The new Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) subclass 491 visa offers eligible skilled workers and their families an opportunity to live, work, and study in select parts of Australia for up to 5 years. After 3 years, they can apply for a Permanent Residence visa with the support of either an Australian state or territory government agency or by being sponsored by an eligible family member who resides in a designated regional area after submitting an Expression of Interest through SkillSelect.
491 Visa Application Process
Navigating the General Skilled Migration process doesn’t have to be complicated. If you need help, we’re just a call away – so don’t hesitate to get in touch!
491 Visa Requirements
- Ensure you meet the visa requirements before applying for the visa.
- These include:
- Your occupation is on the State or Regional List and you hold a Positive Skill Assessment
- You are between the ages of 18 and 45
- You have a competent level of English (6 minimum in IELTS or a passport that is approved)
- A Region or State has nominated you for the visa
- You meet the health and character requirements
- You meet the minimum mark in the skilled migration points test – currently 65.
Submit Your Expression of Interest (EOI) – Subclass 491
- It is a points-tested visa, just like any General Skilled Migrant visa. To qualify, you must submit an EOI and a total of at least 65 points. A number of factors will be considered in the EOI, including:
- Your Age
- Qualifications in education
- Level of English
- Work Experience
- Status of your relationship
- Nomination by Region
- Among many others,
- An additional 15 points will be added if you receive a regional nomination. Take the points test to find out what your points are.
Receive Regional Nomination
Aside from accumulating the required number of points, you must also be nominated by:
An Australian state or territory that is designated as a regional area,
A member of the family residing in a designated regional area of Australia
You will need to indicate in your Expression of Interest whether you intend to work in any state or region. Applicants will be nominated to work in a profession on the State or Regional Occupation List. State or regional areas may choose to nominate visa holders to fill positions if there is a shortage of individuals skilled in that particular profession.
There are different nomination requirements for each state and region. In some states and regions, you may be required to submit a separate application after submitting an expression of interest. In some states and regions, applications are not accepted and you will only be invited to apply. Visa applications cannot be submitted if you do not receive an invitation to apply for state nomination.
You may find it helpful to review the websites listed below to determine which professions are required and the requirements for regional nomination.
Wait for the invitation
After submitting the State or Region Nomination Application, you will need to wait for an invitation to apply.
Visa application For Subclass 491
After receiving an invitation to apply for the visa, you may submit the visa application through your immigration portal (or the immigration portal of your migration agent).
After receiving an invitation to apply for the visa, you will be able to submit the application through your immigration portal (or that of your migration agent).
In order to make a successful application, you must provide documentation supporting your work experience, education, and personal information.
Visa Application Fee For Subclass 491 visa is $4025.
Can I Apply For Another Visa While On A 491 Subclass 491 Visa?
A Subclass 491 Visa holder cannot apply for certain visas until they have held the visa (and met all its conditions) for a minimum of three years. Among these are the skilled PR visas (189 visa and 190 visa), the business visas (124 visa, 132 visa and 188 visa), the employer nominated PR visa 186 visa and the onshore partner visa (820 visa).
The need to support economic development and population growth in regional areas underpins the requirement to reside and work in a designated regional area.
Book a Migration Consultation with our MARA Registered Migration Agents at Visatasker