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Skilled Work Regional (Provisional)

Visa Subclass 491

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Are you looking for the best visa assistance for your Visa Subclass 491? Get your skilled work regional (provisional) visa Subclass 491 without any complication through Stepping Stones Career Solutions. As a provisional visa, Subclass 491 provides temporary residency with a clear pathway to permanent residency through the Subclass 191 Visa, provided certain conditions are met.

Subclass 491 Overview

The skilled work regional provisional visa subclass 491 is a crucial pathway for skilled workers seeking to live and work in regional Australia. Designed to address regional skill shortages, this visa allows eligible individuals and their families to contribute to the economic growth of Australia’s regional areas while enjoying the benefits of a vibrant and diverse lifestyle.

Visa Subclass 491 Eligibility

To apply for the Subclass 491 Visa, applicants must meet the following requirements

Skilled Occupation

  • The applicant’s nominated occupation must be listed on the relevant Skilled Occupation List.
  • A positive skills assessment for the nominated occupation is mandatory.

Nomination or Sponsorship

  • Applicants must be nominated by a state or territory government or sponsored by an eligible relative residing in a designated regional area.

Points Test

  • Applicants must score a minimum of 65 points under the General Skilled Migration (GSM) points test. Factors considered include age, English language proficiency, work experience, education, and more.

English Language Requirement

  • Applicants must demonstrate competent English proficiency (e.g., through tests like IELTS, PTE, or TOEFL).

Health and Character Requirements

  • Applicants and family members must meet Australia’s health and character standards.

Age Limit

  • Applicants must be under 45 years of age at the time of invitation

Major Benefits of Subclass 491 Visa

  • Duration: The visa is valid for five years.
  • Regional Living Requirement: Visa holders must live, work, and study in a designated regional area of Australia.
  • Pathway to Permanent Residency: After three years of meeting income and residency requirements, visa holders can apply for permanent residency through the Subclass 191 Visa.
  • Work Flexibility: Visa holders can work in any occupation and for any employer within the designated regional area.
  • Family Inclusion: Eligible family members can be included in the application.
  • Medicare Access:Visa holders gain access to Australia’s public healthcare system, Medicare

Visa Subclass 491 Application Process

  • Expression of Interest (EOI)
  • Submit an EOI through SkillSelect, outlining your skills, qualifications, and experience.
  • State Nomination or Sponsorship
  • Apply for state nomination or seek sponsorship from an eligible relative.
  • Invitation to Apply
  • Once nominated or sponsored, receive an invitation to apply for the Subclass 491 Visa.
  • Lodging the Visa Application
  • Submit your visa application online with all required documents, including proof of skills assessment, nomination, sponsorship, English language test results, and other relevant information.
  • Visa Outcome
  • Await a decision from the Department of Home Affairs. Processing times may vary.

Subclass 491 Visa Streams/Types

Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Visa-Main Applicant

  • This visa is designed for skilled professionals seeking to live and work in regional Australia.

Key Features

  • Duration: Stay in Australia for up to 5 years.
  • Location: Reside, work, and study in a designated regional area.
  • Flexibility: Enjoy unlimited travel to and from Australia while your visa remains valid.
  • Pathway to Permanent Residency: Become eligible to apply for permanent residence after 3 years from the date your visa is granted.

Cost

  • Starting from AUD 4,770.

Designated Regional Areas

  • Regional areas are defined as locations outside Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane. These regions offer excellent opportunities for employment, education, and a balanced lifestyle. Specific regional areas are categorized into Category 2 (Cities and Major Regional Centres) and Category 3 (Regional Areas and Other Locations).

Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Visa Subsequent entrant

  • This visa is designed for family members of individuals holding a Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa (subclass 491).

Eligibility

  • You must be a member of the family unit of a current subclass 491 visa holder.

Duration of Stay

  • Your visa will remain valid until the expiration of your family member’s subclass 491 visa.

Cost

  • Starting from AUD 4,770.

Subclass 491 Processing Time

  • The processing time for the Subclass 491 visa, also known as the Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa, varies based on individual circumstances and the completeness of the application. As of December 2024, the general 491 subclass visa processing times are as follows:

Points Tested Stream (Main Applicant)

  • 25% of applications: 6 months
  • 50% of applications: 11 months
  • 75% of applications: 16 months
  • 90% of applications: 17 months

Points Tested Stream (Subsequent Entrant)

  • 25% of applications: 5 months
  • 50% of applications: 12 months
  • 75% of applications: 15 months
  • 90% of applications: 20 months

Subclass 491 Points

  • Under the SkillSelect framework, the Department of Home Affairs extends invitations to skilled professionals to apply for the Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa (subclass 491). These invitations are based on the details provided in their Expression of Interest (EOI) submitted through SkillSelect. To be eligible, applicants must meet the majority of the points test criteria at the time the invitation is issued.
  • Age: You can earn up to 30 points, with the highest points awarded to applicants aged between 25 and 32.
  • English Proficiency: If you demonstrate a superior level of English, you can gain up to 20 points.
  • Skilled Employment Experience: Points are awarded based on your work experience:
  • 3.1 Up to 20 points for experience gained in Australia.
  • 3.2 Up to 15 points for experience gained outside Australia.
  • Educational Qualifications: You can earn up to 20 points, with the maximum awarded for holding a doctorate.
  • Australian Study Requirements: Completing eligible qualifications in Australia can earn you up to 5 points.
  • Specialist Education Qualification:Postgraduate degrees in specific fields can add 10 points to your total.
  • Partner Skills: Depending on your partner's skills or English proficiency, you may gain up to 10 points.
  • Nomination or Sponsorship: Receiving state or territory nomination, or family sponsorship under subclass 491, adds 15 points to your score.

Why Choose Stepping Stones Careers Solutions?

  • Navigating the complexities of the Subclass 491 Visa can be challenging, but that’s where Stepping Stones Careers Solutions comes in. As a trusted visa and immigration assistance provider in Melbourne, we offer:
  • Expert Guidance: Our team of experienced migration consultants ensures you understand every step of the process.
  • Tailored Solutions: We customize our services to meet your unique needs and circumstances.
  • Comprehensive Support: From skills assessments to visa application lodgment, we’re with you every step of the way.
  • Up-to-Date Advice: We stay informed about the latest immigration policies and updates to provide accurate guidance.

FAQs on Skilled Work Regional Provisional Visa Subclass 491

A temporary visa allowing skilled workers to live and work in designated regional areas of Australia for 5 years.

A relative living in a designated regional area or a state/territory government can sponsor you.

Subclass 189 is a permanent visa without location restrictions; 491 is temporary with regional work and residence conditions.

AUD 4,640 for the main applicant (additional costs for family members).

Yes, or another English test like PTE or TOEFL, to prove competent English proficiency.Yes, or another English test like PTE or TOEFL, to prove competent English proficiency.

No, you must work and live in designated regional areas.

A minimum of 65 points on the points test is required, but higher scores improve your chances.

For Australian Migration We Provide the Best in Class Services

Call: +61 1300 288 472

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We are your trusted partner in migration and visa consultation. With years of experience, we guide overseas students and professionals through course selection, applications, and visa processes, ensuring expert support every step of the way.

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