Thinking about moving to Australia but unsure which visa is right for you? If you're a skilled worker looking for a way to build a future in Australia while enjoying a relaxed lifestyle, the Subclass 491 Visa might be your golden ticket.
It is to encourage skilled migrants to live and work in regional Australia, for 5 years while offering a smooth pathway to permanent residency, access to great job opportunities, and even some extra perks along the way. It is not applicable in metropolitan cities such as Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane, etc.
Now you would like to apply for this Subclass 491 visa, but are wondering how? Who is eligible for a 491 visa? What are the benefits of a 491 visa, how do you apply for it, and everything in between?
If yes, then this update is all you need. Let’s keep scrolling to know more about it.
What is Skilled Work Regional Visa - Subclass 491?
This regional migration visa in Australia is intended to help with talent shortages in Australia's remote locations. A points-based visa allows talented professionals to stay and get 491 visa work rights in a certain territory for up to five years. This helps to distribute talented migrants outside of big cities, thereby promoting regional growth.
After a few years of working under this visa, one of the best 491 visa benefits
are migrants are entitled to seek permanent residency through 491 in Australia.
You must be under 45 years old and have your occupation registered on the applicable skilled occupation list. To apply, sponsorship must come from a state or territory in regional Australia, or from a family member who lives in a regional area of the country.
Who is Eligible for a 491 Regional Migration Visa in Australia?
To be eligible for the Subclass 491 Visa (Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Visa) and to leverage the benefits of the 491 visa, applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Age Requirement: Must be under 45 years old at the time of application.
- Occupation: Must have an occupation listed on the Skilled Occupation List relevant to the visa.
- Nomination or Sponsorship:
- Must be nominated by an Australian state or territory government, OR
- Sponsored by an eligible relative living in a designated regional area.
- Skills Assessment: Must obtain a positive skills assessment for the nominated occupation from a relevant assessing authority.
- Points Test: Must score at least 65 points based on factors like age, English proficiency, work experience, education, and other criteria. Click here to check your point.
- Expression of Interest (EOI): Must submit an EOI through SkillSelect and receive an invitation to apply.
- English Proficiency: Must demonstrate at least competent English skills.
- Health & Character Requirements: Must meet Australian health and character standards.
- Genuine Intention: Must show a genuine commitment to live and get 491 visa work rights in regional Australia.
Benefits of the Subclass 491 Visa
There are several subclass 491 visa advantages for skilled workers who want to live and get 491 visa work rights in regional Australia. 491 Visa benefits for skilled workers include:
- 491 visa permanent residency pathway: After living and working in a regional area for at least 3 years, visa holders can apply for the Subclass 191 (Permanent Residence) Visa.
- Work & Study Rights: Allows visa holders to live, work, and study in designated regional areas across Australia.
- More Visa Nomination Opportunities: Regional areas often have lower eligibility requirements and a higher demand for skilled workers, making it easier to receive state or territory nominations.
- Additional Points for PR: Applicants receive 15 extra points towards their Skilled Migration Points Test, increasing their chances of receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA).
- Medicare Access: Visa holders have access to Australia’s public healthcare system (Medicare), reducing medical expenses.
- 491 visa family benefits: You can include eligible family members in your application, allowing them to live, work, and study in Australia.
- Lower Cost of Living: Regional areas generally have lower living costs compared to major cities like Sydney or Melbourne. Learn more about Living Costs in Australia and how they vary across different regions.
- Higher Earning Potential: Many regional areas offer competitive salaries due to skill shortages.
How to Apply for the Subclass 491 Visa
To apply for the 491 Visa (Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Visa) and get the benefits of a subclass 491 visa, follow these steps:
- Check Eligibility: To get started, firstly you need to check your eligibility. Here are some of the crucial to get this regional migration visa in Australia:
- Ensure your occupation is on the Skilled Occupation List for your nominating state or territory.
- Meet the required points test score (usually 65 points or more).
- Be under 45 years of age at the time of application.
- Have a competent level of English (IELTS 6.0 or equivalent).
- Get a Skills Assessment: Then, you need to get a skills assessment from the relevant assessing authority for your occupation.
- Submit an EOI & Get Nomination: Then, you need to create an EOI(Expression of Interest) through the SkillSelect system and select your preferred state/territory. After selecting, apply for state/territory nomination Secure sponsorship from an eligible family member living in a designated regional area.
