Skilled Work Regional Provisional Visa (Subclass 491)
The Skilled Work Regional Visa (Subclass 491) is a 5-year, points-based visa for skilled workers nominated by a state or sponsored by a relative in regional Australia.
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About the 491 Visa
The Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Visa (Subclass 491) is a points-based visa for skilled workers who are nominated by a state or territory government or sponsored by an eligible relative living in a designated regional area in Australia. This visa is valid for five years and allows you to live, work, and study in a specified regional area. You can also include eligible family members in your application.
Who can apply for the 491 Visa?
- Are under 45 years old at the time of invitation
- Have a positive skills assessment in an eligible occupation
- Have competent English (e.g., IELTS 6.0 or equivalent)
- Have submitted an Expression of Interest (EOI) and received an Invitation to Apply (ITA)
- Meet health and character requirements
- Meet the minimum 65 points requirement on the points test.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Check your eligibility, complete your skills assessment and English test
- Check the relevant occupations list to find out if you can potentially apply for the 491 visa. View the Skilled Occupations List.
- Apply for a Skills Assessment from the relevant authority. Need help with your skills assessment? Contact us for expert guidance.
- Sit an English test to maximise your points score.
- Submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) on SkillSelect and a Registration of Interest (ROI) (if required)
- Enter your personal and professional details.
- Wait for Invitation to Apply (ITA) (based on points and occupation demand).
- Depending on the state/territory you may also have to apply for an ROI.
- Receive and invitation and lodge your visa application
- Apply within 60 days of receiving your ITA.
- Submit police clearances, health check, and required documents.
- Visa grant and moving to Australia
- Once granted, move to Australia any time before the first entry deadline.
- Enjoy permanent residency benefits, including Medicare and work rights.
Ready to start the process? Then book our consultation service
Your EOI ranking is based on the points test. Here is a breakdown:
Criteria Points
Age (Under 45) Up to 30
English Proficiency Up to 20
Work Experience Up to 20
Education Level Up to 20
Partner Skills Up to 10
Study in Australia 5
Study in Regional Australia 5
Specialist Educational Qualifications 10
Professional year in Australia 5
NAATI 5
State/territory sponsorship 15
Not sure of your score? Take the Points Test
The time it takes to process the 491 Visa depends on various factors. The skills assessment process can range from 10 days to several months, depending on the assessing authority. Depending on your occupation and points score, you could receive an invitation to apply within days or it may take several months. Invitations are issued to applicants with the highest points in their occupation. For current visa processing times please refer to the information on the Department of Home Affairs website.
- Department of Home Affairs Visa Application Fees: $4,770 (primary applicant), $2,385 (each secondary applicant over 18), $1,190 (each secondary applicant under 18).
- Other Costs: Fees for state sponsorship, skills assessments, English language tests, health examinations, police checks, translations, etc., as applicable.
- Professional Fees: Contact us for a fee quote at 0415419414
- Occupation Identification: Assisting you in selecting the most suitable occupation from the relevant skilled occupation list.
- Points Calculation: Evaluating your qualifications, work experience, and other factors to accurately calculate your points score.
- Points Improvement Strategies: Providing insights on how to enhance your points score, such as improving English proficiency or gaining additional work experience.
- Eligibility Assessment: Determining your eligibility for the Subclass 189 visa based on the latest immigration criteria.
- Skills Assessment Preparation: Preparing and lodging your skills assessment with the appropriate assessing authority.
- Expression of Interest (EOI) Submission: Submitting your EOI through SkillSelect.
- State Nomination Application: Applying for nomination from an Australian state or territory government, a prerequisite for the Subclass 491 visa.
- Visa Application Preparation and Lodgement: Preparing and lodging your visa application, ensuring all required documents are included.
- Ongoing Support: Offering continuous assistance and updates throughout the application process to ensure a smooth experience.
Benefits of the 491 visa
Temporary Residency
Live, work, and study in a designated regional area in Australia for up to five years.
Travel Flexibility
Travel in and out of Australia while the visa is valid.
Pathway to Permanent Residency
Apply for permanent residency through the Permanent Residence (Skilled Regional) Visa (Subclass 191) after meeting specific conditions.
Healthcare
Enrol in Medicare, Australia’s healthcare system.
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