Australia Skilled Worker Regional Visa Guide | Australia Subclass 491 Visa Requirement

Embarking on a career in Australia is a dream for many skilled workers worldwide. The Australia Skilled Work Regional Visa presents an enticing opportunity for individuals seeking to work in regional Australia. This comprehensive Australia Skilled Worker Regional Visa Guide will provide every detail about eligibility criteria, point system , how to apply and processing time and visa cost etc.

What is the Australia Subclass 491 Visa?

The Australia 491 Visa also called Australia Skilled Worker Regional Visa is a pathway designed to address regional skill shortages. It aims to encourage migration to regional areas and fuel their economic growth by allowing skilled workers and their families to live, study, and work in designated regional areas of Australia.

In most cases, regional Australia includes all the states and territories except for Syndey, Melbourne and Brisbane

Key Features of the Australia 491 Visa

• Regional Focus: The Australia Skilled Worker Regional Visa is specifically designed to encourage migration to regional areas of Australia. Holders of this visa have the opportunity to live, work, and study in designated regional areas.
• Sponsorship/Nomination Requirement: Applicants must either be sponsored by an eligible family member residing in a designated area or nominated by a participating state or territory government.
• Temporary Residency: Successful applicants are granted temporary residency for up to five years under this visa subclass.
• Pathway to Permanent Residency: This visa serves as a pathway to permanent residency through the Subclass 191 visa. After meeting specific residency and employment criteria, holders become eligible to apply for permanent residency.

Eligibility Criteria for the Australia Subclass 491 Visa

1. Nomination by a State or Territory Government: Applicants are required to be nominated by a state or territory government agency in Australia. Each state or territory may have its specific criteria for nominating applicants based on the needs of their regional areas.
2. Invitation to Apply: Prospective applicants must be invited by the Australian government to apply for the 491 Visa after submitting an Expression of Interest (EOI) through the SkillSelect system. The invitation is based on the points scored in the points-based system.
3. Meeting Points Test Requirements: Applicants must meet the minimum points requirement on the points-based test. Points are awarded based on factors such as age, English language proficiency, work experience, qualifications, and other relevant criteria.
4. Nominated Occupation: Applicants must nominate an occupation from the relevant skilled occupation list that aligns with their skills, qualifications, and experience. It’s crucial that the nominated occupation is on the list at the time of application.
5. Skills Assessment: A positive skills assessment from the relevant assessing authority for the nominated occupation is mandatory. This assessment confirms that the applicant’s skills are suitable for the nominated occupation.
6. Health and Character Checks: All applicants and accompanying family members must undergo health examinations and meet certain health standards. Additionally, applicants need to provide police clearance certificates to demonstrate good character.
7. Age Limit: While there’s no maximum age limit for the 491 Visa, applicants must be below 45 years of age at the time of invitation to apply.
8. Commitment to Live and Work in a Designated Regional Area: Holders of the 491 Visa must live, work, and study in a specified regional area of Australia to fulfill the visa requirements.

Eligibility Criteria for a 491 Visa

You qualify for a Australia Skilled Worker Regional Visa if:

• You are under 45 years of age.
• You are nominated for the visa.
• You are invited to apply.
• You have a positive skill assessment.
• You have scored at least 65 points on the score table.
• Your occupation is listed in the skills occupation list.

Points Required for Australia Skilled Worker Regional Visa

You must have at least 65 points based on these criteria below:

