Subclass 491 is a provisional visa that allows skilled workers to live, work and study in designated regional areas for up to five years. The visa is point-tested and requires sponsorship from a state or territory government or eligible relative.
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Skilled Work Regional Visa (Subclass 491)
The Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Visa (Subclass 491) is a temporary visa that allows skilled workers to live and work in regional areas of Australia for up to 5 years. The visa is designed to address skills shortages in Australia’s regional areas and encourage regional development.
To be eligible for the Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Visa Subclass 491, you must be sponsored by an eligible family member living in a designated regional area of Australia or be nominated by a State or Territory government. You must also meet specific requirements related to age, English language proficiency, work experience, and education.
Once granted, the Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Visa Subclass 491 allows holders to work and live in a designated regional area of Australia. After meeting specific requirements, they may also study, travel in and out of Australia, and apply for permanent residency through the Subclass 191 visa.
In addition to the standard requirements for a skilled visa, Subclass 491 visa holders must live and work in a designated regional area of Australia; failure to do so may affect the pathway to permanent residency through the Subclass 191 visa.
Overall, the Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Visa Subclass 491 provides an opportunity for skilled workers to live and work in regional areas of Australia, opening more job opportunities and contributing to the development and growth of the region.
The Graduate Work stream is for international students who have completed their studies in Australia and have qualifications and skills relevant to an occupation on the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL). This stream allows visa holders to remain in Australia for up to 18 months and provides a pathway to permanent residency.
The Post-Study Work stream is for international students who have completed a Bachelor’s degree, Master’s degree, or Doctoral degree in Australia. This stream allows visa holders to remain in Australia for two to four years, depending on their qualification level, and provides a pathway to temporary and permanent residency.
To be eligible for the Temporary Graduate visa, applicants must meet specific requirements, including having recently completed a course of study in Australia and meeting the necessary health, character, and financial requirements. It is important to note that the needs and processing times for the visa may vary depending on the individual’s situation and visa stream.
Benefits - Skilled Work Regional Visa (Subclass 491)
The Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Visa Subclass 491 has several benefits for eligible skilled workers who wish to live and work in regional areas of Australia, including:
- Living and working in regional areas: The Subclass 491 visa allows holders to live and work in designated regional areas of Australia for up to five years. This provides an excellent opportunity for skilled workers to explore, live, and work in regional communities.
- Priority processing: Subclass 491 visa applications are given priority in the processing queue compared to other skilled visa applications. This means that eligible applicants can receive a visa decision more quickly, which can benefit those who need to move to Australia within a specific timeframe.
- Permanent residency pathway: Subclass 491 visa holders who meet specific requirements can apply for permanent residency through the Subclass 191 visa. This provides a clear path for skilled workers living and working in regional areas of Australia to obtain permanent residence eventually.
- Access to Medicare: Subclass 491 visa holders can access Medicare, Australia's health care system. This provides peace of mind for holders and their families that they have access to quality health care while living and working in Australia.
- Access to education: Subclass 491 visa holders can access quality education for themselves and their dependents, including primary, secondary, and tertiary education.
- Spouse and partner work rights: The Subclass 491 visa allows spouses and partners of the visa holders to work full-time in any occupation. This provides greater flexibility for families and can help support the family financially.
- Pathway to Australian citizenship: After meeting the two-year residency requirement, successful applicants can apply for Australian citizenship through the appropriate channels.
Streams - Skilled Work Regional Visa (Subclass 491)
- Invited pathway: This stream is for skilled workers nominated by a State or Territory government agency or sponsored by an eligible family member living in a designated regional area of Australia. To be eligible for this pathway, applicants must obtain a nomination or sponsorship before submitting their visa application.
- Subsequent entry pathway: This stream is for skilled workers who are already living in Australia on another eligible visa and meet the requirements of the Subclass 491 visa. This pathway is suitable for those who have worked or studied in regional areas of Australia and wish to continue living and working in the region.