- Receive Invitation to Apply (ITA): If selected, you will receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for the 491 Visa.
- Lodge the Visa Application: After you select, you can submit your 491 Visa application online via ImmiAccount. After that:
- Attach all required documents (ID, English test results, skills assessment, nomination approval, etc.).
- Pay the visa application fee.
- Complete Health and Character Checks: After submitting your application, you need to undergo a medical examination and obtain police clearance certificates.
- 491 Visa Processing Time: Once you submit all necessary documents, you must wait for a decision. The typical 491 visa processing time ranges from 12 to 18 months.
- Receive Visa Grant & Move to a Regional Area: If granted, you must live, work, and study in a regional area for at least 3 years along with some other requirements to become eligible for the 491 visa permanent residency pathway(Known as 191 visa).
What Jobs Qualify for the 491 Visa?
To qualify for the 491 Visa and leverage the benefits of the 491 visa, applicants must have an occupation listed on the relevant Skilled Occupation List for their nominating state or territory. Each state or territory has its own specific list of occupations in demand. These occupations typically include:
- Healthcare & Medical: Nurses, General Practitioners, Physiotherapists, Dentists, Occupational Therapists, Paramedics
- Engineering & Construction: Civil Engineers, Electrical Engineers, Mechanical Engineers, Plumbers, Structural Engineers, Surveyors
- IT & Telecommunications: Software Developers, Network Engineers, Cyber Security Specialists, Data Analysts, Systems Administrators
- Education & Social Work: Secondary School Teachers, Primary School Teachers, Social Workers, Special Education Teachers, Counselors
- Trades & Technicians: Welders, Motor Mechanics, Chefs, Electricians, Carpenters, Automotive Technicians, etc.
How Long Does It Take to Get PR After a 491 Visa?
491 Visa holders can apply for permanent residency through the 491 visa after three years, provided they:
- Have lived and worked in regional Australia for at least three years.
- Compliance with all the visa conditions, such as health and character standards, etc.
491 visa application process times for the 191 Visa can be around 12 to 14 months. Although, it varies depending on state nomination approvals and document completeness.
To Conclude
There are several amazing 491 Visa benefits for skilled workers and it offers skilled workers a fantastic opportunity to live and work in regional Australia while paving the way for the PR pathway from the 491 visa. With a wide range of eligible occupations, flexible nomination options, and a clear pathway to PR, it is an excellent choice for those looking to build a future in Australia.
However, navigating the 491 visa application process requires careful planning, from meeting eligibility criteria and securing a nomination to submitting a well-prepared visa application.
If you need expert assistance, our Immigration Agency in Adelaide, Visafast Consultancy, is here to help. Our team can make sure you have all the required documents, and necessary skills while ensuring a solid application for a rewarding future in Australia.
Your amazing journey awaits. Book a consultation call with our experts today.
Frequently Asked Questions(FAQs)
Is the 491 Visa Better Than the 190 Visa?
The 491 Visa and 190 Visa serve different purposes, and the better option depends on individual circumstances. The 190 Visa is a permanent residency visa with unrestricted 491 visa work rights across Australia, while the 491 Visa is a temporary regional visa and you can get a PR pathway from the 491 visa after three years. However, the 491 Visa may have lower eligibility requirements and more nomination opportunities.
Can I Buy a House on a 491 Visa?
Yes, 491 Visa holders can buy a house in Australia. However, they must get approval from the Foreign Investment Review Board (FIRB) before purchasing property. Some banks may offer home loans to temporary visa holders, but there might be additional conditions.
What Happens After My 491 Visa Expires?
If you do not apply for a PR pathway from a 491 visa (Subclass 191 Visa) or another visa before your visa expires, you will have to leave Australia. However, those who meet the eligibility criteria can apply for PR before the 491 Visa expires and can stay in Australia.
Can I Change Employers or Professions on a 491 Visa?
Yes, 491 Visa holders can change employers or Professions, but they must continue working in a designated regional area. There are no employer sponsorship requirements, so holders have flexibility in choosing where they work as long as it meets visa conditions.
Disclaimer: This article is for general information only and does not constitute legal or immigration advice. Immigration laws may change, so consult a registered migration agent or legal professional before making any application. Visafast Migration Consultancy is not liable for reliance on this information.
