491 Visa Australia – Skilled Regional Pathway to PR

The 491 visa Australia is a Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa that allows eligible skilled workers and their families to live, work, and study in designated regional areas of Australia for up to 5 years. It’s a valuable pathway to permanent residency through the 191 visa, once you meet the relevant criteria.

Unlike other skilled visas, the Subclass 491 visa requires either state or territory nomination or sponsorship by an eligible family member living in a regional area.

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Skilled Work Regional Visa (Subclass 491)

Skilled Work Regional Visa 491 – Live and Work in Regional Australia

The Skilled Work Regional Visa 491 allows skilled migrants to live and work in regional Australia for five years.
Earn 15 additional points for state nomination.
A direct pathway to permanent residency via the 191 visa.

What is the Skilled Work Regional Visa 491?

The Skilled Work Regional Visa 491 is a provisional visa that allows skilled workers and their families to live, work, and study in designated regional areas of Australia for up to five years..

This visa offers two pathways to apply:

State or Territory Nomination – Applicants receive 15 extra points and must commit to living in the nominated state or territory.
Family Sponsorship – Applicants need an eligible Australian relative living in a regional area to sponsor them.

With this visa, applicants gain 15 extra points and priority processing if they are nominated by an Australian state or territory or sponsored by an eligible Australian relative living in a regional area. After meeting work and residency requirements for three years, visa holders can apply for permanent residency through the Skilled Regional Visa 191.

Key Features & Benefits of the Skilled Work Regional Visa 491

Migrants who obtain the Skilled Work Regional 491 Visa Australia enjoy:

Five-Year Regional Visa: Live and work in a designated regional area.
Pathway to Permanent Residency: Eligible to apply for the Skilled Regional Visa 191 after three years.
State Nomination Points Boost: Receive 15 extra points for state or territory nomination.
Priority Processing: Faster processing compared to some other skilled visas.
Access to Medicare: Enroll in Australia’s public healthcare system.
Family Inclusion: Include a spouse and dependent children in the visa application.

This visa provides a clear route to PR while allowing skilled professionals to build a future in regional Australia.

Eligibility Criteria for the Skilled Work Regional Visa 491

To qualify for a Skilled Work Regional Visa 491, applicants must meet the following requirements:

Be Under 45 Years Old: Must be younger than 45 at the time of invitation.
Have an Occupation on the Skilled Occupation List: The nominated occupation must be on the relevant state, territory, or federal occupation list.
Meet the Points Test Requirement: Must score at least 65 points, with additional points available for nomination or sponsorship.
Obtain a Positive Skills Assessment: A valid skills assessment from the relevant assessing authority is required.
Meet English Language Requirements: Demonstrate competent English (e.g., IELTS 6.0 or equivalent).
Obtain State/Territory Nomination or Family Sponsorship:
- State/Territory Nomination: Apply for nomination through a regional Australian government.
- Family Sponsorship: If not state-nominated, an eligible Australian relative living in a regional area can sponsor the applicant.
Submit an Expression of Interest (EOI): Apply through SkillSelect and wait for an Invitation to Apply (ITA).
Meet Health & Character Requirements: Pass Australian health and police clearance checks.

Securing nomination or sponsorship significantly improves the chances of receiving an invitation.

Skilled Work Regional Visa 491 Application Process

The Skilled Work Regional Visa 491 application follows these steps:

Confirm Occupation & Eligibility: Ensure your occupation is on the relevant skilled occupation list.
Obtain a Skills Assessment: Complete the assessment through the appropriate assessing authority.
Submit an Expression of Interest (EOI): Apply through SkillSelect and indicate regional preferences.
Apply for State Nomination or Family Sponsorship:
- State/Territory Nomination: Apply through the state or territory’s migration program.
- Family Sponsorship: Provide proof of an eligible Australian family member residing in a regional area.
Receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA): Wait for an official invitation from the Department of Home Affairs.
Lodge the Visa Application: Submit all required documents within 60 days of receiving the ITA.
Complete Health & Character Checks: Provide necessary medical and police clearance certificates.
Await Visa Grant: If approved, receive a five-year visa to live and work in regional Australia.

By following the correct process, applicants enhance their chances of securing a Subclass 491 visa.

Why Choose Jade Immigration Lawyers?

At Jade Immigration Lawyers, we specialise in Subclass 491 visa applications, offering:

Expert guidance on state nomination & sponsorship.
Comprehensive visa application support.
Strategic advice to maximise points and improve success rates.
Legal representation for appeals and refusals.

Book a Consultation Today and start your journey towards permanent residency in Australia.

Need help applying for the 491 visa Australia?
Contact us today for a consultation.

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FAQ

Find answers to common questions about our Skilled Work Regional Regional Visa (Subclass 491) immigration services and processes. For further support, contact Jade Immigration Lawyers.

How long does the 491 visa take to process?

Processing times typically range between 6 and 18 months, depending on nomination approvals and individual circumstances.

Do I need employer sponsorship for a 491 visa?

No. The 491 visa is based on state/territory nomination or family sponsorship, not employer sponsorship.

Can I include family members in my application?

Yes. Partners and dependent children can be included in the visa application.

How do I transition from a 491 visa to permanent residency?

After three years of regional work and residency, visa holders can apply for permanent residency through the Subclass 191 visa.

Does the 491 visa lead to Australian citizenship?

Yes. After securing permanent residency via the 191 visa, holders may apply for citizenship after fulfilling residency requirements.

Can I move to a different state on a 491 visa?

Applicants must live and work in the state or region that nominated or sponsored them. Moving before meeting residency conditions may affect future PR applications.

How do I increase my points for a 491 visa?

Improve your points by increasing your English score, work experience, education, or receiving state nomination.

Do all Australian states and territories offer 491 visa nominations?

Yes. However, each state/territory has its own nomination requirements and occupation lists.