Regardless of which stream is chosen, all applicants must meet the essential eligibility criteria for the Subclass 491 visa, including being under 45 years of age, having proficiency in the English language, having an occupation on the relevant skilled occupation list, and meeting the minimum points requirements.
Eligibility - Skilled Work Regional Visa (Subclass 491)
To be eligible for the Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Visa Subclass 491, applicants must meet certain eligibility requirements, including the following:
- Age: Applicants must be under 45 years of age at the time of application.
- Skills Assessment: Applicants must have a suitable skills assessment for an occupation on the relevant skilled occupation list.
- English Language: Applicants must demonstrate proficiency in English, which must be at least competent. There are several ways that applicants can demonstrate proficiency, including English language testing or have completed at least five years of full-time study in English.
- Points Test: Applicants must score at least 65 points on the points test. Points are awarded based on age, education, work experience, language ability, and other factors.
- Nominations or Sponsorship: Applicants must have received a nomination or sponsorship from a State or Territory government agency or an eligible family member who is an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen.
- Health and Character: Applicants must meet health and character requirements, including undergoing a medical examination and providing a police clearance certificate.
- Regional Residency: Applicants must commit to living and working in a designated regional area of Australia for at least three years if they receive the Subclass 491 visa.
It’s important to note that eligibility requirements can differ slightly depending on the applicant’s circumstances and the stream they apply under.
Documents required - Skilled Work Regional Visa (Subclass 491)
- Proof of identity: This may include a passport or other valid travel document.
- Skills Assessment: Applicants must provide a skills assessment relevant to their nominated occupation.
- English Language Proficiency: Applicants must submit evidence of their English language proficiency, such as results from an English language proficiency test.
- Proof of Sponsorship or Nomination: If the applicant is applying through the Sponsored or Nominated pathway, they must provide proof of their nomination or sponsorship.
- Points Test: Applicants will need to provide evidence to support the points they claim on their points tests, such as educational certificates, work references, and any other relevant documentation.
- Health and character documents: Applicants must undergo health examinations for their visa application. The results of these examinations must be submitted along with documents proving they meet character requirements, such as a police clearance certificate.
- Other documents: Other documents that may be required include evidence of work experience, educational qualifications, and evidence of assets and liabilities.
Process - Skilled Work Regional Visa (Subclass 491)
- Submitting an expression of interest (EOI): The first step is to submit an EOI through SkillSelect, indicating the applicant's interest in applying for a Subclass 491 visa.
- Receiving an invitation to apply: If the applicant receives an invitation, they may proceed to lodge a formal application for the visa. The invitation is based on a points test and the availability of places in the nominated occupation.
- Gather required documents: Applicants will need to gather all the required documents to support their visa application and submit them along with the application.
- Submitting the application: Applicants can lodge their application online through the Department of Home Affairs website.
- Medical Examinations: Applicants may be required to undergo a medical examination as part of their visa application process.
- Wait for the outcome: It may take several months to process the visa, and applicants may be contacted for further information or clarification during this period.
- Final decision: Once the visa has been processed, applicants will be notified of the outcome of their application.
- Activate the visa: If the visa is granted, the applicant will need to activate the visa before a specified date and commence living and working in the designated regional area of Australia.
Point-Based System - Skilled Work Regional Visa (Subclass 491)
The Australia Skilled Independent visa subclass 189 points-based system is used to assess the eligibility of individuals who wish to apply for this visa subclass. The points test system is based on various factors, including age, education, language proficiency, work experience, and other factors.
