Thinking about applying for the 491 Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa? You might’ve heard a lot of confusing or outdated information. Don’t worry — we’re here to clear the air and debunk the top 5 misconceptions that are stressing out visa holders and hopeful applicants alike.

Let’s set the record straight.

✅ Misconception #1: “I can’t work remotely in a regional area for a company based in Sydney.”
Wrong.

Remote work has been around long before COVID and has always been accepted under regional visa programs — from the 487 visa in 2007 to the current 491.

What really matters is where you physically live and work, not where your employer is located. You can even work for an overseas company as long as you are in a designated regional area in Australia.

💡 Even occasional trips to a city office for training are allowed. What matters is your main base of work.

✅ Misconception #2: “If I move to another regional area, I’ll lose my visa or won’t get citizenship.”
False.

Your 491 visa only requires you to live in a regional area — not the exact state or territory that sponsored you.

Yes, some states might try to scare you into staying, but these are just threats. The Department of Home Affairs (DoHA) doesn’t penalize you for moving between regional areas. Even citizenship isn’t affected — character assessments are about criminal history, not civil agreements with states.

✅ Misconception #3: “I must live in regional Australia for three years before I can get PR.”
Nope. 

There is no strict residency requirement under the 191 PR visa (regional stream). You do need to hold the 491 for three years and have lodged three tax returns, but you can travel or stay overseas during that time — it doesn’t disqualify you.

📌 Condition 8579 limits your stay to regional areas while you’re in Australia, but doesn’t stop you from going overseas.

✅ Misconception #4: “I must work in the same occupation I was sponsored for.”
Not true.

Once you’re granted the 491 visa, you can work in any occupation or even start your own business. Some states might say you’re “agreeing” to stay in the same role and location — especially places like the Northern Territory — but this isn’t legally binding.

Your visa doesn’t restrict your job choices, so you’re free to work in any role or industry you like.

🌴 If you can afford it, you can even relax on the beach for three years.

✅ Misconception #5: “If I break up with my partner, I can’t apply for PR as a secondary applicant.”
Completely inaccurate.

Life happens — and breakups do too. If you’re a secondary applicant on a 491 visa and your relationship ends, you can still apply for the 191 PR on your own.

As long as you meet the visa requirements (three years on the 491, three tax assessments, condition 8579 compliance), you’re eligible. Just remember to create your own ImmiAccount and keep your details updated.

📝 You’re not required to inform immigration about your relationship status unless asked.

🎯 Final Thoughts

The 491 visa is a great pathway to permanent residency, but it’s surrounded by misconceptions. Don’t let misinformation hold you back from making the most of your opportunity in regional Australia.