Skilled Work Regional Visa 491
The Skilled Work Visa (subclass 491) is for skilled people nominated by a state or territory government to live and work in regional Australia.
Skilled Work Regional Visa 491
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Skilled Work Visa (subclass 491)
The Skilled Work Visa (subclass 491) is for skilled people nominated by a state or territory government to live and work in regional Australia. Introduced in 2019, the Skilled Regional visa (subclass) 491 replaced the already existing subclass 489.
Skilled Work Visa (subclass 491) allows skilled workers to live and work in regional & designated parts of Australia and get the benefits that come with an Australian PR visa. The designated area of Australia includes Newcastle, Wollongong and the NSW Central Coast except for Sydney, Gold Coast, Brisbane, Perth and Melbourne.
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There are two visa categories available under this subclass:
Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa – Main applicant
The Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Visa allows skilled workers to live, work, and study in designated regional areas of Australia for up to 5 years. As the main applicant, you must be nominated by a state or territory government or sponsored by an eligible relative. This visa can lead to permanent residency.
Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa – Subsequent entrant
The Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Visa – Subsequent Entrant allows the family members of a primary visa holder to join them in designated regional areas of Australia. This visa lets you live, work, and study in regional Australia while your family member holds their Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Visa.
Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa - Main applicant
It is a provisional visa for skilled workers who want to live and work in regional Australia. Eligible candidates can:
- Stay in Australia for five years
- live, work and study in a designated regional area of Australia
- Travel to and from Australia as many times, while the visa is valid
- Apply for Australian PR after staying in the country for three years, after your visa is granted
To be eligible under this category, the applicant must:
- Be nominated to apply by a state or territory government agency, or an eligible relative must sponsor you
- Have an occupation on a relevant skilled occupation list
- Have a suitable skills assessment for the occupation
- Be invited to apply
- Satisfy the points test
Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa – Subsequent entrant
You can enjoy the following benefits with this visa type you can:
- Stay in Australia while the visa is valid
- Live, work and study in a specified regional area of Australia
- Travel to and from Australia as many times as you want, while the visa is valid
Applicants need to submit an EOI (Expression of Interest) through Australia Skill Select, before applying for Australia Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189).
Benefits of Skilled Work Regional Visa (subclass 491)
There are many benefits of the Skilled Work Regional Visa (subclass 491). Some of them are listed below:
- Stay in any regional or designated area of Australia for 5 years.
- Live, work and study in Australia
- Travel to and from Australia till your visa is valid
- Include eligible members of your family in your visa application
- Transition to permanent residency in Australia
- Enjoy priority processing (granted to regional visa applications)
- Earn incentives for staying in regional or designated areas for a longer-term
- Get additional points (granted to 491 visa applicants)
Need more information or have questions about the Skilled Work Visa (subclass 491)?
Universal Adviser is here to answer your questions and guide you through the Skilled Work Visa (subclass 491) for Australia Immigration application process.
Which documents must be submitted for visa subclass 491?
All supporting documents must be furnished for the details listed in your Expression of Interest (EOI):
- Identity Papers
- Criminal Record Clearance
- Marriage License
- Language Proficiency Report
For individuals aged 18-23, the following documents are mandatory:
- Proof of Birth
- Identity Papers
- Financial Dependency Proof
- Adoption Documentation (if applicable)
For applicants over 23, who are reliant on their parents due to physical or cognitive impairments, the following are required:
- Proof of Birth
- Identity Papers
- Financial Dependency Proof
- Medical Reports addressing the applicant's condition
- Adoption Documentation (if applicable)
The following documents about your EOI claims need to be provided:
- Professional Evaluation
- Language Proficiency Evaluation
- Employment History in Australia
- Educational Credentials (meeting Australian standards)
- Specialized Training
- Education Completed in Regional Australia
- Partner's Qualifications
- Australian Work Experience
If you have a sponsor, they must provide:
- Proof of Age (18 years and older)
- Sponsor Declaration
- Evidence of Eligible Relationship
- Proof of Permanent Residency
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How to proceed with the application for Regional Skilled Visa Subclass 491?
The application process for a subclass 491 visa entails several steps, from verifying if your occupation is listed in the Skilled Occupation List, gathering your documents, undergoing skill assessment, to finally submitting your visa application.
Let’s walk through each stage of the process systematically:
- Step 1: Check Skilled Occupation List
Check Skilled Occupation List Verify if your occupation is included in the Skilled Occupation List, which is annually published by the Australian Government.
- Step 2: Skills Assessment
Skills Assessment Have your skill set evaluated by the relevant Australian organizations.
- Step 3: Points System
Points System The Australian Government employs a points system for visa applications. You must score a minimum of 65 points to receive an invitation.
- Step 4: Expression of Interest (EOI)
Submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) to the Department of Home Affairs via SkillSelect. SkillSelect meticulously evaluates those 65 points before you can proceed with the application.
- Step 5: Submission of Supporting Documents
Upon acceptance of your EOI, the Department of Home Affairs will invite you to apply formally. Within 60 days, submit your supporting documents. It’s advisable to collect these documents beforehand. Apply through ImmiAccount and ensure payment of the required fee within the stipulated time frame.
- Step 6: Application Status
Verification Once your application is lodged, you’ll receive an email. Log in to your ImmiAccount to monitor the progress of your application.
- Step 7: Visa Approval
Upon approval of your visa, anticipate receiving an email containing your visa grant number, start date, and terms and conditions. If you encounter any challenges during the application process, don’t hesitate to reach out for assistance.
Note: All applicants must undergo medical examinations and biometric scans.
What is the duration of stay permitted under visa subclass 491?
You are allowed to remain in Australia for 5 years with a visa under subclass 491. There are no provisions for extending the Skilled Regional visa. However, following the completion of the third year, if you wish to continue residing there, you can commence the process of applying for a Permanent Residency (PR) visa, provided you have met the requisite conditions over the initial three years.
What are the requirements to qualify for a 491 visa?
To be eligible for a 491 visa, you must satisfy the following criteria:
- Obtain nomination from a designated regional area or a relative.
- Submit an Expression of Interest (EOI).
- Demonstrate proficiency in the English language.
- Maintain good health and character.
- Receive an invitation email for EOI nomination in response
- Be aged under 45 years.
When will you be invited to apply for subclass 491 Visa?
The Australian Department of Immigration prioritizes applications in the following order of hierarchy:
- First priority is given to candidates who have a partner who is skilled (in terms of work experience and educational qualifications) or an applicant without a partner.
- The second preference is given to a prospective candidate who has a partner with English language proficiency.
- The next preference is given to candidates with a partner who is either proficient in English or has skilled partner points.
How many points required for a Skilled Work Regional Visa (subclass 491)?
Skilled Work Regional Visa (subclass 491) operates as per a points system. Once the applicants submit their EOI, they get indicative points based on the information provided like age, language proficiency, work experience, educational qualification etc. To be eligible applicant must achieve 65 points in the point calculator for Skilled Work Regional Visa (subclass 491).
Eligible applicant receives an Invitation to Apply which will state the number of points required to score when your application will be evaluated for granting of the said visa.
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Important Links
- Skilled Independent Visa 189
- Skilled Nominated Visa 190
- Skilled Work Regional Visa 491
- Australia Permanent Residency Visa
- Australian Family Sponsorship
- Employer Nomination Scheme (Subclass 186)
- Benefits Of Immigration To Australia
- Australia PR From India
- Australia Business & Investor Visas
- Australia Tourist Visa
- Australia Work Permit
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