491 (Skill work provisional) Visa
The Regional Skilled Visa, specifically the 491 (Skilled Work Provisional) Visa, is designed for skilled individuals who have been nominated by a state or territory government to live and work in regional areas of Australia. This visa is a provisional visa that allows skilled workers to pursue employment opportunities and reside in regional Australia.
The Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Subclass 491 visa grants eligible skilled workers and their families the opportunity to live, work, and study in designated regional areas of Australia for a period of 5 years. After three years from the date of visa grant, visa holders become eligible to apply for a Permanent Residence visa.
To apply for the 491 (Skill Work Provisional) Visa, applicants must meet the following requirements:
- Nomination: Applicants must be nominated by an Australian state or territory government agency or be sponsored by an eligible family member residing in a designated regional area. After submitting an Expression of Interest (EOI) in SkillSelect, applicants may be invited to apply for the visa.
Features:
- Nomination Requirement: Skilled workers must be nominated by an Australian state or territory government.
- Living and Working in Designated Regional Areas: Visa holders are allowed to live and work in designated regional areas of Australia.
- Travel Flexibility: Visa holders can travel to and from Australia as many times as they wish during the validity of the visa.
- Pathway to Permanent Residence: Eligible visa holders can apply for permanent residence through the Permanent Residence (Skilled Regional) Visa (Subclass 191) after holding the 491 visa for 3 years. Other permanent visas cannot be applied for until this requirement is met.
- Family Unit Requirement: All members of the visa holder’s family unit must also live, work, and study in a designated regional area of Australia. If the nomination is withdrawn, the visa may not be granted.
- Sponsorship of Eligible Relatives: Visa holders have the option to sponsor eligible relatives for permanent residence.
- Minimum Annual Income Requirement: The primary applicant or their partner must earn a minimum annual income of $53,900 per year for state-sponsored streams during the three-year period. While the primary applicant can practice any profession, if promoted by their employer, they must work in the nominated profession.
Eligibility:
- Meeting all skills requirements specified for the 491 Visa.
- Nominating by a state or territory government agency.
- Obtaining an Australia-recognized skills assessment for the nominated occupation.
- Achieving the points test pass mark, which is currently set at 65 points (as of 20 Dec 2022).
- Submitting an Expression of Interest (EOI) and receiving an invitation to apply from the relevant authorities.
- Age requirement of being between 18 and 44 years.
- Demonstrating English language proficiency.
- Meeting all health and character requirements.
- Benefits of the 491 Visa include:
- Priority processing for regional applications.
- Encouragement for immigrants to establish stronger connections with the region through workforce participation and community engagement.
- Additional points awarded to Subclass 491 visa applicants.
To assess your eligibility for the Skilled Nominated Subclass 491 Visa application, we offer a FREE consultation. Book now to learn more about your options
191 (Skill work provisional) Visa
The 191 (Skill Regional PR) Visa allows individuals who have previously lived and worked in designated regional areas of Australia on an eligible visa to live and work permanently in the country. This visa is specifically for individuals who have already obtained permanent residency.
To apply for the 191 (Skill Regional PR) Visa, follow these steps:
- Determine eligibility for the visa based on previous residence and work in designated regional areas.
- Gather necessary documentation and evidence to support the application.
- Submit the visa application along with all required documents.
- Await the processing of the visa application.
Features:
- Permanent Residence: The visa grants individuals the right to live in Australia permanently.
- Work and Study: Visa holders can work and study in Australia without restrictions.
- Access to Medicare: Enrolment in Australia’s public healthcare scheme, Medicare, is available.
- Sponsorship of Relatives: Visa holders can sponsor eligible relatives to come to Australia.
- Travel Flexibility: The visa allows for travel to and from Australia for a period of 5 years.
- Pathway to Australian Citizenship: Eligible visa holders can apply for Australian citizenship if they meet the requirements.
- Resident Return Visa: After the initial 5 years, to re-enter Australia as a permanent resident, a Resident Return Visa (subclass 155 or 157) is required.
Eligibility:
- Holding an eligible visa for at least three years.
- Meeting the specific income threshold with a taxable income for at least three years while holding the eligible visa.
- Complying with the conditions of the eligible visa held or previously held.
For a detailed assessment of eligibility for the Skilled Nominated Subclass 191 Visa application, we offer a FREE consultation. Book now to learn more about your options.