The following point table shows how points are allocated to each category:
1. Age: Points are awarded based on the following age groups:
– 18 to 24 years old: 25 points
– 25 to 32 years old: 30 points
– 33 to 39 years old: 25 points
– 40 to 44 years old: 15 points
2. English Language Proficiency: Points are awarded based on the individual’s English language proficiency level. Points distribution in this category is as follows:
– Superior: 20 points
– Proficient: 10 points
– Competent: 0 points
3. Skilled Employment: Points are awarded based on the person’s employment experience in their nominated skilled occupation over the past ten years. Points distribution in this category is as follows:
– At least 8 to 10 years of experience in their skilled occupation: 20 points
– At least 5 to 7 years of experience in their skilled occupation: 15 points
– At least 3 to 4 years of experience in their skilled occupation: 10 points
– At least 1 to 2 years of experience in their skilled occupation: 5 points
4. Qualifications: Points are awarded based on the individual’s highest educational qualification achieved. Points distribution in this category is as follows:
– Doctorate/Ph.D. degree: 20 points
– Bachelor’s or Master’s degree: 15 points
– Diploma or Trade Qualification (offered by an Australian college or institution): 10 points
5. Other factors: Other factors, such as state or territorial sponsorship, partner skill qualifications, and professional year completion in Australia, may also attract additional points.
Frequently asked Questions
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What is the Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Visa Subclass 491?
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What are the requirements for Subclass 491?
The basic requirements for Subclass 491 include being under 45, meeting the minimum English language requirements, having a relevant skills assessment in a nominated occupation, and scoring at least 65 points in the points test.
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What is the validity period of Subclass 491?
The Subclass 491 visa is valid for up to five years from the grant date.
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Can I include family members in my Subclass 491 visa application?
You can include your partner and dependent children in your visa application.
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Can I travel outside of Australia on Subclass 491 visa?
Yes, you can travel outside Australia as much as you want while holding a Subclass 491 visa. However, having a valid visa to re-enter Australia would be best.
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Can I apply for permanent residency through Subclass 491?
Yes, the Subclass 491 visa is a pathway to permanent residency under the Skilled Regional (Permanent) visa (subclass 191), which is expected to be available in November 2022. To be eligible for this permanent visa, visa holders must have lived and worked in a designated regional area in Australia for at least three years.
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How long does it take to process Subclass 491 visa?
The processing time varies depending on the individual circumstances of the applicant. However, according to the Department of Home Affairs, the current processing time for Subclass 491 visas is between 7 to 9 months.
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What is the difference between Subclass 491 and Subclass 190?
Both the Subclass 491 and Subclass 190 visas are skilled migration visas that require points testing and occupation eligibility. However, Subclass 190 is a state-nominated visa that allows visa holders to live and work anywhere in Australia. At the same time, Subclass 491 is a regionally sponsored visa that requires the visa holder to live and work in a designated regional area of Australia.
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Can I apply for Subclass 491 if I have never been to Australia?
Yes, you can apply for Subclass 491 even if you have never been to Australia. However, you must meet all the eligibility requirements, including having a relevant skills assessment, meeting the English language requirements, and scoring at least 65 points on the points test.
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Can I change my nominated occupation after I have submitted my Subclass 491 visa application?
No, you cannot change your nominated occupation after you have submitted your Subclass 491 visa application. However, you can submit a new visa application with a different nominated occupation if you are eligible.
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Can I include my parents in my Subclass 491 visa application?
No, you cannot include your parents in your Subclass 491 visa application. However, you can apply for a separate visa for your parents, such as a Visitor visa or Parent visa.
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Do I need a job offer to apply for Subclass 491?
No, you do not need to have a job offer to apply for Subclass 491. However, having a job offer may give you extra points in the points test if it is in a relevant occupation.
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Can I apply for Subclass 491 if I have dependents who do not meet the age requirements?
Yes, you can include dependents who do not meet the age requirements in your Subclass 491 visa application as long as they meet all other eligibility requirements.
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Can I apply for Subclass 491 if I have a criminal record?
Having a criminal record may affect your eligibility for Subclass 491, depending on the nature and severity of the offense. You must declare your criminal history in your visa application and provide relevant documentation.
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How much does Subclass 491 visa cost?
he cost of a Subclass 491 visa is AUD 4,045 for the primary applicant. Additional fees may apply for dependents included in the visa application.
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