Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Visa (Subclass 491)
Explore Your Opportunities with the Skilled Work Regional Visa
Live, Work, and Thrive in Australia's Regional Communities While Building Your Pathway to Permanent Residency
The Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Visa (Subclass 491) serves as a vital opportunity for skilled workers who aspire to contribute to the regional communities of Australia. This temporary visa is specifically designed for those who are nominated by an Australian state or territory government or sponsored by an eligible family member residing in a designated regional area. By allowing holders to live and work in regional Australia for up to five years, this visa facilitates a pathway for skilled workers to support local economies and communities while enriching their own professional experiences.
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Must have an occupation on the relevant skilled occupation list.
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Must have a suitable skills assessment for the occupation.
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Must meet the points test pass mark of 65 points or more.
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Must be under 45 years of age at the time of invitation.
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Must have competent English.
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Must be nominated by an Australian state or territory government or sponsored by an eligible family member living in a designated regional area.
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Must be invited to apply.
Eligibility
What You Can Do When You Hold This Visa
The Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Visa (Subclass 491) presents numerous advantages for skilled workers and their families:
Visa holders have the opportunity to live, work, and study in designated regional areas of Australia for up to five years, experiencing a unique lifestyle and contributing to the local economy.
While the visa is valid, holders can travel to and from Australia as often as they wish, allowing for personal connections with friends and family abroad while maintaining their residency status.
The Subclass 491 Visa also serves as a pathway to permanent residency through the Permanent Residence (Skilled Regional) Visa (Subclass 191), provided applicants meet specific eligibility criteria during their stay in regional Australia.
Advantages of the Subclass 491 Visa
The Subclass 491 (Skilled Work Regional) visa is a provisional visa that offers significant benefits to skilled professionals willing to live and work in designated regional areas of Australia. This visa is designed to address the workforce needs of regional areas by encouraging migrants to settle outside of major urban centers.
- Regional Pathway to Permanent Residency: The Subclass 491 visa allows you to live, work, and study in a regional area of Australia for up to five years. After meeting certain conditions, including living and working in a designated regional area for at least three years, you may be eligible to apply for permanent residency through the Subclass 191 visa.
- Extended Validity: Unlike the Subclass 190 visa, which grants permanent residency immediately, the Subclass 491 visa is a provisional visa that offers a pathway to permanent residency after fulfilling specific regional work and residency requirements.
- Family Members Included: You can include eligible family members, such as your partner and dependent children, in your visa application. They will enjoy the same rights to live, work, and study in regional Australia.
- State or Territory Focus: The Subclass 491 visa is ideal for individuals who are willing to live and work in a regional area where their skills are in demand. Regional Australia offers various incentives for skilled migrants, such as additional points towards visa eligibility and state or territory nomination.
- Travel Flexibility: The visa allows you to travel in and out of Australia freely while it remains valid. During the five-year visa period, you can travel internationally as often as you like.
Pathway to Australian Citizenship: While the Subclass 491 is a provisional visa, after transitioning to permanent residency, you may be eligible to apply for Australian citizenship after meeting the necessary residency and eligibility requirements.
Points-Based System
The Subclass 491 visa, like other skilled visas, operates on a points-based system, with applicants being awarded points based on the following criteria:
- Age: Maximum points are awarded to applicants aged 25-32.
- English Proficiency: Points are awarded based on standardized English tests such as IELTS, PTE, or TOEFL.
- Work Experience: Points are awarded for relevant skilled work experience both in Australia and overseas.
- Educational Qualifications: Higher degrees such as a bachelor’s, master’s, or PhD earn additional points.
- Partner Skills and Regional Study: Extra points can be earned if your partner meets certain criteria, or if you have completed a degree in a regional area of Australia.
- State or Territory Nomination: You will earn 15 additional points for being nominated by a state or territory government.
Skilled Occupation List
To be eligible for the Subclass 491 visa, your occupation must be on the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL), the Short-term Skilled Occupation List (STSOL), or a State/Territory Skilled Occupation List. Each state and territory in Australia may have specific occupations they prioritize to meet regional labor shortages. It is important to ensure that your skills are in demand in the region you are applying for.
Who Should Consider the Subclass 491 Visa
The Subclass 491 visa is an excellent option for skilled professionals who:
- Have skills that are in demand in a designated regional area.
- Are willing to live and work in a regional part of Australia for at least three years before applying for permanent residency.
- Want to benefit from additional points awarded for regional study or work.
- Prefer a structured visa that offers a clear pathway to permanent residency after fulfilling specific conditions.
This visa is perfect for individuals seeking long-term opportunities in regional Australia, with the added benefit of state or territory nomination and a pathway to permanent residency.