What is Skilled Work Regional Visa Subclass 491?
Skilled Work Regional Visa Subclass 491 is a key to Australian permanent residency. It is a visa designed for skilled workers and their families who wish to live and work in regional areas of Australia. This visa 491 offers a great opportunity to contribute to regional communities and get invaluable work experience while also making the way toward potential permanent residency.
This Skilled Work Regional Visa allows skilled individuals to live, work, and study in Australia for a maximum period of 5 years, provided they meet the specified conditions. To be eligible for this visa, you must receive a state or territory government nomination indicating your commitment to living and working in a regional area of Australia. Moreover, you need to have been invited to apply, and your eligibility will be assessed based on the points test, which considers your skills.
It’s important to note that while the Visa Subclass 491 allows you to work in Australia, you must select a job that is listed in the skilled occupation list of the Australian Skilled Migration program. Our team of skilled Migration Agents in Australia is here to help if you need expert guidance. Whether you are the main applicant or a subsequent entrant, our immigration agent can assist you in navigating the complexities of the visa application process.
Basic Requirements
To be eligible for the Skilled Work Regional Visa Subclass 491, you need to meet these basic requirements:
Nominated Occupation: You must nominate an occupation that aligns with your skills and qualifications and must be listed on the relevant skilled occupation list.
Skill Assessment: For Visa Subclass 491, you must obtain a positive skills assessment from the relevant assessing authority for your nominated occupation.
Expression of Interest (EOI): To apply for Skilled Work Regional Visa you must submit an Expression of Interest through the SkillSelect system. It expresses your interest in the Subclass 491 visa.
State or Territory Nomination: You must receive a state or territory government agency nomination, indicating your commitment to live and work in a specific regional area.
Invitation to Apply: To apply for the Subclass 491 visa, you must receive an invitation from the Department of Home Affairs.
Health and Character: You need to meet the health and character requirements set by the Australian government to be eligible for Visa 491.
English Language Proficiency: You must show that you possess competent English language skills through a recognized English language test.
No Previous Visa Rejections:
Any of your visa applications or visa must not have been rejected or cancelled in the past.
Eligibility Criteria
Main Applicant Stream
To be eligible for the Subclass 491 visa, you must meet the below-mentioned specific criteria:
- For Subclass Visa 491, you must be nominated by a state or territory government agency or sponsored by an eligible family member living in a designated regional area.
- Your nominated occupation must be on the relevant skilled occupation list.
- You must have a suitable skills assessment for your nominated occupation.
- You must not have turned 45 years old at the time of invitation.
- You should show competent English language proficiency.
- You must meet the health and character requirements set by the Australian government.
Subsequent Entrant Stream
- You must be one of the members of the family unit of a 491 visa subclass holder. However, there is no specific age requirement for this visa.
- Any family members applying for this stream who are older than 18 must have a functional level of English.
- You must adhere to Australian policies for health and character.
- Any debts that you may have owed the Australian Government must have been settled.
- Any of your visa applications or visa must not have been rejected or cancelled in the past.
Checklist
Follow this checklist to you need before the application process for the Skilled Work Regional Visa Subclass 491:
- Obtain a positive skills assessment for your nominated occupation.
- Submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) through the SkillSelect system.
- Secure a nomination from a state or territory government agency or eligible family member.
- Wait for the Department of Home Affairs invitation to apply for the Subclass 491 visa.
- Prepare and submit all required documents, including health and character clearances.
- Show your English language proficiency through a recognized English language test.
You can consult our Melbourne migration agent for easy and stress-free documentation and Visa process. They will guide you at every step and help you get your dream visa without any hassles.
Benefits
The Skilled Work Regional Visa Subclass 491 offers an array of benefits, including:
- Reside and work in a designated regional area of Australia for up to 5 years.
- After fulfilling specific criteria, you can get permanent residency through the Subclass 191 visa.
- You get access to Australia’s public healthcare system, Medicare, with this Visa 491.
- You can even enroll in educational courses and provide quality education for your family members in regional Australia.
- You get the freedom to work for any employer in your nominated occupation without requiring employer sponsorship.
- You can travel in and out of Australia multiple times during the visa validity period.
FAQs
Can I include family members in my visa application?
Yes, you can include your partner and dependent children in your Subclass 491 visa application.
What is the processing time for the Subclass 491 visa?
The processing time for Visa 491 may change depending on individual circumstances and the number of applications received. Hence, you are advised to check the current processing times on the official Department of Home Affairs website.
You can consult our Melbourne migration agent to ensure a smooth visa application and the entire process. Our skilled Migration Agents have in-depth knowledge of Australian visa regulations and procedures, providing you with personalised advice tailored to your specific circumstances.
Can I apply for permanent residency through the Subclass 191 visa?
Yes, after holding the Subclass 491 visa and meeting the specified criteria, you may be eligible to apply for permanent residency through the Subclass 191 visa.