🌏 What is the Subclass 491 Visa?
The Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Visa (Subclass 491) is a temporary visa that allows skilled workers to live, work, and study in designated regional areas of Australia for up to five years. This visa aims to address skill shortages in regional communities and offers a pathway to permanent residency through the Subclass 191 visa after three years.(My New Australian Life)
✅ Eligibility Requirements
To be eligible for the Subclass 491 visa, you must:
- Age: Be under 45 years at the time of invitation.(Aussie Migration Services)
- Skills Assessment: Have a positive skills assessment for an occupation on the relevant skilled occupation list.
- Points Test: Score at least 65 points on the points test.(Aussie Migration Services)
- English Language Proficiency: Demonstrate competent English (e.g., IELTS band score of 6.0 in each component).
- Nomination or Sponsorship: Be nominated by a state or territory government or sponsored by an eligible family member residing in a designated regional area.(My New Australian Life)
📝 Application Process
- Expression of Interest (EOI): Submit an EOI through SkillSelect, indicating your interest in the Subclass 491 visa.(Aussie Migration Services)
- Invitation to Apply: If your EOI is successful, you will receive an invitation to apply for the visa.(Aussie Migration Services)
- Visa Application: Submit your visa application within 60 days of receiving the invitation.(Visa Guru)
- Visa Decision: The Department of Home Affairs will process your application and notify you of the decision.
💰 Costs
- Visa Application Fee:
- Second Installment: If any applicant aged 18 or over does not have functional English, a second installment fee of AUD $4,890 may apply.(Visa Guru)
- Additional Costs: Include health checks, police certificates, biometrics, and English language proficiency tests.(IDP IELTS Australia)
⏱ Processing Times
Processing times for the Subclass 491 visa can vary:
- 25% of applications: 6 months(VisaEnvoy)
- 50% of applications: 11 months(VisaEnvoy)
- 75% of applications: 16 months(VisaEnvoy)
- 90% of applications: 17 months(VisaEnvoy)
Note: Processing times are subject to change and can vary based on individual circumstances.
🌟 Benefits of the Subclass 491 Visa
- Regional Living: Live and work in regional Australia, contributing to local communities.(greasemusical.com.au)
- Pathway to Permanent Residency: After three years, eligible to apply for the Subclass 191 Permanent Residence (Skilled Regional) visa.(VisaEnvoy)
- Family Inclusion: Include eligible family members in your application.(My New Australian Life)
- Travel: Travel to and from Australia within the visa validity period.
🗺️ State and Territory Nomination
Each state and territory in Australia has specific requirements and quotas for the Subclass 491 visa. For example, Victoria plans to reserve at least 25% of its Skilled Work Regional Visa allocation for graduates from Victorian universities to address critical skills gaps in regional areas. This initiative aims to attract and retain skilled international students, offering fast-tracked regional visas. (heraldsun)
📞 How Earth Link Can Assist
At Earth Link, we specialize in guiding skilled professionals through the Subclass 491 visa process. Our services include:
- Eligibility Assessment: Determine your eligibility for the Subclass 491 visa.
- State Nomination Guidance: Assist in meeting state or territory requirements for nomination.(VisaEnvoy)
- Application Preparation: Help prepare and submit your Expression of Interest and visa application.(Aussie Migration Services)
- Document Management: Ensure all necessary documents are correctly prepared and submitted.
- Ongoing Support: Provide updates and guidance throughout the processing period.
📞 Contact Us
Ready to take the next step toward your Australian regional experience? Contact Earth Link today to schedule your consultation.
