Summary of the 491 visa:
- 15,000 places allocated each year
- be on the 491 occupations list
- Replaces 489 family and state sponsored visas
- Must be sponsored by an eligible relative or state authority
- Points tested
- Visa will be granted for initially 5 years
- Must live and work for 3 years in regional areas to get Permanent Residence (Skilled Regional) 191 Visa
What is a 491 visa?
491 Visa enables skilled workers and their families to live, work and study in designated regional areas of Australia. The Skilled Work Regional Visa – Subclass 491 replaces the 489 visa on the 16th of November 2019.
How long can you work on a 491 visa Australia?
491 visa in Australia (subclass 491 Skilled work Regional Provisional visa), you can sojourn in Australia for up to a duration of 5 years. You can be, work, and educate yourself in the designated regional part of Australia. The designated regional area can be any part of the country except for Sydney, Gold Coast, Melbourne, Brisbane and Perth.
What is the Australian skilled work provisional visa subclass 491?
The Australian Skilled Work Provisional Visa Subclass 491 is an excellent route towards permanent residency in the country, with those who have been living and working on the visa in regional Australia often becoming eligible for the 191 Visa after three years.
Is 491 a permanent visa?
Is the 491 visa permanent? The 491 visa is a temporary or provisional visa. However if you work in the area for 3 years you may be able to transition onto the permanent 191 visa.
Can you get PR after 491 visa?
To apply for the Permanent Residence (Skilled Regional) visa (subclass 191) you must have held an eligible visa (491 or 494) for at least 3 years, have had a taxable income at or above the income threshold ($53,900/year) for at least 3 years, and all applicants must have complied with the conditions of their visa.
What are the benefits of 491 visa?
The subclass 491 visa entitles visa holders, together with their families to live, work and study in designated regional areas of Australia. It also provides a multiple re-entry facility to travel in and out of Australia as often as you like within the visa validity period.
Who is eligible for a 491 visa?
The new 491 visa, Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) subclass 491 visa will enable eligible skilled workers and their families to live, work and study in designated regional areas of Australia for 5 years. Visa holders will be eligible to apply for a Permanent Residence visa after three years.
Is 491 a good visa?
The 491 visa comes with a lot of benefits including: The applicant can stay in Australia for 5 years from the date visa has been granted. The applicant is allowed to live, work and study in a designated region of Australia. You can travel to and from Australia as many times as you want, while the visa is valid.
How long is 491 visa valid?
5 yearsThe subclass 491 visa is for skilled people nominated by a state or territory government or sponsored by an eligible relative to live and work in regional Australia. The visa is valid for 5 years and you may travel to and from Australia as many times as you want while the visa is valid.
How do I convert my 491 visa to PR?
Subclass 491 visa is for five years, however, you can apply for PR SC 191 visa provided you meet the criteria. Subclass 191 can be applied after meeting conditions such as: Live, study or work in a regional area for three years while you are holding a 491 visa. Show annual salary of at least $53,900 for 3 year.
Is 190 or 491 visa better?
Just like the 190 visa, the 491 visa requires a State or Territory Nomination, but the major difference between these 2 visas is that the 491 visa is a temporary visa with a 5 year of validity.
Which state is best for 491 visa?
NSW is the most popular state in skilled migration programs and employer sponsorship, making it highly competitive. Speaking of skilled visas 491 and 190, you do not need to be working in your nominated occupation to be eligible for the 190 visas or 491 visas.
How much does 491 visa cost?
GOVERNMENT CHARGESNOTESThe Skilled 189 and 190 , 491, 494AU$ 4,240Fee for Main visa applicant.The Skilled 489, 189 and 190 , 491, 494AUS $2,120Fee for Spouse of the Main visa applicant.The Skilled 489, 189 and 190 , 491, 494AUS $1060This fee is per child of the Main visa applicant.OTHER COSTS (if Applicable)NOTES5 more rows
How long does a 491 visa take?
This visa application enjoys priority processing by Australia's Department of Home Affairs, which means the average processing time is between 5 to 7 weeks from the visa application!
How many points is a 491 visa?
65 pointsApplying for a 491 (Provisional) Visa You must score a minimum of 65 points to be invited to apply, however, invitations are often issued to applicants with more than 65 points.
Is 190 or 491 visa better?
Both the Subclass 189 and 190 are applications for permanent residency while the Subclass 491 visa is a 5-year temporary visa, allowing for permanency after a minimum of 3 years. The Skilled Migration Australia Programme does not require a nomination or sponsorship from an Australian employer.
Can 491 visa holder move to another state?
As the holder of a 491 visa there is no condition attached that forces you to stay in the DRA you were sponsored in. You are free to move around and live in any DRA of Australia. There is no legal obligation for you to remain in the area which sponsored you for the 491 grant.
Which state is best for 491 visa?
