nomination Scheme visas. IME also assists with subclass 494 Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional visas and General Skilled Migration streams. The agency offers both in-person consultations in Parramatta and remote consultations across Australia.

No reviews yet
AUD 3,000–8,000View →
VisaEnvoy Melbourne
VisaEnvoy Melbourne
📍Melbourne, Australia
MARA Reg. On MARA register
Employer-sponsored (482/186/494)Skilled (189/190/491)Business/Investor+1

VisaEnvoy Melbourne (VisaEnvoy Pty Ltd) is the head office of the VisaEnvoy national group. MARA-registered migration agents and immigration lawyers operate under one roof, covering employer-sponsored (482/186/494), skilled (189/190/491), and business/investor visa pathways. The Melbourne office leads the group's corporate immigration practice and has developed a strong employer sponsorship workflow for Australian businesses.

No reviews yet
From $1,500 (varies by visa)View →
Visafast Sydney
Visafast Sydney
📍Sydney, Australia
MARA Reg. On MARA register
Skilled (189/190/491)Employer-sponsored (482/186/494)AAT appeals+1

Visafast (Visafast Pty Ltd) is a MARA-registered migration agent in Sydney CBD with headline success rate claims: 100% for general skilled migration (GSM), 80% for employer-sponsored visas, and 70% for AAT appeals (versus an industry average they cite of 30%). These figures are self-reported and not independently audited. They handle skilled migration (189/190/491), employer-sponsored (482/186/494), partner visas, and Administrative Review Tribunal cases.

No reviews yet
From $1,500 (varies by visa)View →
Timpson Immigration Lawyers Brisbane
Timpson Immigration Lawyers Brisbane
📍Brisbane, Australia
MARA Reg. On MARA register
Partner visaFamily migrationEmployer-sponsored (482/186/494)+1

Timpson Immigration Lawyers is a Brisbane-based immigration law firm and MARA-registered migration agent. Their practice has a particular strength in partner visas and family migration — including complex family reunification cases — alongside employer-sponsored (482/186/494) and skilled migration. As immigration lawyers they can represent clients at all levels including the Administrative Review Tribunal.

No reviews yet
Fees vary by visa; written quote providedView →
NM
NT Migration Services
📍Darwin, Australia
MARA Reg. 0934512
NT NominationEmployer Sponsored VisasRegional Visas

NT Migration Services is the Northern Territory's premier migration agency, specialising in NT state nomination and employer-sponsored visas for the Northern Territory's unique labour market.

No reviews yet
AUD $1,500–$4,500View →
UM
Upright Migration Consultants
📍Melbourne, Australia
MARA Reg. On MARA register
Skilled (189/190/491)Employer-sponsored (482/186/494)Partner visa+1

Upright Migration Consultants is a MARA-registered migration agent based in Melbourne CBD. Independent verification shows they hold a 5/5 rating across 1,881 Google reviews — the highest review volume of any Melbourne migration agency at that rating. Their practice covers skilled migration (189/190/491), employer-sponsored (482/186/494), partner visas, and student (500) visa applications.

No reviews yet
From $1,500 (varies by visa)View →
Edvise Hub
Edvise Hub
📍Sydney, Australia
MARA Reg. VERIFY
Skilled Migration (189/190/491)Student Visa (500)Graduate Visa (485)+2

Edvise Hub is a MARA-registered migration agency operating from two Sydney locations — CBD and Parramatta — providing end-to-end immigration assistance for students, skilled workers, and employers. The agency takes an eligibility-assessment-led approach, beginning each engagement with a thorough evaluation of the client's points score, skills assessment pathway, and visa options before committing to a strategy. Services span the student visa (500) through to Graduate Visa (485) and General Skilled Migration streams (189/190/491), as well as employer-sponsored visas (482/186) and partner visas.

No reviews yet
AUD 2,000–6,500View →
AIM Education & Migration Brisbane
AIM Education & Migration Brisbane
📍Brisbane, Australia
MARA Reg. VERIFY
Student Visa (500)Graduate Visa (485)Skilled Migration (189/190/491)+2

AIM Education & Migration Consultants is a MARA-registered migration and education agency based in Fortitude Valley, Brisbane, serving international students and skilled migrants in Queensland. The agency provides combined education counselling and immigration advice, helping students select suitable Australian institutions and then navigate the visa and post-study pathway to permanent residency. AIM handles student visas (500), Graduate Visa (485), General Skilled Migration, and employer-sponsored pathways. The multilingual team can assist clients in English, Hindi, Nepali, and Mandarin.

