Skilled Nominated or Sponsored Visa (Subclass 491)
The Skilled Nominated or Sponsored Visa (Subclass 491) is a provisional visa that enables all skilled workers to live, pursue education, and work in appointed areas of Australia. It is a points-based visa valid for a tenure of 5 years.
The applicant for this visa has to be either state nominated or sponsored by an eligible family member who is a permanent resident in Australia. There are two pathways for the 491 visa:
State Sponsorship on a 491 Visa
The Skilled Sponsored (491) visa requires an Australian state or territory sponsorship. Each state faces unique skill shortages based on the skilled occupation lists (short-term, medium-term and regional lists), leading to opportunities for the skilled workers to get a state sponsorship visa.
Each state varies in its requirements. Some states require applicants to have higher English scores; others require more work experience or detailed evidence of the applicant’s assets. The applicant must live in a regional area of the state that sponsors them.
Relative Sponsorship on a 491 Visa
If the applicant’s nominated occupation is on the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL), they can be sponsored by an eligible relative living in a designated area. The relative must be a permanent resident or citizen of Australia or an eligible New Zealand citizen. You must live in the same designated area as your relative.