Skilled Regional Visa Australia | Subclass 491

491 Visa Australia

Among the most vital pathways skilled workers show interest in, living and working in regional Australia is the Skilled Work Regional visa subclass 491. It targets the fulfillment of skill shortages and development assurance in certain regions. Key features of the subclass 491 visa include:

The stay period available is up to 5 years in Australia.
Living, working, and studying in a designated regional area of Australia
Travel privileges allowing multiple entries to and from Australia while the visa is valid
A pathway to permanent residence after meeting prescribed requirements, usually 3 years from the date of grant of visa

This visa is accrued when skilled workers are interested in establishing a business, relocating, or continuing beyond the original period of stay in regional areas of Australia for the purposes of local economic development and a diverse range of communities throughout regional Australia.

The particular purpose of the VISA Subclass 491 is to assist regions which generally have trouble in filling skilled jobs and retaining skilled labor. Therefore, the visa incentivizes opening, moving to, or extending residency in regions creating local economic development and enriching a varied and colorful regional system throughout Australia.

Grace Australia provides professional support in dealing with the 491 visa as part of our migration services. Our staff is trained to know exactly how to work out the requirements for every class of visa and application type. We do our best in trying to guide them through with very accurate and updated information.

For the most current and accurate information that pertains to a subclass 491 visa, including but not limited to eligibility criteria, application processes, and area/regional designations, we always recommend referring to the official Australian Department of Home Affairs website or contacting one of our registered migration agents.

What is a Skilled Work Regional visa (subclass 491)?

The Skilled Work Regional visa (subclass 491) is a subclass of visa that citizens can apply for which is based on a points test that forms part of the Australian Immigration points system. These visas replaced the old Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme (subclass 187) in November 2010, moving to more focus on migration geography.

Purpose of the Visa

The primary objectives of the 491 visa are:

To address skill shortages in regional Australia by attracting qualified professionals
To stimulate economic growth in areas outside major metropolitan centres
To relieve population pressure on major cities like Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane
To create a more balanced demographic distribution across the country

By incentivizing skilled migrants to settle in regional areas, the visa aims to create a win-win situation where migrants gain valuable opportunities and regional communities benefit from their skills and economic contribution.

Duration and Conditions of 491 visa

The 491 visa conditions are designed to ensure that visa holders contribute meaningfully to regional areas. The visa is valid for up to 5 years with visa holders living, working, and studying only in designated regional areas.

The visa holders must also work for a taxable income for a period of not less than 3 years before looking for permanent residency status. They must adhere to the conditions of the visa granted for the period prescribed otherwise face non-compliance penalties which include cancellation of the visa.

These conditions are implemented to ensure that the visa serves its intended purpose of supporting regional development.

Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible for the 491 visa, applicants must meet a comprehensive set of criteria:

Nomination or Sponsorship

Receive a nomination from an Australian state or territory government agency or be sponsored by an eligible relative living in a designated regional area.

Occupation

Your nominated occupation must be on the relevant skilled occupation list. The occupation should align with the specific needs of the nominating state or territory.

Skills Assessment

Obtain a positive skills assessment from the relevant assessing authority for your nominated occupation. Make sure the assessment is valid at the time of invitation.

Invitation to Apply

Receive an invitation to apply for the visa following the submission of an Expression of Interest (EOI) through SkillSelect.

Points Test

Score a minimum of 65 points on the points test. Points are awarded for various factors including age, English language proficiency, work experience, and qualifications.

Age Requirements

Be under 45 years of age at the time of invitation for the main applicant. No age limit for subsequent entrants (e.g., spouse or dependent children).

English Language Proficiency

Demonstrate at least competent English. Higher points are awarded for proficient or superior English.

Health and Character Requirements

Meet health and character requirements as specified by the Department of Home Affairs.

Financial Capacity

While not always explicitly required, having sufficient funds to settle in a regional area is advisable.

Meeting these criteria ensures that visa holders are well-positioned to contribute effectively to their new communities and adapt to life in regional Australia.

Streams of 491 visa

Main applicant (State or Territory Nominated Stream)

This stream is designed for skilled workers who have been nominated by a state or territory government agency. Key features include:

Stay period: Up to 5 years
491 visa cost: Approximately AUD 4,115 for the main applicant (additional costs for dependents)
491 visa processing time: Typically 6 to 8 months, though this can vary based on individual circumstances and application volumes

Applicants in this stream must have skills in occupations that are in demand in the nominating state or territory. The nomination process often involves additional criteria set by the nominating jurisdiction, which may include specific work experience or language requirements.