No reviews yet
AUD 1,800–6,000View →
First Choice Australian Migration
First Choice Australian Migration
📍Perth, Australia
MARA Reg. 1385022
Skilled Migration (189/190/491)Employer Sponsored (482/186/494)Family Visas+2

First Choice Australian Migration is a MARA-registered migration agency based in Perth CBD, holding MARN 1385022. The agency provides professional immigration services to individuals, families, and employers across Western Australia, covering General Skilled Migration (189/190/491), employer-sponsored visas (482/186/494), partner and family visas, and citizenship applications. First Choice is known for its straightforward approach, providing clear eligibility assessments and realistic timelines. The multilingual team assists clients from the Philippines, India, and other communities that form a significant part of Perth's skilled migrant population.

No reviews yet
AUD 2,500–7,000View →
GG
GIEC Global Melbourne
📍Melbourne, Australia
MARA Reg. On MARA register
Employer-sponsored (482/186/494)Skilled (189/190/491)Partner visa+1

GIEC Global Melbourne (GIEC Global Pty Ltd) is an award-winning MARA-registered migration agent and immigration lawyer practice based in Melbourne CBD with 4 offices nationally. The firm has built a reputation for employer-sponsored (482/186/494) and skilled migration (189/190/491) with a multi-state presence. GIEC Global has received industry recognition and combines migration agent and immigration lawyer capability.

No reviews yet
From $1,500 (varies by visa)View →
VisaEnvoy Sydney
VisaEnvoy Sydney
📍Sydney, Australia
MARA Reg. On MARA register
Employer-sponsored (482/186/494)Skilled (189/190/491)Business/Investor+1

VisaEnvoy Sydney (VisaEnvoy Pty Ltd) is a MARA-registered migration agent and immigration lawyer based in Sydney CBD. The firm covers employer-sponsored (482/186/494), skilled (189/190/491), business/investor, and partner visa pathways. With 6 offices across Australia, VisaEnvoy combines migration agent and immigration lawyer services under one roof — making it suitable for both individual applicants and corporate clients managing sponsorship pipelines.

No reviews yet
From $1,500 (varies by visa)View →
Loughton Yorke Lawyers
Loughton Yorke Lawyers
📍Perth, Australia
MARA Reg. 1465407
Skilled Migration (189/190/491)Employer Sponsored (482/186/494)Partner Visas+2

Loughton Yorke Lawyers is Perth's highest-ranked MARA-registered immigration law firm, holding MARN 1465407. Operating from Perth CBD, the firm's solicitors and registered migration agents advise on the full range of Australian visas with particular expertise in skilled migration, employer-sponsored visas, and partner visa applications. As an immigration law firm, Loughton Yorke can provide legal advice and represent clients before the AAT and Federal Courts. The firm is known for its detailed eligibility analyses and personalised service for both individual and corporate clients across Western Australia.

No reviews yet
AUD 3,500–10,000View →
Aussizz Group Sydney
Aussizz Group Sydney
📍Sydney, Australia
MARA Reg. VERIFY
Skilled Migration (189/190/491)Employer Sponsored (482/186)Student Visa (500)+2

Aussizz Group is one of Australia's leading combined migration and education consultancies, established in 2009 with 30+ offices across Australia and additional offices in Canada, Sri Lanka, UAE, Hong Kong and India. The Sydney office provides a full suite of immigration services including employer-sponsored visas (482/186), General Skilled Migration (189/190/491), student visas (500), Graduate Visa (485), partner visas, and Professional Year Programs. With over 75 MARA-registered agents across the group, Aussizz is well-resourced for complex multi-stage visa strategies. The firm is particularly popular among South Asian students and workers navigating the student-to-PR pathway in Australia.

No reviews yet
AUD 2,000–6,000View →
SV
Suncoast Visa Experts
📍Sunshine Coast, Australia
MARA Reg. 1189056
Working Holiday VisasRegional VisasTourist Visas

Suncoast Visa Experts provides friendly, accessible migration advice for working holiday makers and tourists on the Sunshine Coast.

No reviews yet
AUD $600–$2,500View →
Flyworld Migration
Flyworld Migration
📍Melbourne, Australia
MARA Reg. VERIFY
Partner Visas (820/801)Skilled Migration (189/190/491)Employer Sponsored (482)+2

Flyworld Migration is a MARA-registered migration agency and immigration law firm based in Melbourne CBD. The firm operates with a team that includes both registered migration agents and admitted lawyers, allowing them to provide comprehensive services from visa applications through to court and tribunal representation. Flyworld is particularly well-regarded for its partner visa practice (subclass 820/801 and 309/100) and its handling of complex AAT appeal cases where initial visa decisions have been refused. The firm also covers General Skilled Migration and employer-sponsored visa streams.

