Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (Provisional)

No points needed - just a regional employer

Best for: Applicants without 65+ points who have a confirmed regional employer to sponsor them

Is this my visa? Ask Afrovo Get My Pathway Report

Points test

This visa is not points-tested. Eligibility depends on the specific requirements for the subclass rather than a points score.

Key facts at a glance

Visa type

Provisional

Validity

5 years (provisional)

Work rights

With sponsoring employer in regional area only

Pathway to PR

Via Subclass 191 after 3 years regional residence

Application fee

AUD $4,910 (from 1 July 2025)

Processing time

6-12 months

Age limit

Under 45

Occupation lists

CSOL

Employer sponsorship

Required

State nomination

Not required

Strengths

No points test required - employer is the key
Employer handles most of the sponsorship paperwork
Same PR pathway to 191 as 491
Widest occupation list across employer-sponsored visas

Things to weigh up

Tied to sponsoring employer - cannot freely change jobs
Must remain in regional Australia
Employer must be an approved standard business sponsor
Subclass 191 PR requires income threshold after 3 years

Explore further

Compare visas side by side In-demand occupations

General information only, not personal migration advice. Fees, points settings, occupation lists and eligibility are set by the Australian Government and change regularly; always confirm current details with the Department of Home Affairs. Afrovo is QEAC-certified and coordinates formal visa lodgement with MARA-partnered registered migration agents.