Skilled Work Regional Provisional Visa Subclass 491

Skilled workers can live, work, and study in regional Australia with the skilled work regional provisional visa subclass 491, a points-based visa. This visa enables the applicant to work in the country's designated regions and, upon certain conditions being met, opens the way for permanent residency through the Subclass 191 Visa.

This guide provides an in-depth look at the Subclass 491 Visa, covering eligibility requirements, application process, benefits, and more.

What is skilled work regional (subclass 491)? 

The Skilled Work Regional (subclass 491) visa allows overseas skilled workers and their families to live, work, and study for up to five years in regional Australia. After three years, the visa allows a route to permanent residency.

Under this visa category, there are two types of streams:

• Family-sponsored A relative residing in a regional area of Australia who is prepared to sponsor you and an occupation on the Medium- and Long-Term Skilled Shortage List are required for the family-sponsored visa (MLTSSL). The applicant must also submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) and be invited to the monthly rounds of invitations, which are competitive and dependent on your performance in the points assessment.
• State Sponsored - This is thought to be easier because there is a more extensive list of occupations to choose from, and the candidate usually just needs to acquire the bare minimum of points to get an invitation. Applicants must still submit an EOI to apply for a visa in this stream, but invitations are given as soon as the state or territory authorises the nomination.

State or territorial nominating agencies use their criteria, which differ from state to state when deciding whether or not to nominate an applicant. All candidates must first demonstrate that they have a job on the relevant state or territory’s occupation list and intend to live there.

Eligibility for visa subclass 491

To be eligible for a 491 visa, you must meet the following requirements:

• Get a Family or State nomination from a relative or region
• Submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) application
• Demonstrate language competency in English
• Demonstrate proof of good health and character
• Receive an EOI nomination invitation email in response
• Must be under 45 years of age

Documents requirement for subclass 491 visa Australia 

All supporting papers for the information provided in your EOI must be submitted:

• Valid passport
• Police clearance certificate
• Marriage certificate (if applicable)
• Language proficiency report

The following documents are required for applicants between the ages of 18 and 23:

• Birth certificate
• Valid Passport
• Proof of financial dependency
• Adoption papers (if applicable)

Applicants who are beyond the age of 23 but still rely on their parents due to a physical disability or cognitive difficulties require the following documents:

• Birth certificate
• Valid passport
• Proof of financial dependency
• Adoption papers (if applicable)
• Medical reports addressing the condition of the candidate.

The following are the documents you must be submitted in support of your EOI application:

• Skill assessment
• Language assessment
• Australian skilled employment
• Education qualification (as per Australian standards)
• Specialist education
• Study in regional Australia
• Partner skills
• Work experience in Australia

In case of being sponsorship, the sponsor must submit the following information:

• Proof of age (18 years and above)
• Sponsor’s declaration
• Evidence that they are a qualifying relative
• Proof of permanent residency

The process to apply for visa subclass 491 includes the following:

Step 1: Refer to the skilled occupation list

The applicant must first check if his selected occupation is included in the Australian Government’s annual Skilled Occupation List.

Step 2: Skill assessment

The next step is to assess the applicant’s skills with the appropriate Australian organisations.

Step 3: Points calculator

The Australian government uses a points system to assess and rank the profiles of visa applications. To receive an invitation, you must achieve a minimum score of 65 points on these examinations.

Step 4: Submit an expression of interest profile

The candidate must apply via SkillSelect to submit an expression of interest (EOI) to the Department of Home Affairs. SkillSelect thoroughly evaluates those 65 points before allowing you to begin applying.

Step 5: Submitting supporting documents

Following the acceptance of the EOI, the Department of Home Affairs invites the applicant to apply for candidacy. The applicant has 60 days to submit all the supporting documents. 

It is advisable to gather all supporting documents ahead of time. The applicant must apply on Immiaccount and provide these papers. Also, the applicant must pay the required cost within the 60-day time frame.

Step 6: Verify the progress of your application

The applicant will receive an e-mail after the application has been received. You can log in to your ImmiAccount to monitor the status of your application.

Step 7: Biometrics and medical examination

Each applicant is mandated to submit records of medical exam results, police clearance certificates, and biometrics.

Step 8: Getting accepted

Once all the formalities are completed, the applicant receives an email with the visa grant number, start date, and visa terms and conditions after accepting the visa application. 

Processing time of subclass visa 491 Australia 

The average processing time for Subclass Visa 491 Australia is 12-14 months. However, it may vary based on the applicant’s nationality and workload at the high commission in Australia.

Subclass visa 491 Australia fee for Indians 

The primary applicant’s application fee for the skilled work regional visa subclass 491 is AUD 4,910. There is a separate fee for each consecutive admission of qualified family members.

• If the dependent is 18 years and above, an additional processing cost of AUD 2,455 is applied.
• If the dependent is 18 years and below, an additional processing cost of AUD 1,230 is applied.
• Biometrics and medical examinations roughly cost AUD 60 and AUD 350, respectively.