NSW is the most popular state in skilled migration programs and employer sponsorship, making it highly competitive. Speaking of skilled visas 491 and 190, you do not need to be working in your nominated occupation to be eligible for the 190 visas or 491 visas.
Can 491 visa holder travel overseas?
With 491 Visa it allows you to do the following things: You can travel overseas during the valid visa period. You can live, study and work in designated regional areas of regional Australia.
What is a Subclass 491 visa?
The new skilled work regional 491 visa((Subclass 491 Visa) is a provisional visa that enables all skilled workers to live, pursue education, and wo...
What are the eligibility criteria for applying for a 491 visa?
For becoming eligible for a 491 visa, you need to meet the following criteria: Need to have a minimum of 65 points Need to be a Resident of Austral...
How many points do you need to apply for the 491 visas?
Getting a minimum of 65 points is the eligibility criteria for getting invites for the application process. Scoring more points gives you an upper...
How to earn 65 points?
As mentioned above, for immigrating, you need to earn 65 points on Australia’s points test system. Read on to know more
What are the documents required for visa subclass 491?
You need to provide all the supporting documents for the information provided in your EOI: Passport Police Clearance Certificate Marriage certifica...
What is the total expense involved in the application for visa 491?
The Skilled work Regional visa subclass 491 has an application cost of AUD 4045 for the primary applicant. For each subsequent entrant of eligible...
What is the processing time for visa subclass 491?
There is no specific time for processing the application of visa 491. But the regional application processes are given more priority.
How to apply for the Regional skilled visa subclass 491?
There are multiple steps involved in applying for a subclass 491 visa starting right from checking if your occupation is a part of the Skilled Occu...
How long can you stay with visa subclass 491?
You can stay for 5years with a visa in subclass 491 in Australia. There is no extension given to the Skilled Regional visa. However, after the 3rd...
What are the benefits of being a permanent resident of Australia?
Here’s a list of benefits you get after becoming an Australian citizen: A life-long opportunity of living and earning a livelihood in Australia. Pu...
What is a 491 visa?
491 Visa enables skilled workers and their families to live, work and study in designated regional areas of Australia.
How long is a 491 visa?
The 491 is a five-year visa. This visa may allow you to apply for the permanent residence through the Subclass 191 – Permanent Residence (Skilled Regional). In order to apply for the permanent visa you will need to meet the following requirements:
How long does it take to apply for a subclass 491 visa?
After receiving an invitation to apply for the visa from the DIBP, you will have 60 days to lodge a visa application. Without an invitation you are not eligible to apply.
How long does it take to get a visa from the DIBP?
After receiving an invitation to apply for the visa from the DIBP, you will have 60 days to lodge a visa application. Without an invitation you are not eligible to apply.
How many points do you need for a 491 visa?
Like any General Skilled Migration visa, the 491 is a points-tested. This means that you will need to submit an EOI and total at least 65 points. On the EOI you will receive points for things like: Your Age. Your Education Qualifications.
How much do you have to earn to get a 191 visa?
If you want to move onto the permanent 191 visa you or your partner must earn at least $53,900 annually for three years. If your partner earns more than $53,900 they can be the main applicant for the 191 visa.
What do you need to state on an Expression of Interest?
On the Expression of Interest you will need to state if you intend to work in any state or regional area. The visa holder will apply to be nominated to work in a profession that is listed on the State or Regional Occupation List. If there is a shortage of individuals skilled to work in that particular profession, the State or regional area may choose to nominate a visa holder to fill these roles.
How long can you stay in Australia with a 491 visa?
Visa holders will be eligible to apply for a Permanent Residence visa after three years . Applicants for this visa must be nominated by:
What is the age limit for a 491 visa?
The 491 visa is a skilled and a points tested visa . It has a 45 year age limit and requires a positive skills assessment.
How long do you have to be in subclass 191?
Subclass 191 Permanent Residence (Skilled Regional): To meet the requirements of the permanent visa (from November 2022) applicants must have held a subclass 491 or 494 visa for at least 3 years, have complied with the conditions on that visa and have met minimum taxable income requirements. You must show earnings of at least $53,900 per annum ...
When will the skilled migration points test change?
The changes will affect subclass 491 applicants as well as applications for other skilled migration visas that have not been assessed at that time (but only in a way that is beneficial for applicants, by providing additional points). Other points for age, qualifications, overseas and Australian work experience, Australian study and English points will apply. The new points details are:
How long do you have to live in regional areas to get a 191 visa?
Must live and work for 3 years in regional areas to get Permanent Residence (Skilled Regional) 191 Visa
What happens if you are nominated for a visa?
If you are nominated for the visa, we will invite you to apply. All state and territory government agencies have their own criteria for deciding who they will nominate. Each state has its own requirements:
How many points do you need to be a state or territory to live in Australia?
15 points for nomination by a State or Territory government agency or sponsorship by a family member residing in regional Australia, to live and work in regional Australia;
What is a 491 visa?
