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491 Visa
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491 Visa – Skilled Work Regional Visa (Provisional)
Visa Requirements | Application Steps | Processing Times | Cost | Pathway to PR | Testimonials | FAQ
491 Visa, the Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa,, is an Australian visa aimed at attracting skilled workers to regional areas of Australia, where there is a shortage of skilled professionals.
It serves as a potential pathway to permanent residency, allowing individuals and their families to live, work, and study in designated regional areas for five years.
To qualify, applicants must meet certain criteria including having an occupation on the relevant skilled occupation list, demonstrating English proficiency, and being under 45 years of age, among others.
The application process involves submitting an Expression of Interest, securing a nomination from a state or territory government agency or an eligible family member, and meeting the points requirement in a points test.
This visa not only fosters regional development by filling skill gaps but also offers visa holders a chance to integrate into regional communities and explore diverse career opportunities
491 Visa Requirements
The requirements for the subclass 491 visa can be quite extensive. Here, I’ll outline the general requirements for both:
Nomination: Be nominated by an Australian state or territory government agency or sponsored by an eligible family member residing in a designated regional area.
Occupation: Your occupation must be on a relevant skilled occupation list.
Skills Assessment: Have a positive skills assessment for your nominated occupation.
Age: Be under 45 years of age at the time of invitation.
English Language: Meet the English language requirements, which might vary depending on the nominating state or territory.
Points Test: Score at least 65 points on the points test, which considers factors like age, English proficiency, work experience, and education. English Language: You must have at least competent English.
491 Visa Application Steps
Check Your Eligibility
Before submitting your Expression of Interest (EOI), ensure that you have received a favorable skill evaluation and qualify for the Skilled Migration Program by undergoing the Points Test.
Submit on EOI
To initiate an application for the Skilled Work Regional (Subclass 491), you need to submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) via SkillSelect.
Receive Regional Nomination
To receive an invitation to apply for the visa, your Regional Nomination must be approved by States or Regional Areas. Apply for State nomination.
Apply for Visa
Upon receiving an invitation to apply for the visa from the DIBP, you are granted a 60-day window to submit a visa application. You cannot apply without an invitation.
491 Visa Processing Time
Processing durations can fluctuate monthly due to variations in application numbers, seasonal surges, complexity levels, and submissions that are not fully completed.
The projected processing periods are merely indicative and should be used for reference only.
The actual time taken to process an individual application might deviate from the published predictions.
The current projected processing times are:
Processing times
25% of applications: 6 Months
50% of applications: 10 Months
75% of applications: 14 Months
90% of applications: 18 Months
491 Visa Cost
The initial government application charge begins at AUD 4,640. This amount can fluctuate based on the quantity and age of dependents incorporated in your application
Here is the breakdown:
Main Visa applicant -$4,640
Spouse -$2,320
Per dependant-$1,160
Our advisory fee will be determined based on your specific situation.
491 Visa-Pathway to PR
This visa is for skilled workers and their families to live, work, and study in designated regional areas of Australia for 5 years.
If you live and work in a regional area for at least 3 years (and meet other criteria), you can apply for a 191 visa.
Given the complexity and frequent updates in immigration policies, consult with a registered migration agent.
What our client says
Frequently Asked Questions
In case you don’t find an answer to your question, feel free to consult with one of our agents.
Processing times
25% of applications: 6 Months
50% of applications: 10 Months
75% of applications: 14 Months
90% of applications: 18 Months
Main Visa applicant -$4,640
Spouse -$2,320
Per dependant-$1,160
TSMIT is not applicable to 491 visa.
If you live and work in regional area for at least 3 years (and meeting other criteria), you can apply for 191 visa.
491 Visa is a temporary visa with duration of 5 years. It has a pathway to permanent residency.
Once the subclass 491 visa is approved, the holder is permitted to reside and work in any Designated Regional Area (DRA) within Australia. They also have the flexibility to relocate from one DRA to another, regardless of the state.
Holders of the 491 Skilled Work Regional Visa are eligible for Medicare benefits. It means that they have access to these subsidized health services. This is a significant benefit as medical care can be expensive, and having access to Medicare can lead to considerable savings.
Yes, you can add your partner or spouse to 491 visa. You must furnish proof of your authentic relationship, which can include documents verifying a marriage or a de facto partnership.
491 visa has full work rights and therefore, you can work full-time.
