Skilled Work Regional (provisional) SUBCLASS VISA 491

To secure a 491 Visa invitation, rankings are assigned based on the following criteria:

1. Visa applicants with a skilled partner or those without a partner.
2. Applicants whose partners can demonstrate Competent English proficiency.
3. Partners of applicants who are unable to furnish evidence of Competent English or skilled partner points.

The Skilled Work Regional 491 Visa is generally categorized into two types:

1. Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Visa (Subclass 491): This visa is designed for skilled workers who are nominated by a state or territory government agency or sponsored by an eligible relative residing in a designated regional area.
2. Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa – Subsequent entrant: This visa is for a member of the family unit of someone who holds a Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa (subclass 491)

Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa – Main applicant

Visa Benefits:

• Stay in Australia for 5 years from the visa grant date.
• Live, work, and study in a designated regional area.
• Unlimited travel to and from Australia while the visa is valid.
• Eligible for permanent residence through the Permanent Residence (Skilled Regional) visa (subclass 191) after 3 years.

Designated Regional Area:

• All visa holders and their family members must reside, work, and study in a designated regional area.

Pathways to Permanent Residence:

• Permanent residence can be pursued through the Permanent Residence (Skilled Regional) visa (subclass 191) after meeting eligibility criteria.

Limitations:

• Cannot apply for a subclass 820 (Partner) visa or certain other permanent visas until holding the subclass 491 visa for 3 years.
• Ineligible for visas including Subclass 132 (Business Talent) and Subclass 186 (Employer Nomination Scheme).

Duration of Stay:

• Temporary visa valid for 5 years.

Family Inclusion:

• Family members can be included in the application, either during submission or before the visa decision.
• Family members not accompanying to Australia may need to meet health and character requirements.

Cost:

• Main applicant fee: AUD4,640.00.
• Additional charges for family members applying with the main applicant.

 Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa – Subsequent entrant:

Visa Benefits:

• Stay in Australia throughout the visa’s validity.
• Live, work, and study in a designated region of Australia.
• Unlimited travel to and from Australia while the visa is valid.
• Eligible for permanent residency through the Permanent Residence (Skilled Regional) visa (subclass 191).

Designated Regional Area:

• Mandatory to reside, work, and study exclusively in a designated area.

Duration of Stay:

• Temporary visa with the length contingent on the end date of the family member’s visa.

Stay Extension:

• No option to extend the stay; explore alternative visa options.

Permanent Residency Option:

• Consider the Permanent Residence (Skilled Regional) visa (subclass 191) for permanent stay.

Family Inclusion:

• Include family members in the application during submission or before a decision.
• Family members must meet health and character requirements.

Cost:

• Main applicant fee: AUD4,640.00.
• Additional charges apply for each family member in the application