Subclass 491-Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa

Subclass 491

The Subclass 491 visa, known as the Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa, is an Australian visa designed for skilled workers who want to live, work, and study in designated regional areas of Australia. This visa is part of the Australian government’s regional migration program, aimed at encouraging skilled migrants to settle in areas outside of the major cities.

Eligibility Requirements:

• Points Test

The applicant must score at least 65 points on the points test, which assesses factors such as age, English language proficiency, skilled work experience, and qualifications.

• Nomination or Sponsorship

The applicant must be nominated by a state or territory government or sponsored by an eligible family member living in a designated regional area.

• Skills Assessment

The applicant must have a positive skills assessment in a relevant occupation on the skilled occupation list.

• Age Limit

Generally, applicants must be under 45 years of age at the time of invitation, with some exceptions available.

• English Language Proficiency

The applicant must meet the required level of English language proficiency.

• Health and Character

The applicant must meet health and character requirements.

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Key Features:

• Regional Focus : The visa requires applicants to live and work in a designated regional area of Australia, which includes all of Australia except for the major cities of Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane.

• Provisional Visa : The Subclass 491 visa is a temporary visa with a validity of up to 5 years. It provides a pathway to permanent residency through the Subclass 191 visa (Permanent Residence (Skilled Regional)) after meeting specific requirements.

Streams:

• State/Territory Government Nomination Stream:

- For applicants who are nominated by an Australian state or territory government.
- Each state or territory has its own list of occupations in demand and criteria for nomination.

• Family-Sponsored Stream:

- For applicants who are sponsored by an eligible family member who is already living in a designated regional area of Australia.
- The sponsor must be an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen.

Visa Duration:

• The Subclass 491 visa is granted for up to 5 years. Pathway to Permanent Residency:

• After holding the Subclass 491 visa for at least 3 years and meeting income and residency requirements, the visa holder may be eligible to apply for permanent residency through the Subclass 191 visa.

Benefits:

• Live and Work in Regional Australia: The visa allows you to live, work, and study in designated regional areas, helping to spread the population and skills across the country.

• Include Family Members: You can include eligible family members in your application, allowing them to live, work, and study in regional Australia as well.

• Pathway to Permanent Residency: The visa provides a pathway to permanent residency after meeting specific requirements, including living and working in a regional area.

Conditions:

• Regional Requirement: Visa holders must live, work, and study only in designated regional areas of Australia.

• Compliance with Visa Conditions: Holders of the Subclass 491 visa must comply with all visa conditions, including the requirement to notify the Department of Home Affairs of any changes to their situation.

The Subclass 491 visa is a key part of Australia’s strategy to promote regional development and ensure that skilled migrants contribute to the growth of regional communities. It offers a valuable opportunity for skilled workers and their families to establish a life in Australia, with the potential for permanent residency in the future.

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