The Subclass 491 visa, also known as the Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa, is designed for skilled workers who want to live and work in regional Australia. This visa allows holders to live, work, and study in designated regional areas for up to five years, with a pathway to permanent residency after three years. The visa was introduced on November 16, 2019, to encourage immigration to regional parts of Australia that are looking for economic and population growth.
Eligibility
To be eligible for the Subclass 491 visa, you must meet the following criteria:
Nomination: You must be nominated by a state or territory government agency, or an eligible relative must sponsor you.
Occupation: Your occupation must be on a relevant skilled occupation list.
Skills Assessment: You must have a suitable skills assessment for your occupation.
Invitation to Apply: You must be invited to apply for the visa.
Points Test: You must satisfy the points test by scoring at least 65 points.
Health and Character Requirements: You must meet health and character requirements.
Requirements
In addition to the eligibility criteria, there are specific requirements you need to fulfill:
Age: You must be between 18 and 45 years old.
English Language Proficiency: You must have at least competent English (IELTS score of 6.0 or higher, or equivalent).
Health: You must undergo a medical examination to meet health requirements.
Police Clearance: You must provide police reports to meet character requirements.
Points Test: You must score at least 65 points on the skilled migration points test, which considers factors such as age, English language ability, skilled employment, qualifications, and more.
Medical Check
You will need to undergo a medical examination as part of your visa application. This is to ensure that you meet Australia’s health requirements and do not pose a health risk to the Australian community. If you are in Australia, you can arrange your health examinations through Bupa Medical Visa Services. If you are outside Australia, you must be examined by one of the Department’s approved panel physicians or clinics. The costs of health examinations are paid by you directly to the panel physicians or clinics.
Police Report
You must provide a police report from each country you have lived in for 12 months or more during the past 10 years. The report must be no older than 12 months at the time of your visa application. This is to ensure that you meet Australia’s character requirements and do not have a criminal history that would pose a risk to the Australian community.
English Test Requirement
You must demonstrate your English language proficiency by taking an approved English test. The minimum requirement is competent English, which is an IELTS score of 6.0 or higher in each component (listening, reading, writing, and speaking), or an equivalent score in another approved English language test such as TOEFL iBT, PTE Academic, or OET.
Visa Cost
The Subclass 491 visa application fee is AUD 4,770 for the main applicant. Additional fees may apply for dependent family members included in your application. There may also be other costs associated with your visa application, such as medical examination fees, police clearance certificate fees, and English language test fees.
Main Applicant and Subsequent Entrant
The main applicant is the primary person applying for the Subclass 491 visa. Subsequent entrants are family members of the main applicant who also wish to live, work, and study in regional Australia. Subsequent entrants can include spouses, de facto partners, and dependent children.
To be eligible as a subsequent entrant, you must:
Be a member of the family unit of the main applicant.
Hold a substantive visa or a bridging visa (subclass 010, 020, or 030) if you are in Australia at the time of application.
Have at least functional English or pay a second installment when asked to do so.
Meet the health and character requirements.
Have paid back any debt to the Australian government.
Sign the Australian values statement.
Not have had a visa cancelled or a previous application refused in Australia.
Additional Information
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Pathway to Permanent Residency
Holders of the Subclass 491 visa can apply for the Subclass 191 visa (Permanent Residence (Skilled Regional)) after meeting certain requirements, including:
Living, Working, and Studying: You must have lived, worked, and studied in a designated regional area of Australia for at least three years while holding the Subclass 491 visa.
Income Requirement: You must have earned a minimum taxable income for at least three years.
Health and Character Requirements: You must meet health and character requirements.
Benefits of the Subclass 491 Visa
Work and Study: You can live, work, and study in designated regional areas of Australia.
Pathway to Permanent Residency: After meeting certain requirements, you can apply for permanent residency through the Subclass 191 visa.
Family Inclusion: You can include eligible family members in your application.
Travel: You can travel to and from Australia as many times as you want while your visa is valid.
Designated Regional Areas
Designated regional areas include most of Australia except for major cities like Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane. These areas are specified by the Australian government and are intended to encourage regional development and population growth.
Conclusion
The Subclass 491 visa offers a valuable opportunity for skilled workers to experience life in regional Australia while contributing to local economies. With the pathway to permanent residency, this visa can be an excellent option for those who meet the eligibility criteria and are willing to embrace the adventure of regional living. By ensuring you meet the requirements and preparing thoroughly for your application, you can take a significant step towards your future in Australia.
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