The Subclass 491 Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Visa is a temporary visa designed for skilled workers who want to live and work in regional Australia. This visa allows applicants to work and study in a designated regional area of Australia for up to five years. It also provides a pathway to permanent residency through the Subclass 191 Permanent Residence (Skilled Regional) Visa, provided the visa holder meets specific requirements during their provisional stay.

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In this guide, we will break down the Subclass 491 Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Visa, explain the eligibility requirements, step-by-step application process, and answer some of the most frequently asked questions.

 

What is the Subclass 491 Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Visa?

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The Subclass 491 visa is aimed at skilled workers who are nominated by a state or territory government or sponsored by an eligible family member in a regional area of Australia. The visa allows skilled workers to live and work in regional Australia temporarily, with the opportunity to apply for permanent residency in the future.

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This visa has two key streams:

• State/Territory Nominated Stream: For skilled workers nominated by a state or territory government.

• Family Sponsored Stream: For skilled workers sponsored by an eligible family member who resides in a designated regional area.

 

Eligibility Requirements for the Subclass 491 Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Visa

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1. Age Requirement

• You must be under 45 years of age at the time of applying.

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2. Skilled Occupation

• Your nominated occupation must be on Australia’s Regional Occupation List (ROL) or the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL).

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3. Skills Assessment

• You must have a positive skills assessment for your nominated occupation from the relevant skills assessment authority. This assessment confirms that your skills meet Australian standards.

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4. English Language Proficiency

• You must meet the English language requirements. A minimum score of competent English is required (e.g., IELTS score of at least 6.0 in each component, or the equivalent in other approved English language tests).

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5. Nominations and Sponsorship

• State/Territory Nominated Stream: You must be nominated by an Australian state or territory government. Each state or territory has its own list of occupations and specific requirements.

• Family Sponsored Stream: You must be sponsored by an eligible family member who resides in a designated regional area of Australia.

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6. Health and Character Requirements

• Applicants must meet health and character requirements, which may include health checks and police clearances.

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7. Invitation to Apply

• Before you can apply, you must receive an invitation to apply for the visa. You will need to submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) through SkillSelect and wait for an invitation to apply based on your points score.

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8. Points Test

• Applicants must score a minimum of 65 points on the Australian immigration points test. Points are awarded for factors such as age, English language proficiency, work experience, education, and whether you have a nomination or sponsorship.

 

Step-by-Step Process to Apply for the Subclass 491 Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Visa

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Step 1: Submit an Expression of Interest (EOI)

• Submit an EOI through SkillSelect, indicating your interest in applying for the Subclass 491 visa. Your EOI must include details of your qualifications, skills, work experience, and English proficiency.

• Based on your points score, you may receive an invitation from a state or territory government or an eligible family member for sponsorship.

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Step 2: Receive Nomination or Sponsorship

• State/Territory Nominated Stream: Once you receive a nomination from an Australian state or territory, you will be invited to apply for the visa.

• Family Sponsored Stream: If you are being sponsored by an eligible family member, you will need to receive a sponsorship invitation before proceeding with the application.

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Step 3: Apply for the Subclass 491 Visa

• After receiving your invitation, you can submit your visa application online through ImmiAccount. Ensure that you provide all required documents, including:

  • Passport details

  • Skills assessment results

  • Evidence of English language proficiency

  • Health and character documents

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Step 4: Visa Decision and Processing

• The Department of Home Affairs will process your application. Processing times may vary, but typically range from 6 to 12 months depending on the complexity of your case.

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Step 5: Visa Grant

• If your application is successful, you will be granted a Subclass 491 visa, allowing you to live and work in a regional area of Australia for up to five years.

 

Benefits of the Subclass 491 Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Visa

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• Temporary Stay with Work Rights: Live and work in regional Australia for up to five years.

• Pathway to Permanent Residency: After meeting the requirements, you can apply for permanent residency through the Subclass 191 Permanent Residence (Skilled Regional) Visa.

• Family Inclusion: You can include eligible family members (spouse, children) in your visa application.

• Live and Work in Regional Australia: This visa incentivizes skilled workers to live and contribute to Australia’s regional areas, where there is a high demand for skilled labor.

 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

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1. What is the processing time for the Subclass 491 visa?

• The Subclass 491 Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Visa processing time can vary depending on your specific case. On average, it takes 17 to 23 months from the time of application to the visa decision.

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2. Can I apply for a Subclass 491 visa if I don’t have a job offer in Australia?

• Yes, a job offer is not required to apply for the Subclass 491 visa. However, your occupation must be on the appropriate skills list, and you must meet other eligibility criteria such as skills assessment and language proficiency.

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3. What are the benefits of being in a regional area under this visa?

• The Subclass 491 visa provides work rights in designated regional areas of Australia. Regional areas offer lower living costs, better job opportunities in certain sectors, and a pathway to permanent residency through the Subclass 191 visa.

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4. Can I apply for permanent residency on the Subclass 491 visa?

• Yes, the Subclass 491 visa is a temporary visa, but it offers a pathway to permanent residency through the Subclass 191 Permanent Residence (Skilled Regional) Visa. After meeting residency and work requirements, you can apply for permanent residency.

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5. Can my family members be included in my Subclass 491 visa application?

• Yes, you can include your immediate family members, such as a spouse or dependent children, in your visa application. They will also be granted the same rights to live and work in Australia as the primary applicant.

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If you need assistance with your Subclass 491 Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Visa application or require further information about the eligibility criteria, our expert migration agents can guide you through the process. Contact us today for professional support and advice tailored to your specific needs.