Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Visa (Subclass 491)
Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa (subclass 491)
Are you dreaming of a new life in Australia’s beautiful and less densely populated regions? Looking to secure a chance to extend your adventure for an additional five years?
Consider applying for the newly introduced Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) – subclass 491 visa and take the first step towards your regional Australian dream!
Reasons to Opt for the Subclass 491 Visa
The Regional Skilled Work (Provisional) – subclass 491 visa stands as a temporary permit granting skilled workers and their dependents the opportunity to reside, undertake educational courses, and engage in employment within Australia’s designated regional localities for a duration of five years. The lifespan of this visa extends up to five years, presenting a pathway to permanent residency under Subclass 191 after a three-year period, subject to the satisfaction of specific criteria.
Qualification Requisites
Prospective applicants for this visa must:
Be endorsed by an Australian state or territory government, or have sponsorship from a qualified family member residing in a specified regional area.
Subclass 491 Visa Points Allocation Mechanism
The Subclass 491 Visa follows a points-tested system akin to other visas within the General Skilled Migration framework. Points are generally allocated based on factors such as age, educational qualifications, work experience both within Australia and abroad, English proficiency, and Australian educational credentials. Noteworthy is the revamped points system which offers additional scoring potential in several scenarios:
- Securing 15 points is possible if you are nominated by a State or Territory government, or have familial sponsorship in regional Australia.
- Earning 10 points for having a skilled spouse or de facto partner.
- An additional 10 points if you are single, or your partner is an Australian citizen or permanent resident.
- 5 points for having a spouse or de facto partner with competent English, who isn't an Australian citizen or permanent resident.
- A boost of 10 points is allocated for qualifications in specific STEM fields.
Procedure for Seeking a 491 Visa Invitation
Your application will be ranked for invitation purposes based on several scenarios:
- Applicants with skilled partners or those without partners.
- Those with partners who demonstrate competent English.
- Applicants whose partners do not meet the skilled partner or competent English criteria.
Applicability of Subclass 491 Visa Holders for Other Visas
Visas Holders of the Subclass 491 visa are restricted from applying for visas within the General Skilled Migration program.
Pathway to Permanent Residency
The tenure for the Subclass 491 visa is five years, but eligibility for the permanent residency visa Subclass 191 is contingent upon meeting certain conditions:
DISCLAIMER: This information is provided for general understanding only and does not constitute legal advice. Always refer to the latest information directly from the Department of Home Affairs at Department of Home Affairs Website
FAQ
If you are applying this visa under the post-study work stream, a skill assessment is not needed.
Only if you are applying under the Graduate stream, you must provide an evidence of having your skills assessed by the relevant authority.
While the checklist varies depending on different cases, some of the common documents required are:
- Current passports or travel documents
- Copy of birth certificate showing parents of both primary applicant and the spouse
- Evidence of name change
- Certified copies of marriage certificates
- If you are in de facto relationship, evidence showing a relationship for at least 12 months is required
- If the spouse is widowed, divorced or separated permanently, a certified copy of death certificate, divorce or separation documents are required.
- Health & Character documents
Visa Class
General Skilled Migration Visa (GSM)
The General Skilled Migration (GSM) Visa is an ideal option for skilled individuals aiming to migrate to Australia permanently. It is designed for those who do not have an employer sponsoring their migration but have skills in professions that Australia seeks.
Visa Subclass
- Skilled Independent (subclass 189)
- Skilled - Nominated (subclass 190)
- Skilled - Nominated or Sponsored (Provisional) (subclass 489)
- Skilled-Regional (Residence) Visa (Subclass 887)
- Skilled Recognised Graduate Visa (Subclass 476)
- Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Visa (Subclass 491)