No reviews yet
AUD 3,000–8,000View →
Australian Migration Lawyers Brisbane
Australian Migration Lawyers Brisbane
📍Brisbane, Australia
MARA Reg. On MARA register
Skilled (189/190/491)Partner visaAAT/ART appeals+1

Australian Migration Lawyers Brisbane is a national immigration law firm based in Brisbane CBD with 9 offices across Australia. Their principal migration lawyer Perry Q Wood is the National President of the Australian Institute of Administrative Law — a significant professional credential in the AAT/ART appeals space. The firm covers skilled (189/190/491), partner, family, and employer-sponsored visas and is particularly strong on Administrative Review Tribunal cases.

No reviews yet
Fees vary by visa; written quote providedView →
QM
Queensland Migration Practice
📍Brisbane, Australia
MARA Reg. On MARA register
Family migrationSkilled (189/190/491)Employer-sponsored (482/186/494)+1

Queensland Migration Practice is a MARA-registered migration agent and immigration law firm based in Brisbane City with 2 offices. Their practice has a distinctive focus on family migration alongside the standard skilled and employer-sponsored pathways. As immigration lawyers, they can represent clients at the Administrative Review Tribunal and in court proceedings, covering the full spectrum from initial applications to appeals.

No reviews yet
Fees vary by visa; written quote providedView →
AIM Lawyers Melbourne
AIM Lawyers Melbourne
📍Melbourne, Australia
MARA Reg. VERIFY
Standard Business SponsorshipEmployer Sponsored (482/186/494)DAMA Labour Agreements+1

AIM Lawyers is a Melbourne CBD immigration law firm and MARA-registered migration agency specialising in employer-sponsored visa work. The firm's lawyers and registered agents have deep expertise in Standard Business Sponsorship applications, subclass 482 Temporary Skill Shortage visas, and subclass 186 Employer Nomination Scheme visas for both employers and nominees. AIM Lawyers also handles DAMA (Designated Area Migration Agreement) labour agreement applications for regional Victoria. The firm provides detailed compliance advice to employers on their sponsorship obligations.

No reviews yet
AUD 3,500–9,000View →
Aussizz Group Melbourne
Aussizz Group Melbourne
📍Melbourne, Australia
MARA Reg. On MARA register
Employer-sponsored (482/186/494)Skilled (189/190/491)Student (500)+1

Aussizz Group Melbourne (Melbourne CBD) has been operating since 2009 with 16+ years in Australian immigration. The Melbourne office is part of the largest Aussizz Group footprint nationally (30+ offices). With over 2,400 Google reviews across the group, Aussizz is the most-reviewed migration practice in Melbourne. Their Melbourne CBD team handles employer-sponsored (482/186/494), skilled (189/190/491), and student (500) visas.

No reviews yet
Mid-rangeView →
Estrin Saul Lawyers Perth
Estrin Saul Lawyers Perth
📍Perth, Australia
MARA Reg. VERIFY
Skilled Migration (189/190/491)Employer Sponsored (482/186/494)Partner Visas+2

Estrin Saul is a Perth CBD immigration law firm with MARA-registered practitioners providing comprehensive visa and migration law services to individuals and businesses in Western Australia. The firm handles General Skilled Migration (189/190/491), employer-sponsored visas (482/186/494), partner visas (820/801 and 309/100), and family visas. Estrin Saul's legal background enables the firm to provide advice on the legal implications of visa conditions, sponsorship obligations, and complex eligibility matters. The firm serves both Perth-based clients and those relocating to WA from interstate or overseas.

No reviews yet
AUD 3,000–9,000View →
UM
Upright Migration Consultants
📍Melbourne, Australia
MARA Reg. VERIFY
Skilled Migration (189/190/491)Employer Sponsored (482/186/494)Partner Visas+2

Upright Migration Consultants is a MARA-registered migration agency in Melbourne CBD and one of the city's highest-rated agencies by Google review volume, holding a 5-star rating across 1,800+ verified reviews. The firm handles the full range of Australian visa types including General Skilled Migration (189/190/491), employer-sponsored visas (482/186/494), partner visas (820/801), student visas (500), and graduate visas (485). Upright Migration is known for its thorough documentation checklists and proactive communication throughout the application process, resulting in high client satisfaction scores.

