All of QLD except Brisbane
Gold Coast, Sunshine Coast, Cairns, Townsville, Toowoomba all count as regional. Our Gold Coast and Cairns offices are in regional areas.
Subclass 491 · Postcode-Based · All States Except Sydney Brisbane Melbourne
What actually counts as regional for the 491?
The Subclass 491 requires living and working in a designated regional area. The definition is broader than most applicants realise. All of Australia counts except Sydney, Brisbane, and Melbourne urban areas. Here's the detail.
The core regional definition
Everywhere except the three major metros.
The 491 regional definition includes entire states and most capital cities.
All of NSW except Sydney
Newcastle, Wollongong, all regional NSW counts as regional. Sydney metro is excluded.
All of VIC except Melbourne
Geelong, Ballarat, Bendigo, all regional Victoria count. Melbourne metro is excluded.
All of WA, SA, TAS, ACT, NT
Perth, Adelaide, Hobart, Canberra, Darwin all count as regional. Our Darwin office is in a regional area.
Why regional definition matters
Three 491 effects.
Regional status affects eligibility, points, and pathway.
15 points for state/family sponsorState or family sponsorship for 491 adds 15 points. Much higher than 190 state nomination (5 points).
Live and work obligation491 holders must live, work, and study in regional Australia for the duration.
Regional 887 and 191 pathways887 and 191 PR pathways require continued regional residence for the qualifying period.
Regional 485 extensionRegional 485 second stream provides additional post-study work time for regional institution graduates.
State-specific nuances
Each state defines some variations.
Within the broad federal regional framework, states sometimes add further definitions.
State nomination rules
Some states only nominate for 491 in specific regional areas within the state. Metro capital cities in WA/SA/TAS may or may not be eligible under state criteria even if federally regional.
Postcode verification
For ambiguous areas, Department publishes postcode lists. Always verify by exact postcode before lodging.
Changes over time
Regional definitions update occasionally. Monitor at lodgement and throughout 491 holding period.
Gold Coast, Perth, Adelaide, Hobart are all regional for 491 purposes.
Many applicants assume only rural areas count as regional. In fact, the 491 definition is generous: major cities like Gold Coast, Perth, Adelaide, Hobart, Canberra, and Darwin are all regional. The exclusions are narrow: Sydney, Brisbane, Melbourne metro.
Common questions
The questions we hear most.
For 491 regional planning, book with Gurjeev Bhalla.
Can I live in Gold Coast with a 491?
Yes. Gold Coast is regional for 491 purposes. Our Gold Coast office serves 491 applicants here.
What if my postcode changes from regional to non-regional?
Rare but possible with boundary changes. Existing 491 holders usually continue under grandfathering. Check if changes affect you.
Can I work in Sydney on a 491?
Generally no. The 491 requires living and working in regional Australia. Brief business trips to Sydney may be acceptable; regular work there would breach.
Does studying in a regional area count?
For some 491 conditions, yes. Regional 485 extension specifically rewards regional study.
Some information on this page has been sourced from the Department of Home Affairs and has been interpreted and approved by Principal Migration Agent Sourabh Aggarwal (MARN 1462159). Last reviewed: May 2026.