Australia Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Visa (Subclass 491)

Australia is the top destination for foreign nationals today, and one of the main programs that help them settle in the country is the Subclass 491 visa. Immigrants are being welcomed to Australia’s beautiful landscapes with open arms, and with this visa, you can work, settle, and become a resident of Australia for 5 years.

What is an Australia Subclass 491 visa?

The Subclass 491 Visa, which is a provisional visa that permits skilled workers to live and work in designated areas of Australia, is valid for five years. It is granted to state-nominated or sponsored applicants by their family members who are permanent residents in Australia.

What are the requirements for obtaining a 491 visa?

To qualify for a Subclass 491 visa, you must meet the following eligibility requirements:

• You must be nominated by a representative from the region or an immediate family member.
• You must submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) to the relevant authority.
• You will need to show excellent English language skills.
• Having good health and character is crucial.
• Need to receive an invitation email in response to your EOI nomination.
• Only people aged under 45 years may apply.

What is the minimum score needed to apply for a 491 visa?

To be eligible for the application process, you must score at least 65 points. The higher your total score, the more likely you are to get an invitation.

How can I earn 65 points for Subclass 491?

For immigration to Australia, you need to earn 65 points on the Australian Points Test system. The scores are dependent on the given below factors:

Other than these factors, the Department of Immigration and Border Protection has made some changes to skilled migration points, which will likely affect Visa Subclass 491.

The following changes have been made to the point system:

• The applicant is awarded 15 points if he or she holds a state or provincial Government nomination or sponsorship from a family member who is a permanent resident there.
• Individuals who have educational qualifications in certain specific branches of science, engineering, mathematics, and technology will receive 10 points.
• 10 points will be awarded if your partner successfully completes an assessment of his or her skills and competency in the use of English.
• 5 points for the partner’s language proficiency.

State nominations are ranked according to the points system, with the following order of priority:

• People who have a skilled partner or are single are among the highest-priority applicants.
• Applicants who are not as skilled but can communicate in English will be considered second.
• The applicant with a partner who has no skills and no language competency will be placed at the bottom of the list.

What are the necessary application documents for a Subclass 491 visa?

You must provide the supporting documents included in your EOI.

• Passport
• Police Clearance Certificate
• Marriage certificate
• Language Competency Report

For applicants between the ages of 18 and 23, you must provide these documents:

• Birth certificate
• Passport
• Financial documents that show evidence of dependency
• Adoption papers (case specific)

Applicants who are physically impaired or cognitively challenged and dependent on their parent’s financial support are above the age of 23.

There is a requirement for the following:

• Birth certificate
• Passport
• Evidence for financial dependency
• Adoption papers (case specific)
• Medical reports that document the applicant’s condition

These are the documents you need to provide in order to substantiate your claims on EOI:

• Skill Assessment
• Language Assessment
• Australian skilled employment
• Education Qualification (as per Australian standards)
• Specialist education
• Study in regional Australia
• Partner skills
• Work experience in Australia

If you are sponsored, your sponsor should provide:

• Age-proof (18 years and above)
• Declaration by your sponsor
• Proof of being an eligible relative
• Permanent residency proof

What are the total expenses for applying for Subclass Visa 491?

The Skilled Regional Work Visa subclass 491 has an application fee of AUD 4115 for the primary applicant. Each eligible family member incurs a separate cost.

Here is a breakdown of the costs involved in applying for a visa:

How long does it take for a visa to be processed under Subclass 491?

It is impossible to specify a time for processing visa applications. However, immigration officials tend to prioritize cases filed in their own regions.

What is the process for applying for a Regional skilled visa subclass 491?

To apply for subclass 491 of the Skilled Occupation List visa, you must first check if your occupation is on the list. Then, you will need to collect the necessary documents and have your skill assessed by an approved body before applying for your visa.

Let’s glide through the whole process one step at a time:

Step 1: Skilled Occupation List

Research whether your profession is listed in the annual Skilled Occupation List published by Australia’s government.

Step 2: Skills Assessment

Take the necessary steps to get your skills assessed by Australian authorities.

Step 3: Points System

The Australian Government uses a point system to assess visa applications. If you receive 65 points or more on the assessment, it triggers an invitation for you to apply for permanent residency.

Step 4: Expression of Interest

Send in an Expression of Interest (EOI) addressed to the Department of Home Affairs through SkillSelect. SkillsSelect will assess your ability to reach 65 points, and should you qualify, it will allow you to apply.

Step 5: Supporting documents submission

The Department of Home Affairs requires you to apply for your candidacy once the EOI has been accepted. You should submit your supporting documents within 60 days. Collecting them beforehand is better.

You must submit your documents and pay the necessary fee within 60 days of applying on Immiaccount.

Step 6: Checking application status

Once you have submitted your application, please check the status of your case by logging onto ImmiAccount.

Important: All applicants are tested medically and biometrically.

Step 7: Getting accepted

When your visa is approved, you will receive an email with the grant number and a summary of conditions including the visa start date.

How long can you remain in Australia on a subclass 491 visa?

The Skilled Regional visa entitles holders to remain in Australia for a period of five years, with no extension given. However, after the third year of holding this visa, if you would like to continue living there, you can apply for a permanent residence visa after three years of fulfilling the necessary conditions.