Subsequent entrant (Family-sponsored Stream)

This stream caters to family members of the main applicant or to those sponsored by an eligible relative already living in a designated regional area. Key aspects include:

Stay period: Matches the main applicant's visa duration
491 visa cost: Similar to the main applicant stream
491 visa processing time: May vary, often slightly quicker than the main applicant stream

Family sponsors must be an eligible relative (e.g., parent, child, sibling, aunt, uncle, niece, or nephew) who is an Australian citizen or permanent resident living in a designated regional area.

The Nomination Process

Pathway 1: Direct Application to Investment NSW

For those seeking nomination from New South Wales:

Check eligibility against NSW nomination criteria
Submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) in SkillSelect
Apply directly to Investment NSW with the required documents
If successful, receive a nomination and an invitation to apply for the visa

This pathway allows for more proactive engagement with the nominating authority.

Pathway 2: Receiving an Invitation to Apply

This more common pathway involves:

Submitting an EOI through SkillSelect
Waiting for a state or territory to review your EOI
If selected, receiving an invitation to apply for nomination
Completing the nomination application process
If nominated, receiving an invitation to apply for the visa

This pathway relies on the state or territory identifying your EOI to match their needs.

Invitation Rounds

Frequency and Timing of Rounds

Invitation rounds typically occur monthly
Dates are not pre-announced, adding an element of unpredictability
The number of invitations varies based on regional skill needs and overall migration planning levels

Points Allocation System

The points system is crucial in determining invitations:

Minimum score: 65 points
Higher scores increase the chances of an invitation
Points are awarded for:

Age (maximum 30 points)
English language proficiency (maximum 20 points)
Skilled employment experience (maximum 20 points)
Educational qualifications (maximum 20 points)
Australian study requirement (5 points)
Specialist education qualification (10 points)
Credentialled community language (5 points)
Study in regional Australia (5 points)
Partner skills (10 points)
Professional Year in Australia (5 points)

Invitations are issued to the highest-ranking candidates in each round, making it crucial to maximise your points score.

Advantages of the Subclass 491 Visa

The 491 visa benefits are numerous and significant:

Pathway to Permanent Residency

After meeting specific requirements, visa holders can apply for permanent residence.

Work Rights

Full work rights in designated regional areas, allowing career growth and integration into local communities.

Study Opportunities

Access to Australia’s world-class education system in regional areas.

Medicare Access

Eligibility for Australia’s public healthcare system, ensuring quality medical care.

Travel Privileges

Multiple entry visas allow international travel during the visa period.

Family Inclusion

Ability to include eligible family members in the visa application.

Regional Lifestyle

Opportunity to experience Australia’s unique regional lifestyle, often with a lower cost of living compared to major cities.

Community Integration

Smaller communities often offer easier social integration and a strong sense of belonging.

Professional Development

Many regional areas offer unique professional opportunities and faster career progression.

Government Support

Various government initiatives to support settling and working in regional areas.

Transitioning to Permanent Residency

The 491 visa offers a clear pathway to permanent residency through the Permanent Residence (Skilled Regional) visa (subclass 191):

Eligibility Period

Hold the 491 visa for at least 3 years.

Income Requirement

Earn a minimum taxable income (currently set at AUD 53,900) for at least 3 fiscal years.

Compliance

Maintain compliance with 491 visa conditions throughout the eligibility period.

Application Process

Apply for the 191 visa when it becomes available (expected to open in November 2022).

Continued Regional Residence

Demonstrate an ongoing commitment to living and working in a regional area.

This 491 visa to PR pathway offers a structured and achievable route to settling permanently in Australia, rewarding those who contribute to regional communities.

Navigating the Application Process

The 491 visa application process involves several critical steps:

Submit an Expression of Interest (EOI)

Create an account in SkillSelect. Provide detailed information about skills, qualifications, and work experience. The applicant should indicate preferred states or territories for nomination.

Receive a Nomination or Sponsorship

For state nomination: Wait for a state to contact you or apply directly (if applicable)
For family sponsorship: Obtain sponsorship from an eligible relative in a regional area.

Receive an Invitation to Apply

Invitations are sent through SkillSelect. Respond to the invitation within 60 days.

Prepare and Submit Your Visa Application

Gather all required documents (e.g., passport, skills assessment, English test results). Complete the online application form and pay the visa application fee.

