🇦🇺 491 Skilled Regional Visa and Permanent Residency in Australia – Immigration Process

The 491 Skilled Regional Visa is a key immigration pathway for skilled workers looking to live and work in regional Australia. This visa offers a temporary residence status with a clear pathway to permanent residency (PR). Understanding the application process, eligibility, and transition to PR is crucial for a smooth migration journey.

What is the 491 Skilled Regional Visa?

The Subclass 491 Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Visa is designed for skilled workers who want to live in designated regional areas of Australia. It allows visa holders to stay and work in Australia for five years, with a PR pathway after three years.

Key Features of the 491 Visa

• Valid for 5 years with work and study rights in regional Australia.
• Leads to Permanent Residency through the Subclass 191 Permanent Residence (Skilled Regional) Visa.
• Requires either state/territory nomination or sponsorship by an eligible relative.
• Applicants must meet points test requirements.
• Access to Medicare, Australia’s public healthcare system.

Eligibility Requirements for the 491 Visa

To qualify for the 491 visa, applicants must meet the following criteria:

1. Occupation on the Skilled Occupation List – Your profession must be on the Skilled Occupation List.
2. State or Family Sponsorship – You need nomination from an Australian state/territory or sponsorship from a qualified family member residing in a designated regional area.
3. Skills Assessment – Obtain a positive skills assessment from the relevant assessing authority.
4. Points Test – Score at least 65 points based on age, work experience, education, and English proficiency. Check your eligibility using the Points Calculator.
5. Age Limit – Must be under 45 years old at the time of application.
6. English Proficiency – Provide an acceptable English test result (IELTS, PTE, TOEFL, or Cambridge).
7. Health and Character Requirements – Meet Australia’s medical and police clearance standards.

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Application Process for the 491 Visa

Step 1: Check Your Occupation & Skills Assessment

Ensure your occupation is on the Skilled Occupation List and obtain a positive skills assessment from the relevant authority. Each profession has a designated assessing body.

Step 2: Submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) via SkillSelect

Lodge an Expression of Interest (EOI) through SkillSelect and wait for an invitation to apply. States and territories review EOIs before nominating applicants.

Step 3: Get a State Nomination or Family Sponsorship

• If applying for state nomination, check the eligibility criteria for your preferred Australian state or territory. Each has its own occupation lists and requirements.
• If sponsored by an eligible relative, they must be an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen living in a regional area.

Step 4: Receive an Invitation and Lodge Your Visa Application

Once nominated, you will receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA). You must submit your application within 60 days via ImmiAccount.

Step 5: Submit Documents & Health Checks

Upload all required documents, including:

• Skills assessment result
• English test score
• Health and police clearance certificates
• Proof of sponsorship or nomination

Step 6: Wait for Visa Grant

The Department of Home Affairs will assess your application, which can take several months. Processing times depend on demand and individual circumstances.

Pathway to Permanent Residency (PR) via Subclass 191

After holding the 491 visa for three years, you can apply for PR through the Subclass 191 Permanent Residence (Skilled Regional) Visa. Requirements include:

• Lived and worked in a regional area for at least three years.
• Earned a minimum taxable income of $53,900 per year for three years.
• Complied with all visa conditions.

The Subclass 191 visa grants full permanent residency, allowing unrestricted work and study rights in Australia.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I move to a different region on a 491 visa?

No, you must live and work in a designated regional area as per your visa conditions.

2. Can my family accompany me on a 491 visa?

Yes, you can include eligible family members, such as your spouse and dependent children, in your application.

3. Is the 491 visa a permanent visa?

No, but it provides a direct pathway to PR via the Subclass 191 visa after three years.

4. How long does it take to get a 491 visa?

Processing times vary but can range from 6 to 12 months, depending on your occupation and nomination status.

5. Do I need a job offer for a 491 visa?

A job offer is not always required, but some states may prioritize applicants with employment offers.

Final Thoughts

The 491 Skilled Regional Visa is a great opportunity for skilled workers seeking Australian permanent residency through regional migration. By fulfilling visa requirements and meeting the Subclass 191 PR criteria, applicants can achieve long-term settlement in Australia.

To begin your journey, check eligibility, secure a state nomination or family sponsorship, and submit your EOI through SkillSelect. For full details, visit the Department of Home Affairs website.

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