491 Visa: Skilled Work Regional

Visa 491 Australia

Skilled migrant workers who are nominated by a State or Territory government can be granted a subclass 491 visa and work in designated regional parts of Australia. With this provisional visa, you can enjoy the following benefits:

• Live in Australia for up to five (5) years.
• Render work or study in any regional part of Australia.
• Unlimited travel to and from Australia as long as your visa is valid.
• Apply for permanent residence after three (3) years of holding this visa.
• Bring other family members with you to regional Australia.

Pathways for Skilled Regional Visa under Subclass 491

If you are planning to apply for a 491 visa, you should know that there are two pathways to get there: the Invited Pathway and the Subsequent Entry Pathway. 

The Invited Pathway is the more common route between the two. To be invited for application, you need to submit first an Expression of Interest (EOI) online. Once invited, you have to secure all the requirements needed for the 491 visa.

• Must be nominated or sponsored by an Australian state or territory government agency or a relative, respectively. For the former, you need to have enough points (at least 65 points) to be nominated for the 491 family sponsored visa to be invited. For the latter if you passed with the point system, you should indicate in your EOI application that an eligible relative will sponsor you so you would be invited as well.
• Must have a suitable skills assessment. Also, secure a copy of the assessment along with your application.
• Must be aged under 45 to qualify for the 491 visa.
• English language, character, health, and other additional requirements.

The Subsequent Entry Pathway, on the other hand, is for family members of an eligible relative with subclass 491 visa. Before applying, you should have a substantive visa or a subclass 010 Bridging A visa, a subclass 020 Bridging B visa, or subclass 030 Bridging C visa. You should also meet these requirements:

• A relative of someone with a 491 visa holder.
• Proof of family connection.
• At least functional English (or pay an extra fee).
• Health and character requirements.

State or Territory Nomination

State Sponsorship Stream increases your chance to acquire a 491 visa.  It depends on which Australian state or territory you are in, you could qualify for nomination if you have the in-demand skills they are looking for. 

With the State Sponsorship Stream, you can gain access to a wider range of occupations. Get extra points when you take the skilled migration points test, and potential concessions based on your experience and skills. Before applying, make sure to check the most recent State Skilled Occupation List and see if you qualify.

Family Sponsorship

If you have a relative in Australia, now is your chance to be sponsored for a 491 visa. As long as your relative or family member is eligible and a permanent Australian citizen, he or she can help support your application and achieve your dreams in Australia. 

The main thing here is to prove that you are related by blood to your sponsor. It could be a parent, sibling, uncle, aunt, grandparent, a cousin – as long as they are indeed a relative and living in Australia. However, you still need to meet the 491 visa requirements even if a relative or family member will be sponsoring you.

So why should you consider getting a family sponsorship? It will be your chance to settle and start a new life in Australia. With support from your family, it should be easier to transition into a new country. It can also be your stepping stone to permanent residency.

General 491 Visa Requirements

Excited to work in regional Australia with a visa 491? But first, you must be assessed against the eligibility requirements to make sure you are 100% qualified. These 491 visa conditions are as follows:

• You must submit an Expression of Interest and receive nomination or invitation to apply from an Australian State, Territory or:
• Be sponsored by an eligible relative living in a regional part of Australia
• The skilled occupation you’re applying for must be in the relevant skilled 491 visa skilled occupation list
• You must undergo and get a positive skills assessment test with an approved skill-assessing authority
• You must satisfy all health, character, and ‘Competent’ English requirements
• You must be under the age of 45 to be nominated and invited to apply
• You must have an accumulated score of at least 65 points based on all your qualifications
• You must owe the AU Government nothing, and have no history of cancelled or refused visas.

Application Process for Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Visa

Before lodging your application, preparation is very important. Follow this step-by-step process to smoothly guide you on your 491 visa application journey:

Benefits of Applying for 491 Visa

Enjoy the benefits of applying for 491 visa! Take the chance of living, working, and studying in Australia and access to world-class healthcare. The 491 visa could also be your pathway to permanent residency – be eligible to apply for 191 visa after three years and make Australia your permanent home. You can also enjoy incentives and support to help you settle in.

491 Visa Processing Time and Fees

Processing times for visa491 applications vary from six (6) months up to 17 months depending on volume, accuracy and completeness of documentary requirements submitted by each applicant, and other factors.

• 25% of applications processed Within 6 Months
• 50% of applications processed Within 11 Months
• 75% of applications processed Within 16 Months
• 90% of applications processed Within 17 Months

491 Visa fees

• A$4,640 (Main Applicant)
• A$2,320 (Add. Applicant 18 or Older)
• A$1,160 (Add. Applicant Under 18)

Why Choose Parish Patience For Your Visa 491 Application

If processing your requirements and understanding the intricacies of Australian immigration laws proves to be daunting, that’s where we at Parish Patience Immigration Lawyers step in to expertly assist. Our law firm has been in existence since 1888 and serving migrants all over the world for many years for all types of visas.

Cost Effective Rates

Hire a competent lawyer to ensure the success of your 491 visa application the first time.

Professional Advice

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Experienced Visa Lawyers

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