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Subclass 491:
Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Visa

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A Guide to Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Visa

The Subclass 491 visa (Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa) is a temporary visa that allows skilled workers and their families to live, work, and study in regional areas of Australia. This visa is designed to address skill shortages in regional Australia and provides a pathway to permanent residency through the Subclass 191 visa after three years of holding the Subclass 491 visa and meeting specific criteria.

What is the Subclass 491 Visa?

The Subclass 491 visa is a provisional visa for skilled workers who are nominated by an Australian state or territory government or sponsored by an eligible relative to live and work in a regional area. It is part of Australia’s strategy to encourage migrants to settle in regional areas and fill skill shortages in those regions.

This visa allows you to live, work, and study in regional areas for up to five years. During this period, visa holders can build a life in regional Australia and work towards gaining permanent residency under the Subclass 191 visa after meeting certain requirements.

Key Features of the Subclass 491 Visa

  • Regional Area Requirement: The Subclass 491 visa requires applicants to live, work, and study in designated regional areas of Australia. These areas include all of Australia except for major metropolitan areas such as Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane. The aim is to distribute migrants more evenly across Australia and address skill shortages in regional locations.
  • State or Territory Nomination or Family Sponsorship: To apply for the Subclass 491 visa, applicants must either:
    • Be nominated by a state or territory government; or
    • Be sponsored by an eligible relative living in a regional area of Australia.
  • Temporary Visa with a Pathway to Permanent Residency: The Subclass 491 visa is a temporary visa, but it provides a direct pathway to permanent residency through the Subclass 191 visa. After three years of holding the Subclass 491 visa, applicants can apply for permanent residency if they meet specific income and residency requirements.
  • Family Inclusion: Applicants can include their spouse, dependent children, and other eligible family members in their Subclass 491 visa application. They will also be granted the same visa status and have the same rights and privileges as the primary applicant.

Key Requirements

Subclass 491 Visa

To be eligible for the Subclass 491 visa, applicants must meet the following requirements:

1. Occupation on the Skilled Occupation List: Your occupation must be on the Skilled Occupation List (SOL) or the Regional Occupation List (ROL). These lists include occupations that are in demand in regional areas of Australia, such as healthcare workers, engineers, tradespeople, and IT professionals.

2. State or Territory Nomination or Family Sponsorship: Applicants must be either:

    • Nominated by a state or territory government, or
    • Sponsored by an eligible relative who lives in a regional area of Australia.

Each state and territory in Australia has its own nomination process and criteria, which may include specific occupation requirements, work experience, and language proficiency.

3. Expression of Interest (EOI): To apply for the Subclass 491 visa, applicants must submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) through the SkillSelect system. The EOI is a points-based system that assesses factors such as age, work experience, English language ability, and qualifications. Applicants must score at least 65 points to be eligible for an invitation to apply.

4. Skills Assessment: A skills assessment is required to verify that your qualifications and work experience match Australian standards. The assessment is carried out by an appropriate assessing authority based on your occupation. For instance, VETASSESS may assess professional occupations, while TRA (Trades Recognition Australia) is responsible for assessing trade occupations such as electricians, plumbers, and carpenters.

5. English Language Proficiency: Applicants must demonstrate a certain level of English language proficiency, typically through an approved English language test such as the IELTS, PTE Academic, or TOEFL iBT. The required score can vary based on occupation and other factors, but generally, applicants need to demonstrate Competent English (IELTS 6.0 in each band).

6. Age: Applicants must be under 45 years old when receiving an invitation to apply for the Subclass 491 visa. Applicants earn points for age, with younger applicants receiving more points.

7. Health and Character Requirements: Applicants and their family members must meet the health and character requirements set by the Australian government. This usually involves undergoing medical examinations and providing police clearance certificates from the countries where they have lived for a specified period.

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Points-Based System

The Subclass 491 visa operates on a points-based system. Points are awarded based on various factors, including:

  • Age: Younger applicants (under 30 years) receive the most points.
  • English Language Proficiency: Applicants with higher English language scores will receive more points.
  • Skilled Work Experience: Points are awarded based on the number of years of relevant work experience.
  • Qualifications: Higher educational qualifications such as a bachelor’s or master’s degree can earn additional points.
  • State or Territory Nomination or Family Sponsorship: Nomination by a state/territory or sponsorship by a relative adds extra points.
  • Other Factors: Points may also be awarded for factors such as having a skilled partner or completing Australian study.

Applicants need a minimum of 65 points to be invited to apply, but higher points scores increase the chances of receiving an invitation.

The Nomination Process

The nomination process for the Subclass 491 visa can vary depending on the state or territory, but typically involves the following steps:

  1. Check Eligibility: Ensure your occupation is on the relevant skilled occupation list and check if your state or territory has any additional nomination requirements.
  2. Submit an EOI: Create an Expression of Interest (EOI) through the SkillSelect system. Make sure to include information about your skills, work experience, qualifications, and language proficiency.
  3. State Nomination or Family Sponsorship: If your EOI is selected by a state or territory, you will be invited to apply for a nomination. Alternatively, if you are sponsored by a family member, ensure they meet the eligibility criteria for sponsorship.
  4. Nomination Approval: Once you are nominated or sponsored, submit the visa application with all the required supporting documents, including the skills assessment and English language test results.
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Processing
Time and Costs

The processing time for the Subclass 491 visa typically ranges from 6 to 12 months. The exact processing time depends on individual circumstances and the complexity of the application.

The application fee for the Subclass 491 visa is AUD 4,770 for the main applicant. Additional fees apply for each family member included in the application.

Benefits of the Subclass 491 Visa

  • Work and Live in Regional Australia: The Subclass 491 visa allows you to live, work, and study in regional Australia, where skilled workers are in high demand.
  • Pathway to Permanent Residency: After three years of holding the Subclass 491 visa, you may be eligible to apply for permanent residency through the Subclass 191 visa (Permanent Residence (Skilled Regional)).
  • Family Inclusion: You can include your spouse, dependent children, and other eligible family members in your application.
  • Social and Healthcare Benefits: Subclass 491 visa holders have access to healthcare through Medicare and are entitled to other benefits associated with permanent residency.

Important Note

Please note that immigration requirements and policies are frequently updated by the Department of Home Affairs. The information provided here is based on the current guidelines, but it is essential to stay informed, as immigration rules may change.

For the most up-to-date and accurate information regarding the Subclass 491: Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa

, please refer to the official page here 

For personalized assistance and advice tailored to your specific situation, we recommend consulting a registered migration agent or a migration lawyer who can provide you with expert guidance.

By consulting a qualified migration professional, you can ensure that your visa application process runs smoothly and in full compliance with the latest immigration requirements.

Conclusion

The Subclass 491 visa is an excellent opportunity for skilled workers who are willing to contribute to the growth of regional Australia. It provides a clear pathway to permanent residency and offers various benefits for you and your family. If you meet the eligibility criteria and receive the necessary nomination or sponsorship, the Subclass 491 visa can be your gateway to a bright future in Australia.

Expert Assistance for Subclass 491 Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Visa Application

If you are considering applying for the Subclass 491 Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa

, we are here to provide professional assistance.

At Number One Service, we specialize in skills assessments, a mandatory requirement for the application process. With a high success rate in skills assessments, you can rely on us for thorough guidance and support throughout every stage of your application.

We also offer comprehensive support through our dedicated team of migration agents (partner team), who are equipped to provide tailored advice and ensure that your visa application is handled efficiently and in full compliance with the latest immigration requirements.

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Checking Up Your Eligibility