Skilled Regional Visa (Subclass 491)
The Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Visa (Subclass 491), commonly known as Visa 491, is an Australian temporary visa designed to encourage skilled workers to live and work in regional areas of Australia. This visa provides a pathway to permanent residency for individuals who meet specific eligibility criteria and commit to living and working in a designated regional area.
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Key Points About Visa 491
- Regional Designation: The Visa 491 is part of Australia’s regional migration program and requires applicants to nominate an occupation on the relevant Skilled Occupation List (SOL) or Consolidated Sponsored Occupation List (CSOL) that corresponds to a designated regional area. Regional areas are typically outside major cities like Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane.
- Points-Based System: Similar to other skilled visas, applicants are assessed based on a points-based system that takes into account factors such as age, English language proficiency, work experience, education, and other relevant criteria.
- Expression of Interest (EOI): Interested individuals need to submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) through the online SkillSelect system. This involves providing information about their skills, qualifications, and other details.
- State or Territory Nomination: To be eligible for the Visa 491, applicants may need to receive a nomination from an Australian state or territory government. Each state or territory has its own set of criteria and requirements for nominating candidates.
- Regional Pathway: The Visa 491 is part of the regional migration stream and requires applicants to commit to living and working in a designated regional area for a specified period. This regional commitment is generally required for a minimum of three years.
- Temporary Residency: Visa 491 provides temporary residency for up to five years. During this period, holders are allowed to live, work, and study in the designated regional area.
- Pathway to Permanent Residency: One of the main benefits of Visa 491 is that it provides a pathway to permanent residency through the Skilled Regional (Permanent) Visa (Subclass 191). To be eligible for this permanent visa, individuals must have held the Visa 491 for at least three years, met the regional residency requirement, and complied with the visa conditions.
Note : As immigration policies and requirements can change, it’s important to consult our qualified immigration expert (Ms Urmila Sumeet Kumar) for the most up-to-date and accurate information before applying for Visa 491.
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Frequently Asked Questions
At Auzworld Migration, We’re a team of Registered Migration Agents & Immigration Lawyers.
Australia offers a variety of visas to cater to different needs. The primary categories include:
- Tourist visas: For short-term visits.
- Student visas: For international students.
- Work visas: For skilled workers and temporary workers.
- Family visas: For partners, parents, and children of Australian citizens or permanent residents.
- Migrant visas: For permanent residency.
The specific documents required vary depending on the visa type. However, common documents include:
- Valid passport
- Proof of financial support
- Health examinations
- Police certificates
- Proof of education or employment
- Relationship evidence (for partner visas)
Processing times can vary significantly depending on the visa type and individual circumstances. It’s essential to check the estimated processing times on the Department of Home Affairs website. Factors such as the time of year, lodgement location, and the complexity of the application can also influence processing times.
Yes, most student visa holders are allowed to work part-time during their studies and full-time during designated breaks. However, there are limitations on the number of hours you can work.
The requirements for permanent residency vary depending on the visa pathway chosen. Common pathways include skilled migration, family sponsorship, and employer sponsorship. Each pathway has its own eligibility criteria, including age, skills, work experience, and English language proficiency.