Criteria	Score
Age
You are between 18-25 years old	25 points
You are between 25-35 years old	30 points
You are between 33-40 years old	25 points
You are between 40-45 years old	15 points
English Proficiency
You have a Competent English level	0 points
You have a Proficient English level	10 points
You have a Superior English level	20 points
Work Experience
You have 3 years of work experience (overseas)	0 points
You have 3-5 years of work experience (overseas)	5 points
You have 5-8 years of work experience (overseas)	10 points
You have 8 years and more of work experience (overseas)	15 points
You have 1 year of work experience (in Australia)	0 points
You have 3 years of work experience (in Australia)	5 points
You have 3-5 years of work experience (in Australia)	10 points
You have 5-8 years of work experience (in Australia)	15 points
You have 8 years and more of work experience (in Australia)	20 points
Level of Education
You have a PhD from a recognized institution	20 points
You have a BA from a recognized institution	15 points
You have a Masters by research from a recognized institution	10 points
Diploma or trade certification (recognised institution)	10 points
Qualification or award for your relevant occupation	10 points
A doctorate with two years of academic study (by an Australian institution)	10 points
You meet the Australian study requirement (you have at least 1 degree, diploma or trade certificate from an Australian institution that meets the study requirements)	5 points
You completed a professional year in Australia	5 points
You have a recognised qualification in a credentialled community language	5 points
You have studied for your degree, diploma or certificate in regional Australia for at least a year	5 points
Marital Status
Your partner is under 45 years old, they have a competent level of English, have relevant skills, and are nominated in a profession registered in the skilled occupation list.	10 points
Your partner has a competent level of English	5 points
You are either single or if you are not your partner is an Australian citizen or permanent resident	10 points

You can also see here, on the points calculator, how much you may score.

Steps to Apply for the Australia 491 Visa:

1. Check Eligibility: Before starting the application process, ensure you meet the eligibility criteria for the visa. This includes having a nominated occupation, meeting the points requirement, and fulfilling health and character checks.
2. Expression of Interest (EOI): Create and submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) through the SkillSelect online system. Provide details about your skills, qualifications, work experience, and other relevant information.
3. Nomination by State or Territory: If you meet the requirements and are successful in your EOI submission, you may receive a nomination from a state or territory government. This nomination is a crucial step in obtaining an invitation to apply for the visa.
4. Receive Invitation to Apply: If selected, you’ll receive an invitation to apply for the 491 Visa from the Australian government. This invitation will specify the time frame within which you must lodge your visa application.
5. Lodge Visa Application: Complete and submit the visa application within the specified timeframe. Provide accurate information, supporting documents, and pay the relevant visa application fees.
6. Skills Assessment: Obtain a positive skills assessment from the relevant assessing authority for your nominated occupation. This assessment validates that your skills align with the requirements for the occupation.
7. Health and Character Checks: Undergo medical examinations to meet Australia’s health standards. Additionally, provide police clearance certificates to demonstrate good character.
8. Await Decision: After submitting your application, wait for a decision from the Department of Home Affairs. The processing time may vary based on individual circumstances and application volumes.
9. Visa Grant: If your application is successful, you’ll receive the grant of the Australia 491 Visa. This visa allows you to live, work, and study in a designated regional area for up to five years.
10. Comply with Visa Conditions: Upon receiving the visa, fulfill the conditions specified, including residing in a designated regional area, abiding by Australian laws, and meeting any other visa requirements.

Benefits of the Australia Subclass 491 Visa

Professional Opportunities

Hold this visa opens doors to diverse career opportunities in regional areas, fostering professional growth and development.

Educational Benefits

Visa holders gain access to quality education options for themselves and their family members.

Health Care and Social Benefits

The visa ensures access to Australia’s world-class healthcare system and social security benefits.

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What is Difference between Australia 491 and 191 Visa?

Here’s a concise comparison between the Australia 491 Visa (Australia Skilled Worker Regional Visa – Provisional) and the Australia 191 Visa (Permanent Residence – Skilled Regional) in a tabular form:

Criteria	491 Visa (Skilled Work Regional – Provisional)	191 Visa (Permanent Residence – Skilled Regional)
Visa Type	Temporary residency visa for up to 5 years	Permanent residency visa
Purpose	Pathway to live and work in designated regional areas	Transition from provisional residency to permanent residency
Eligibility	– Nomination/sponsorship required – Points-based eligibility – Specific age limit – Health and character checks	– Transition from a specified provisional visa (e.g., 491 Visa) – Meet residency and employment criteria – Comply with visa conditions
Pathway to PR	Eligible to apply for the 191 Visa for permanent residency after meeting specific criteria while holding the 491 Visa	Transition from provisional residency to permanent residency after meeting specified requirements
Benefits	– Temporary residency in a regional area – Opportunity to apply for permanent residency – Work, study, and live in a designated regional area	– Permanent residency status – Eligibility for social security benefits – Opportunities for family members to live and work in Australia