What is the 491 Visa?
The Subclass 491 visa is a provisional visa that allows eligible skilled workers and their families to live, work, and study in designated regional areas of Australia for up to five years. It’s a points-tested visa, meaning applicants are assessed based on a range of factors including age, English proficiency, skilled employment experience, and educational qualifications.
Key Features:
Provisional Status: It’s a temporary visa, but it leads to permanent residency.
Regional Focus: Holders must live, work, and study in a “designated regional area” of Australia. This generally includes all of Australia except for Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane.
Pathway to PR: After fulfilling specific requirements, 491 visa holders can apply for the Permanent Residence (Skilled Regional) visa (subclass 191).
Benefits of the 491 Visa
The 491 visa offers several compelling advantages for skilled migrants:
Pathway to Permanent Residency: This is arguably the biggest draw. After living and working in a regional area for at least three years on the 491 visa and meeting minimum taxable income levels for those years, you become eligible for the Subclass 191 permanent visa.
Additional Points for Nomination/Sponsorship: Applicants nominated by a State or Territory government or sponsored by an eligible relative in a designated regional area receive an additional 15 points on the points test, significantly boosting their chances of receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA).
Extended Stay: The visa grants a generous five-year period to live and work in Australia, providing ample time to establish yourself in a regional area and meet the PR requirements.
Access to Regional Job Opportunities: Regional areas often face skilled labour shortages, making the job market less competitive than in major cities. This can lead to more opportunities and potentially attractive salaries.
Lower Cost of Living: Generally, living expenses, including rent, schooling, and daily necessities, are lower in regional areas compared to major metropolitan centres, allowing for a better quality of life and greater savings.
Medicare Access: 491 visa holders are typically eligible for Medicare, Australia’s public healthcare scheme.
Family Inclusion: You can include eligible family members in your visa application, allowing your partner and dependent children to live, work, and study with you in regional Australia.
Full Work and Study Rights: The visa provides full work and study rights for the primary applicant and included family members within the designated regional areas.
Eligibility Requirements for the 491 Visa
To be considered for the 491 visa, applicants must meet several core criteria set by the Department of Home Affairs:
Age: You must be under 45 years of age at the time of invitation to apply for the visa.
Skilled Occupation: Your occupation must be on the relevant skilled occupation list for the 491 visa. Each state and territory also has its own specific occupation lists and nomination requirements.
Skills Assessment: You must have a positive skills assessment for your nominated occupation from the relevant Australian assessing authority.
Points Test: You must score at least 65 points on the Department of Home Affairs’ points test. Higher points generally increase your chances of receiving an invitation.
English Language Proficiency: You must demonstrate at least “Competent English” (e.g., IELTS 6.0 in each band or equivalent). Some states/territories or occupations may require a higher level.
Nomination or Sponsorship: You must either be nominated by an Australian State or Territory government agency OR be sponsored by an eligible relative residing in a designated regional area of Australia.
Health and Character: You and all accompanying family members must meet Australia’s health and character requirements.
No Previous Visa Cancellation/Refusal: You should not have had a visa cancelled or a previous application refused while you were in Australia.
The 491 Visa Application Process: Step-by-Step
Applying for the 491 visa involves several key stages:
Skills Assessment: Before anything else, obtain a positive skills assessment for your nominated occupation from the relevant assessing authority. This can take several weeks to months.
English Language Test: Take an approved English language test (IELTS, PTE, etc.) and achieve the required score.
Submit an Expression of Interest (EOI): Create an EOI through SkillSelect on the Department of Home Affairs website. In your EOI, you will claim points based on your qualifications, work experience, English proficiency, and other factors. You will also indicate your interest in state/territory nomination or family sponsorship for the 491 visa.
Seek State/Territory Nomination or Family Sponsorship:
State/Territory Nomination: If you opt for state/territory nomination, you must meet that specific state/territory’s nomination criteria. This often involves submitting a separate “Registration of Interest” (ROI) or application directly to the state/territory. Each state/territory has different occupation lists, residency requirements, and processing times.
Family Sponsorship: If you have an eligible relative (e.g., parent, sibling, aunt/uncle) who is an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen living in a designated regional area, they can sponsor you.
Receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA): If your EOI is competitive and you meet all the requirements, the Department of Home Affairs (or the nominating state/territory) will send you an Invitation to Apply for the visa. ITAs are often issued in rounds.
Gather Documents: Once invited, you will have 60 days to lodge your visa application. This period is crucial for gathering all necessary supporting documents, including identity documents, skills assessment, English test results, health and character certificates, and proof of nomination/sponsorship.
Lodge Visa Application: Submit your complete visa application online via ImmiAccount. Ensure all information is accurate and all required documents are attached. Pay the visa application fee.
Visa Processing: The Department of Home Affairs will assess your application. This may involve requests for further information or interviews.
Visa Grant: If successful, you will receive your 491 visa grant notice.
Processing Times and Costs
Processing Times:
491 visa processing times can vary significantly based on factors like:
Completeness and accuracy of your application.
State/Territory nomination processing times.
Occupation demand and points score.
The volume of applications being processed by the Department of Home Affairs.
Indicative processing times can range from 6 to 14 months for most applications, but some can take longer. State nomination processing itself can add 1-6 months.
Costs (approximate and subject to change):
Visa Application Fee: From AUD 4,770 for the main applicant (additional fees for family members).
Skills Assessment Fee: AUD 500 – AUD 2,000+ (varies by assessing body and occupation).
English Language Test Fee: AUD 250 – AUD 400.
Health Examinations: AUD 350 – AUD 500 per applicant.
Police Clearance Certificates: Varies by country.
State Nomination Fees: AUD 200 – AUD 800 (if applicable, varies by state).
Migration Agent Fees: If you choose to use one.
Transition to Permanent Residency (Subclass 191)
The Subclass 491 visa is a direct pathway to the Permanent Residence (Skilled Regional) visa (subclass 191).
To be eligible for the 191 visa, you generally must:
Have held a Subclass 491 visa (or a Subclass 494 visa) for at least three years.
Have lived, worked, or studied in a designated regional area of Australia for at least three years.
Have met the minimum taxable income requirement for at least three income years while holding the 491 visa. As of the current rules, this is AUD 53,900 per year.
Is the 491 Visa Right for You?
The 491 visa is an excellent option for skilled migrants who are committed to living and contributing to regional Australia. While it requires an initial commitment to a regional area, it offers a clear and accelerated pathway to permanent residency, often with less competition for invitations compared to independent skilled visas (like the 189). If you possess in-demand skills and are open to embracing the lifestyle and opportunities of regional Australia, the 491 visa could be your key to a successful future down under.
