Subclass 491 Visa

 

Why Apply for a 491 Visa?

The Subclass 491 visa, known as the Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa, is designed for skilled workers who want to live and work in regional Australia. Here are five compelling reasons to consider this visa:

 

1. Regional Opportunities: Experience life in less crowded areas of Australia, offering a unique lifestyle and community benefits.
2. Pathway to Permanent Residency: Eligibility for permanent residency under the Subclass 191 visa after living and working in a regional area for three years.
3. Broad Range of Occupations: Access to a more extensive list of occupations than non-regional skilled migration visas.
4. Priority Processing: Enjoy priority processing of your visa application, facilitating quicker decisions.
5. Family Inclusion: The ability to include your family members in the application, allowing you to move together.

 

Eligibility to Apply for a 491 Visa

To be eligible for the Subclass 491 visa, applicants must:

• Be nominated by an Australian state or territory government agency or sponsored by an eligible family member residing in a designated regional area.
• Have an occupation on a relevant skilled occupation list.
• Have a suitable skills assessment for the occupation.
• Be under 45 years of age at the time of invitation.
• Score at least 65 points on the points test.
• Meet English language requirements.
• Satisfy health and character requirements.

 

491 Visa Requirements

In addition to meeting the eligibility criteria, applicants must:

• Submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) through SkillSelect.
• Be invited to apply for the visa.
• Apply within 60 days of receiving the invitation.
• Provide evidence of the nomination or sponsorship.
• Demonstrate competent English.

 

Steps to Apply for a 491 Visa

1. Submit an EOI: Lodge an Expression of Interest via SkillSelect, indicating your interest in a specific state or territory or sponsorship by a family member.
2. State/Territory Nomination or Family Sponsorship: Obtain a nomination from a state or territory government or get sponsorship from a family member living in a designated regional area.
3. Receive an Invitation: Wait to receive an invitation to apply for the visa.
4. Prepare Your Application: Gather necessary documentation, including proof of nomination or sponsorship, skills assessment, and English language test results.
5. Apply for the Visa: Submit your visa application online through ImmiAccount within 60 days of receiving the invitation.
6. Pay the Visa Fee: Ensure payment of the application charge.
7. Health and Character Assessments: Undergo required health checks and provide police clearance certificates.
8. Await Decision: Your application will be processed, and the decision will be communicated to you.

 

Processing Time for 491 Visa

Processing times for the Subclass 491 visa can vary based on application volumes and the completeness of applications. As of the last update, processing times were not specifically published for the 491 visa, indicating variability. Applicants should check the Department of Home Affairs website for the most current processing information.

 

491 Visa Cost

The cost for the main applicant of a Subclass 491 visa starts from AUD $4,115, with additional charges for each family member included in the application. Other costs may include health examinations, police certificates, and English language tests.