- Migration
- General Skilled Visa
- Skilled Work Regional Visa - Subclass-491
Skilled Work Regional Visa - Subclass-491
The Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa, also known as the subclass 491 visa, is a temporary visa for skilled workers who wish to reside and work in regional areas of Australia for a period of up to five years. To be eligible for this visa, the applicant must be nominated by a state or territory government, or be sponsored by an eligible family member living in a regional area. The visa is point-tested and is only available for occupations listed on the skilled occupation list, and the minimum score required is 65. After working for at least three years in a regional area, the applicant may be eligible to apply for a permanent residency visa. It should be noted that this visa does not permit work or residence in Sydney, Melbourne or Brisbane, but does allow work in the capital of the state in which the applicant is nominated.
Benefits of Subclass 491 Visa
- The applicant can live, work, and study in a designated region of Australia for a period of up to 5 years.
- The applicant can bring their family to live with them in Australia.
- After three years of residing in a regional area of Australia, the visa holder may be eligible to apply for permanent residence.
- The visa holder is allowed to travel to and from Australia as many times as they like while the visa is valid.
- Additional points (15 points) will be granted to those applying for a 491 visa.
Requirements for Subclass 491 Visa
- Must be nominated by a state or territory government agency or have a sponsor who is a suitable relative.
- Must have an occupation on the relevant Skilled Occupation List.
- Must have suitable skill assessment results for the occupation, obtained within the last 3 years before the date of invitation.
- Must be invited to apply for the visa.
- Must pass the points test with a score of 65 or higher.
- Must be under the age of 45 to apply.
- Must have English language proficiency skills at the competent level (IELTS 6.0 Overall or equivalent PTE).)
- Must meet health and character requirements.
Each state and territory government agency has its own set of requirements for different occupations when determining who to nominate as an applicant. However, the basic requirements are consistent across all states and territories, while the specific requirements may vary depending on the occupation and the particular state or territory in question. The list of states and territories that can nominate the applicant is provided below. To learn more about the nomination procedure and requirements, you can get in touch with the organization directly. We advise you to get in touch with a Migration Agent to ease your worries.
- Australian Capital Territory
- New South Wales
- Northern Territory
- Queensland
- South Australia
- Tasmania
- Victoria
- Western Australia
Living and Working in Regional Australia
Once the visa is granted, applicants ought to truly commit to dwelling, operating or reading in a chosen regional vicinity. This responsibility keeps for the duration of the visa length and is critical for later eligibility for permanent residency. Regional areas encompass most of Australia besides main metropolitan cities such as Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane. Applicants should additionally maintain the state and the Department of Home Affairs informed of any adjustments to their situations, together with residential cope with, employment or contact information.
Pathway to Permanent Residency (Subclass 191)
One of the greatest benefits of the 491 visa is that it results in everlasting residency through the Subclass 191 Permanent Residence (Skilled Regional) Visa. To qualify for the 191 visa, you must preserve a 491 visa for at the least three years, stay most effective in nearby regions, and meet the taxable profits requirement for every of the three years as proven through the Australian Taxation Office. This ensures that visa holders really make a contribution to regional groups earlier than becoming eligible for PR.
Documents Required for the Application
When lodging your application, you must provide a full set of documents to the Department of Home Affairs. This consists of identification documents including your passport, start certificates and national ID. You need to also include your valid capabilities evaluation, English check results, nomination or sponsorship evidence, qualification certificates, employment proof and resume. Police clearance certificates and medical examination results are also mandatory and may be requested by the Department at any stage during the application process.
Application Fee and Processing Time
As of 2025, the base application fee for the 491 visa is approximately AUD 4,045 for the main applicant. An additional grownup applicant is charged around AUD 4,890, Applicants must also keep in mind the value of English exams, competencies checks, police exams and health examinations. Processing instances normally vary from 6 to 14 months, depending on the completeness of your files, kingdom nomination timelines and average software workload within the Department.
According to the Department of Home Affairs, processing times for 491 visa applications cannot be determined as each application is assessed on a case-by-case basis. Delays in processing may occur due to various factors.
- Whether all necessary supporting documents have been included in the application.
- The speed at which the applicant responds to any requests for additional information.
- The amount of time required for the Department of Home Affairs to complete necessary checks on the provided supporting information.
- The time frame for receiving additional information from external agencies, specifically in regard to health, character, and national security requirements.
Why Choose Think Higher Consultants?
Think Higher Consultants provides professional steering all through the entire Subclass 491 visa technique, from abilities assessments to nation nomination and final visa lodgment. Our team ensures your files are entire, your points are maximised and your utility aligns flawlessly with country-precise requirements. With a strong track record of successful regional visa applications, we help you navigate every step with confidence. Think Higher Consultants Best Education and Migration Consultants in Australia.