Skilled Work Regional Provisional Visa (Subclass 491)

Unlock your future in Australia’s regional areas with the Skilled Work Regional Provisional Visa (Subclass 491). This visa is designed to attract skilled workers and their families to live, work, and study in designated regional areas of Australia, providing a pathway to permanent residency.

Overview of the Subclass 491 Visa

The Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Visa (Subclass 491) is a points-tested visa for skilled workers who are nominated by an Australian state/territory government or sponsored by an eligible family member living in a designated regional area.

This visa allows you to:

• Live, work, and study in designated regional areas for up to 5 years.
• Travel in and out of Australia freely while the visa is valid.
• Apply for permanent residency through the Subclass 191 Visa after meeting eligibility requirements.

Eligibility Criteria

To apply for the Subclass 491 visa, you must meet the following requirements:

1. Skill Assessment:
   • Your occupation must be on the relevant skilled occupation list.
   • You must have a positive skills assessment for your nominated occupation.
2. Age Limit:
   • You must be under 45 years of age at the time of invitation.
3. English Language Proficiency:
   • You must demonstrate competent English or higher (e.g., IELTS, PTE, or TOEFL scores).
4. Nomination or Sponsorship:
   • You must be nominated by an Australian state/territory government or sponsored by an eligible family member residing in a designated regional area.
5. Points Test:
   • Achieve at least 65 points on the points test, with factors such as age, qualifications, work experience, and English proficiency contributing to your score.
6. Health and Character Requirements:
   • Meet Australia’s health and character requirements.

Designated Regional Areas

Designated regional areas include all of Australia except:

• Sydney
• Melbourne
• Brisbane

Living and working in these areas offers additional points and benefits for skilled migrants.

Key Benefits of the Subclass 491 Visa

• Work and Study: Access employment and educational opportunities in regional Australia.
• Pathway to Permanent Residency: Apply for permanent residency through the Subclass 191 visa after 3 years of meeting income and residency requirements.
• Increased Points: Gain an additional 15 points for regional nomination or family sponsorship.
• Family Inclusion: Include immediate family members (spouse and dependent children) in your application.

Application Process

1. Check Eligibility: Ensure your occupation is on the relevant list and gather required documents.
2. Submit Expression of Interest (EOI): Lodge an EOI through the SkillSelect system.
3. Receive Invitation: Obtain an invitation to apply from the Department of Home Affairs or a state/territory government.
4. Apply for the Visa: Submit your visa application with all required documentation and fees.
5. Wait for Decision: Processing times may vary, but you can expect updates on your application status.

Costs and Processing Times

Fee	Amount (AUD)
Primary Applicant	4,640
Additional Applicant (18 and over)	2,320
Additional Applicant (under 18)	1,160

 

Processing Time	Duration
75% of applications processed	16 months
90% of applications processed	22 months

Pathway to Permanent Residency

After holding the Subclass 491 visa, you can apply for the Skilled Regional Permanent Residence Visa (Subclass 191) if you meet these requirements:

• Live and work in a designated regional area for 3 years.
• Earn at least the minimum taxable income threshold for 3 years.

Why Choose the Subclass 491 Visa?

• Regional Lifestyle: Enjoy the benefits of living in Australia’s picturesque and less crowded regional areas.
• Increased Job Opportunities: Regional areas have a growing demand for skilled workers across multiple industries.
• Faster PR Pathway: This visa provides a structured pathway to permanent residency.

How Can Bansal Immigration Consultants Help?

Navigating the Subclass 491 visa process can be challenging, but we’re here to help. Our experts provide:

• Comprehensive eligibility assessments.
• Assistance with skills assessments and EOIs.
• Guidance on state/territory nominations and family sponsorships.
• End-to-end visa application support.

Contact us today to begin your journey toward living and working in regional Australia!