No reviews yet
AUD 2,500–7,000View →
SC
Southern Cross Migration
📍Hobart, Australia
MARA Reg. 0978234
Tasmania State NominationSkilled MigrationStudent Visas+1

Southern Cross Migration is Tasmania's leading registered migration agency, helping students and skilled workers navigate the Tasmanian State Nomination program. As the only MARA practice in Hobart with a full-time focus on the state nomination stream, they have deep relationships with the Tasmanian Department of State Growth.

No reviews yet
AUD $1,000–$3,500View →
Asia Pacific Group Sydney
Asia Pacific Group Sydney
📍Sydney, Australia
MARA Reg. On MARA register
Skilled (189/190/491)Employer-sponsored (482/186/494)Student (500)+1

Asia Pacific Group (APG) Sydney has been operating since 2009 with 16+ years in Australian immigration. The group claims a 95% visa success rate and has processed 120,000+ applications globally across 13+ offices in 5 countries. Their Sydney CBD office handles skilled migration (189/190/491), employer-sponsored (482/186/494), and student visas. APG is one of the highest-volume migration practices in Australia with a large team of MARA-registered agents.

No reviews yet
From $1,500 (varies by visa)View →
Pace Migration Sydney
Pace Migration Sydney
📍Sydney, Australia
MARA Reg. On MARA register
Student (500)Skilled (189/190/491)Graduate (485)+1

Pace Migration (Pace Migration Pty Ltd) has been operating since 2005 with 20+ years in Australian immigration. Based in Sydney CBD, they are best known for their student-to-PR pathway expertise — guiding international students from their student (500) visa through the graduate (485) visa and into skilled migration (189/190/491). A specialist boutique practice with deep experience in the student-to-permanent-resident transition.

No reviews yet
From $1,500 (varies by visa)View →
True Blue Migration
True Blue Migration
📍Melbourne, Australia
MARA Reg. On MARA register
Employer-sponsored (482/186/494)Partner visaParent visa+1

True Blue Migration (True Blue Migration Pty Ltd) has been operating since 2006 with 19+ years in Australian immigration. Based in Melbourne CBD with a second office in Perth, they handle the full range of visa pathways: employer-sponsored (482/186/494), partner visas, parent visas, skilled migration (189/190/491), and visa decision appeals. Their AAT appeals capability is a differentiator for clients who have received a refusal.

No reviews yet
From $1,500 (varies by visa)View →
Emerson Migration Law
Emerson Migration Law
📍Brisbane, Australia
MARA Reg. On MARA register
Skilled (189/190/491)Employer-sponsored (482/186/494)Partner visa+1

Emerson Migration Law is a MARA-registered migration agent and immigration law firm based in Brisbane City with 2 offices. As an immigration law firm, they can represent clients at the Administrative Review Tribunal (ART) and in court, in addition to standard visa applications. They specialise in skilled migration (189/190/491), employer-sponsored (482/186/494), and partner and family visas. Ranked #1 migration agent in Brisbane for 2026 by Compare Migration Agents on the basis of verifiable credentials.

No reviews yet
Fees vary by visa; written quote providedView →

Skilled Regional 491 — frequently asked questions

What counts as "regional Australia" for the 491 visa?+

Designated regional areas are defined by postcode and exclude Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane (though Gold Coast, Sunshine Coast, and Newcastle are included). Most of regional NSW, Victoria, Queensland, and all of SA, WA, NT, TAS, and ACT qualify.

Can the 491 lead to permanent residency?+

Yes. After holding a 491 and living and working in a regional area for 3 years, you can apply for the Subclass 191 Permanent Residence (Skilled — Regional) visa.

What if I stop working in regional Australia while on a 491?+

If you cease working in a designated regional area, you are in breach of your 491 visa conditions. This may affect your ability to apply for the 191 PR visa. A MARA agent can advise on your options.

Is the 491 state nomination different from 190 nomination?+

Yes. State 491 nomination is specifically for regional roles and typically has different occupation lists and point thresholds than the 190.

Can my family come to Australia on a 491 visa?+

Yes. Your partner and dependent children can be included as secondary applicants on your 491. They will also be required to live in a designated regional area while you hold the visa.

Browse other Australian visa subclasses

186
ENS Permanent 186
Permanent
189
Skilled Independent 189
Permanent
190
Skilled Nominated 190
Permanent
407
Training Visa 407
Temporary
417
Working Holiday 417
Temporary
462
Work and Holiday 462
Temporary
482
TSS / Employer Sponsored 482
Temporary
485
Graduate Visa 485
Temporary
494
Regional Sponsored 494
Provisional
500
Student Visa
Student
590
Student Guardian 590
Student
820
Partner Visa 820/801
Family

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