What is Skilled Work Regional (Subclass 491) Visa?
The Skilled Work Regional (Subclass 491) Visa is your gateway to a rewarding life and career in regional Australia. This visa stream allows skilled migrants like you to live, work, and study in designated regional areas for a temporary period of five years, with a clear pathway to permanent residency.
Holders of a 491 visa can:
- Spend up to five years living, working, and studying in Australia. Include immediate family members.
- Research in Australia
- Permanent residency transition (if eligible)
Sponsorship or Nomination
You must be nominated or sponsored by an eligible relative of an Australian state or territory government agency.
Get 65 points.
To receive an invitation to apply for this visa, you must score 65 points. Make a point total.
Age
You must be under 45 years old to be invited to apply for the visa, which means you can still apply even if you turn 45 after receiving the invitation.
If you reach the age of 45 after submitting your EOI and have not received an invitation, you will not receive one.
Evaluation of Skills
Unless you are exempt, you must have a positive skill assessment in your nominated occupation from the relevant assessing authority.
If you are a medical or legal practitioner, you may be exempt.
English
To apply for this visa, you must have at least competent English.
Character & Health
You must be in good health and have a good character (unless you are exempt).
Do you want to apply for the Skilled Work Regional 491 Visa?
The Australian Skilled Work Provisional Visa Subclass 491 is an excellent pathway to permanent residency in Australia, with those who have been living and working on the visa in regional Australia frequently becoming eligible for the 191 Visa after three years. Of course, there are several procedures to follow, and it is critical that all of your paperwork is in order to give you the best chance of success in your application. As a result, working with a reputable dependable migration expert throughout the application process is always a good idea.
The Benefits of Going with Australian Skilled Migration for Your 491 Visa
Since we began assisting skilled overseas workers in obtaining the visas they require to come and work in Australia, we have grown to become one of the most trusted names in the industry. We can assure our clients that they are working with the best in the industry because we have a team of highly qualified and experienced migration agents who are all fully registered with the Migration Agents Registration Authority.
On our website, you will find a wealth of useful tools and information to assist you in determining whether the Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Visa Subclass 491 is the best option for you and, more importantly, how to prepare a solid application that will be accepted by immigration authorities.
Take the First Step Towards Your Australian Dream
Are you a skilled professional looking for a lifestyle change and a rewarding career path? The 491 Visa could be the perfect opportunity for you.
Learn more about the eligibility requirements, application process, and the exciting possibilities that await you in regional Australia. Contact a registered migration agent today!
Eligibility Criteria of Skilled Work Regional (Subclass 491) Visa
If you meet the following requirements, you may be able to apply for a 491 Visa:
The 491 visa is a skilled work regional (provisional) visa for individuals nominated by a state or territory government or sponsored by an eligible relative living in a designated regional area of Australia. The visa allows skilled workers and their families to live, work, and study in a designated regional area of Australia for up to five years.
Here are the general eligibility criteria for the 491 visa:
Nomination and Sponsorship Requirements
You must be nominated by a state or territory government agency or sponsored by an eligible relative residing in a designated regional area of Australia.
Age Limitation for Subclass 491 Visa Applicants
You must be under 45 years of age when you are invited to apply.
Nominated Occupations and Skills Assessment
You must nominate an occupation on the relevant skilled occupation list. This occupation must be on the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL) or the Regional Occupation List (ROL). You must also have your skills assessed by the relevant assessing authority for your nominated occupation. Also you must have your skills assessed by the relevant assessing authority for your nominated occupation. This assessment ensures that your skills meet the Australian standards for your occupation.
English Language Proficiency Requirement for Subclass 491 Visa
You must demonstrate competent English language proficiency. This can be done by providing evidence of achieving the required score in an approved English language test such as IELTS, TOEFL iBT, PTE Academic, Cambridge (CAE), or OET.
Health and Character Assessment for Subclass 491 Visa
You and your family members included in the application must meet the health and character requirements. This may involve undergoing health examinations and obtaining police clearance certificates.
Points Test Evaluation for Subclass 491 Visa
You must score a minimum number of points on the points test. Points are awarded based on factors such as age, English language proficiency, skilled employment experience, educational qualifications, and other relevant factors.
Obligations Regarding Regional Residence: Once granted the visa, you must live, work, and study in a designated regional area of Australia specified in your visa grant for the duration of the visa.
These are the primary eligibility criteria for the 491 visa. However, it’s important to note that immigration laws and policies may change over time, so it’s advisable to check the latest information on the official website of the Department of Home Affairs or consult with a Ozee Migration for personalized advice.
Understanding 491 Visa Processing Times
The processing time for a 491 visa application can vary depending on various factors such as the volume of applications, the completeness of the application, the complexity of individual cases, and whether all required supporting documents have been provided. Generally, processing times are subject to change and may be influenced by external factors such as policy changes or workload fluctuations within the immigration department.
Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Visa (Subclass 491) – Nominated by State/Territory Government Regional:
75% of visas are processed within 58 days.
90% of visas are processed within 76 days.
Regional Skilled Work (Provisional) Visa (Subclass 491) – Family-Sponsored Regional:
75% of visas are processed within 57 days.
90% of visas are processed within 71 days.
Subclass 491 Visa Applicants may include the following individuals in their 491 visa application:
- Dependent children/stepchildren
- Companion
PARTNERS
Your married or de facto partner can be of either sex. Applicants must demonstrate that:
- the relationship is genuine and ongoing; and
- you live together or do not live apart on a permanent basis.
- your partner is at least 18 years old at the time the application is submitted (there are some exceptions)
- You are not related by blood or marriage (if you are in a de facto relationship)
- You and your partner have made a mutual commitment to a shared life at the expense of all others.
CHILDREN
A child must meet the following requirements to be included or added to this visa:
- be your child or a stepchild from a current or previous relationship (under certain conditions);
- not be married, engaged to be married, or have a de facto partner; and must be:
under 18 years of age or - over 18 years of age but not yet turned 23, and be dependent on you or your partner or
- over 23 years of age and be unable to earn a living to support themselves due to physical or cognitive limitations and be dependent on you or your partner.
- a dependent child of a child who meets the criteria in 1, 2, or 3 above.
HEALTH AND BEHAVIOR
All members of the family must meet certain health and character requirements. All applicants over the age of 16 are required to provide police clearances.
If you want to apply for another employer-sponsored or skilled visa, you may be eligible for one of the visas listed below:
If you would like more information about the 491 visa subclass or to speak with a registered migration agent about your Australian visa eligibility, please click here to schedule a consultation.