The skilled regional visa 491 has an additional family component that can be added to the application. A subsequent entrant visa is for immediate family members or relatives of the individuals with a skilled work (provisional) regional visa.
How long does a visa last in 491?
If your visa is in subclass 491, then you will get three years for permanent visa application. If your permission is in subclass 489, you will get two years for the PR visa application.
What are the documents required for visa subclass 491?
You need to provide all the supporting documents for the information provided in your EOI:
What is the total expense involved in the application for visa 491?
The Skilled work Regional visa subclass 491 has an application cost of AUD 4115 for the primary applicant. For each subsequent entrant of eligible family members, there is a separate cost involved.
What is the processing time for visa subclass 491?
There is no specific time for processing the application of visa 491. But the regional application processes are given more priority.
How long does it take to get a visa for 489?
Visa subclass 489 usually has a processing time of 4-9 months. There is no standard time which has been set yet for processing in a visa subclass 491.
Do you need a substantive visa for a 491?
Besides being a family component of an individual with visa 491, when the application is lodged, they must hold a substantive visa or a Bridging visa.
How long can a 491 visa last?
The 491 visa allows skilled workers live in a regional area of Australia for up to five years.
How old do you have to be to get a visa?
AGE. You must be aged under 45 to be invited to apply for the visa, meaning, you can still apply for the visa if you turn 45 after receiving the invitation. HEALTH & CHARACTER. You must meet the health & character requirements.
How old do you have to be to apply for a visa?
Age. You must be aged under 45 to be invited to apply for the visa, meaning, you can still apply for the visa if you turn 45 after receiving the invitation. If you turn 45 after submitting your EOI and you haven’t received an invitation, you will not one. Skill Assessment.
How many points do you need to apply for a visa?
You must lodge an Expression of Interest (EOI) and be invited to apply for this visa. You must score a minimum of 65 points to be invited to apply, however, invitations are often issued to applicants with more than 65 points. The most recent invitation round outlines the point scores which attracted invitations.
Do you have to meet the points score eligibility to apply for a visa?
You must meet the points score eligibility at the time you are invited to apply for the visa.
Is professional fee included in visa application?
This fee estimator will calculate your visa and nomination application charges. Professional fee not included.
Do you have to speak English to get a visa?
You must have at least Competent English to apply for this visa.
Benefits of Subclass 491 Visa
Below are the benefits of the skilled work regional (provisional) visa (subclass 491) .
Subclass 491 Visa Requirements
Here are the key requirements for obtaining the subclass 491 visa in Australia:
How to Apply for Australian Visa Subclass 491
The Australian visa subclass 491 application involves numerous steps including the following:
Who Can Apply For A 491 Visa In Australia?
The all-new Skilled Work Regional 491 Provisional Subclass visa enables eligible workers to live, study, and work along with their families in Australia’s regional areas for 5 years. These visa holders can also apply for PR i.e. Permanent Residency visa post three years. The applicants of this visa must have the following qualifications:
Ranking systems for an invitation to apply for a 491 visa Australia
1. Applicants who have a partner or with a skilled person. 2. Applicants who have partners demonstrating competent English (but do not have skills for skill tests). 3. Applicants who lack both skilled partner points and competent English.
FAQs
Yes, the Australia 491 visa is open as it replaces the old 489 visas. Visa 491 allows you to stay in any region of Australia for five years. It permits the visa holder to enter Australia several times within those five years i.e. till it is valid.
Step 1: Check the skilled occupations list
Check to see if your chosen career is included in the Australian Government's annual Skilled Occupation List.
Step 2: Conduct Skill assessment
Have your skills assessed by the appropriate Australian organizations.
Step 3: Calculate your points
For visa applications, the Australian government uses a points system. To receive an invitation, you must achieve a minimum score of 65 points on these examinations.
Step 4: Submit an Expression of Interest
Apply via Skill Select to submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) to the Department of Home Affairs. Skill Select thoroughly evaluates those 65 points before allowing you to begin applying.
Step 5: Submit supporting documentation
Following the acceptance of your EOI, the Department of Home Affairs invites to apply for candidacy. You have 60 days to submit your supporting documents. It is preferable to gather your supporting documents ahead of time.
Step 6: Track the progress of your application
You will receive an e-mail after your application has been received. You then have to login to your Immi Account to monitor the status of your application.
Step 7: Obtain your Visa
Expect to get an email with your visa grant number, start date, and visa terms and conditions after your visa is accepted.
How Can I Get PR after 491 Visa?
You can apply for PR in Australia through the Skilled Regional 191 Visa, which will begin on November 16, 2022. The applicant must hold a visa 491 for 3 years before applying for permanent residence.
How Can I Be Eligible for Skilled Work Regional Visa 491?
You can be eligible for a Skilled Work Regional Visa if you meet its requirements. Home Affairs will invite you to apply for visa 491 to satisfy its eligibility criteria.