Undergo Health and Character Checks

Complete health examinations as directed. Provide police clearances from all countries you’ve lived in.

Await Visa Decision

The Department of Home Affairs will assess your application. You may be contacted for additional information

Receive Visa Grant Notification

If successful, you’ll receive official notification of your visa grant. Review all visa conditions carefully.

Throughout this process, it’s crucial to keep all your documents and information up to date. You should respond promptly to any requests from the Department and seek professional advice if you encounter any complexities.

Ready to Start Your Journey with a 491 Visa? Contact Grace International Today!

Australia has introduced the Skilled Work Regional visa (subclass 491) with the intent of wooing everyone who is looking forward to assisting in the development of regional Australia and settling down in this wonderful nation. The procedure might be hard to understand but the fortunes of those who wish to apply are huge as they offer an avenue to obtaining citizenship and settling in regional Australia.

Grace International offers full assistance throughout the entire visa application process since we know a visa is not a simple travel document. From filling out the 491 visa application to the end of the visa application process and visa issuance, we are committed to making your dreams of living and working in Australia come true.

For the most accurate advice and support regarding the 491 visa application, contact Grace International or call us at +61 (03) 9662 9020. Our specialists will facilitate your migration process as much as possible and upon request will advise you on how to prepare for each stage of the procedure.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is a 491 visa in Australia?

The 491 visa is a points-tested skilled migration visa, which allows its holders to live and work in designated regional areas for up to 5 years. It is created to target skill shortages and bolster regional growth.

Is the 491 visa permanent?

The temporary visa is valid for a period of 5 years. However, it does lead to permanent residency for subclass 191 visas upon meeting conditions.

Can I work in any regional area with a 491 visa?

You can live and work in designated areas of regional Australia, low population-growth metropolitan areas, or other designated parts of Australia. These regions span the majority of Australia, apart from many urban areas such as Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane.

What is the new rule for 491 visas?

Changes have been made to the definitions of regional areas, point allocations for skills and qualifications, and minimum income requirements for transitioning into permanent residency. Please ensure that you refer to the current Department of Home Affairs information.

Can you apply for PR after 491?

You must have lived and worked in an eligible area for 3 years before you can get a Permanent Residency through the subclass 191 visa. This includes satisfying a base pay limit and meeting all visa conditions.

Can I bring my wife and family members to Australia on a 491 visa?

Yes, you can include eligible family members in your 491 visa application. This will generally be you and your spouse or de facto partner, along with any dependent children. Everyone included in the family must meet health and character requirements.

Do I need to be working to apply for subclass 491?

For the subclass 491 visa, you are not required to be working presently to apply. However, you must have a positive skills assessment in your nominated occupation and comply with the points test. General work experience can benefit the applicant’s point score for the visa, while the qualification work experience is not mandatory for visa application.

Can I travel outside Australia after getting this visa?

Yes, the 491 visa allows for international travel. It’s a multiple-entry visa, meaning you can leave and re-enter Australia as many times as you wish while the visa is valid. However, you must comply with any travel conditions specified on your visa and ensure you meet the regional work requirements.

What are the minimum points for a 491 visa in Australia?

The minimum number of points required for a 491 visa invitation is 65. However, due to the competitive nature of the program, the actual points needed to receive an invitation are often higher. The cut-off can vary in each invitation round depending on the number and quality of applicants.

Are graduate and PhD students eligible for a Skilled Work Regional(Provisional) (Subclass 491) Visa nomination?

Yes, graduate and PhD students can also apply for Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa subclass 491 if such applicant meets all the visa requirements. These factors include having a positive skills assessment in their nominated occupation and achieving at least the points test. Recent graduates and PhD students often have advantages in areas such as age, English language proficiency, and Australian study experience, which can contribute positively to their points score.

What sectors and skills are being targeted for the Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa (subclass 491)?

The fields and occupations that can be offered by the subclass 491 visa may vary depending on the region’s requirements and may change in the future. Generally, the visa targets occupations that are in demand in regional areas across various sectors, which may include:

Approval of credit to healthcare and social assistance
Education and training
The first major industries are agriculture, Forestry, and fishing.
Building and civil engineering
Information technology
Manufacturing
Hospitality and tourism

Before moving forward, it is relevant to consider SOLs and prerequisites for the state or territory you are going to. You could have a separate list of priorities or requirements. Each of these lists is reviewed periodically due to the constant emergence and modification of regional economies’ requirements.

Skilled Work Regional Visa | Subclass 491