Subclass 491 Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Visa:
Your Path to Australian Permanent Residency
The Subclass 491 Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Visa is a points-based visa designed for skilled workers who wish to live and work in designated regional areas of Australia. This visa features the Regional Occupation List (ROL), which includes more occupations compared to other permanent visas. To be eligible, you must score at least 65 points and receive a nomination from a state government or an eligible relative. States often send pre-invitations to candidates they intend to nominate, making the nomination process a critical step in your application.
Basic Eligibility Requirements
Must be under 45 years of age.
Must have basic English proficiency.
Must have a positive skills assessment.
Must be nominated and invited to apply.
Subclass 491 Visa Overview
This visa allows you to live and work in regional Australia for up to five years. It’s flexible, family-inclusive, and a gateway to permanent residency. Read on to learn more about the benefits and pathways associated with the Subclass 491 Visa.
Work Flexibility
This visa offers the freedom to work in any occupation and without restrictions on the number of hours. It’s not mandatory to work in the same occupation for which you were nominated under the Subclass 491 Visa.
Family Inclusion
You can include your spouse and children in your application, allowing your whole family to benefit from the opportunities this visa provides.
Key Benefits of Subclass 491 Visa
Broader Occupation List: Access to a wider range of occupations in demand compared to other permanent visas.
Extra Points: Benefit from additional points for the visa application.
Increased Quota: More nomination places and quotas are available.
Lower Living Costs: Enjoy a lower cost of living and more job opportunities compared to metropolitan areas.
Free Healthcare: Access free medical care similar to other permanent visas.
Free Public Education: Children can attend public school for free up to year 12.
Pathway to Citizenship: Time spent on this visa counts towards your citizenship residency requirements.
Regional Living Condition: The only restriction is to live, study, and work in designated regional areas of Australia.
Pathway to Permanent Residency
This visa is a stepping stone to permanent residency through the Permanent Residence (Skilled Regional) Subclass 191 visa. To qualify, you or your spouse must:
Hold the 491 Visa for three years.
Comply with all visa conditions, such as living and working in designated regional areas.
File three tax returns (no minimum income required).
Pass medical and character assessments.
You don’t need to meet the points test, skills assessment, or obtain IELTS scores to convert this visa into permanent residency after three years.
Streams of Subclass 491 Visa
State Sponsored Stream
This stream requires a state nomination. It’s a family visa, allowing you to include your spouse and children in your application.
Relative Sponsored Stream
For this stream, you need sponsorship from an eligible relative living in a designated regional area of Australia as a permanent resident or citizen. No state nomination is required. This too is a family visa.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Designated Regional Area of Australia?
All of Australia is considered a designated regional area except for the metropolitan areas of Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane.
Is Switching the Main Applicant Allowed for Subclass 191 Visa?
Yes, either spouse can be the main applicant when applying for the Subclass 191 visa. This flexibility ensures that if the primary applicant has commitments overseas, the dependent spouse can still meet the residency requirements.
How Long Until I Am Eligible for Australian Citizenship?
To qualify for citizenship, you need:
Four years of lawful residency in Australia.
Twelve months as a permanent resident.
No more than 12 months absence in the last four years.
No more than three months absence in the last 12 months.
Do I Have to Wait Four More Years After Subclass 191 for Citizenship?
No, if you’ve held the Subclass 491 Visa for three years and meet the requirements, you can apply for citizenship 12 months after obtaining the Subclass 191 visa.
Is Three Years’ Stay in Australia Required for the Subclass 491 Visa?
No, you must hold the visa for three years and file three tax returns, ensuring you live, work, and study only in designated regional areas.
Can I Move States on the Subclass 491 Visa?
Yes, you can move between designated regional areas without affecting your eligibility for permanent residency or citizenship.
Do I Have to Work in the Same Occupation as My Nominated Occupation While on Subclass 491 Visa?
No, you can work in any occupation, even set up and run your own business.
For personalized advice and assistance with your Subclass 491 Visa application, contact our expert migration consultants today. We are here to guide you through every step of your journey to becoming an Australian resident.
