491 Visa Skilled Work Regional visa

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Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa (subclass 491)

Australia Subclass 491 Visa Agents

The sub-  class 491 is for skilled workers who can live, work and study in designated areas of Australia.  The skilled workers must meet the eligibility requirements before applying for subclass 491. The applicant must give a skill exam and pass with the required scores and also get a nomination from the state or territory government.

Subclass-491

Skilled Work Regional visa – Main applicant

This type of skilled regional visa or subclass 491 is for skilled workers who want to work and live in Australia. The following are the benefits of a 491 visa:

  1. Live in Australia for up to 5 years
  2. Work, study, and live in designated areas of Australia
  3. Travelling to and from Australia, till the visa is valid
  4. One can apply for permanent residence after 3 years from the date the visa is granted

    The cost for this visa is AUD$ 4250 approx. The fee is subject to change so do check before applying. Almost 90% of the applications are processed within 22 months. 

Eligibility for the Skilled Work Regional visa – Main applicant

Australia Immigration Consultant
  • Skills Assessment – You can see the skill assessment criteria on the official website, and get the skill assessment done.
  • Scores – You must score a minimum of 65 points or more to get the invitation.

  • English Language proficiencyYou must meet the English language requirements to apply for the visa. You can check on their website which tests they are accepting and what is the minimum requirements.

  • Sign the Australian value statement – If there are visa refusals or any rejections in your previous visas that you applied for, specifically your Australian visas ,  then you might not be able to get this visa.
  • Refusals – If you have any refusals and are not sure if you will receive this visa or not, please do not worry, GIEC Global India will help you with an end to end assistance in applying for this or any other visa.
  • After Visa Grant – Once you have been granted your visa, you cannot stay more than the time your visa is valid. If you want to extend your stay, you have to apply for another visa. With this visa, you can travel from and to Australia as much as you want till your visa is valid. Keep in mind that time spent outside of Australia will not extend your stay in Australia.

General Eligibility Criteria for Subclass 491 visa

To apply for the Subclass 491 visa, applicants must meet the following requirements:

  • Age: Be under 45 years at the time of invitation.

  • Occupation: Have an occupation listed on the relevant skilled occupation list.

  • Skills Assessment: Obtain a positive skills assessment for the nominated occupation.

  • English Language Proficiency: Demonstrate at least Competent English (e.g., IELTS score of 6 in each band or equivalent).

  • Points Test: Achieve a minimum of 65 points on the points test.

  • Nomination/Sponsorship: Be nominated by a state or territory government or sponsored by an eligible family member residing in a designated regional area.

  • Health and Character: Meet the health and character requirements set by the Australian government.

Points Test Requirements

Applicants must score at least 65 points based on factors such as:

  • Age: Up to 30 points

  • English Language Ability: Up to 20 points

  • Skilled Employment Experience: Up to 20 points

  • Educational Qualifications: Up to 20 points

  • Australian Study Requirement: 5 points

  • Study in Regional Australia: 5 points

  • Partner Skills: Up to 10 points

  • Nomination or Sponsorship: 15 points

Note: Points for nomination or sponsorship are awarded only if you are nominated by a state or territory government or sponsored by an eligible family member.

Nomination by State or Territory Government

If applying through state or territory nomination:

  • Occupation: Must be on the state or territory’s skilled occupation list.

  • Commitment: Demonstrate a genuine commitment to live and work in the nominating state or territory.

  • Application Process:

    1. Submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) through SkillSelect.

    2. Apply for nomination to the relevant state or territory.

    3. Receive an invitation to apply for the visa.

Each state or territory may have additional requirements; it’s essential to check their specific guidelines.

Sponsorship by an Eligible Family Member

If applying through family sponsorship:

  • Sponsor’s Eligibility:

    • Must be an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen.

    • Aged 18 years or older.

    • Usually resident in a designated regional area.

    • To qualify, you need to be a close family member of the applicant or their partner

  • Application Process:

    1. Submit an EOI through SkillSelect, indicating family sponsorship.

    2. Await an invitation to apply for the visa.

Processing Time

Processing times can vary, but generally:

  • State or Territory Nominated Stream: Approximately 6 to 8 months.

  • Family Sponsored Stream: Approximately 8 to 10 months.

Note: These are general estimates and can change based on individual circumstances and application volumes.

We Are The Best Australia PR Agent for Skilled Work Regional visa

  • Trusted Australia visa agent in Delhi – GIEC Global is your reliable partner for the Skilled Work Regional (Subclass 491) Visa.
  • Expert in Skilled Regional Visa – We provide full support for Subclass 491 applications, from start to finish.
  • Skilled Profile Assessment – We carefully check your skills, experience, and qualifications for visa eligibility.
  • EOI & State Nomination Help – Our team helps you submit Expression of Interest (EOI) and apply for state nomination.
  • Points Calculation Support – We guide you in improving your PR points for better chances of selection.
  • Fast & Clear Process – We keep everything transparent and ensure your application is processed quickly.
  • Updated with Visa Policies – As a trusted Australia immigration consultant, we stay current with all migration rules.
  • High Success Rate – Many clients have successfully received their PR through our expert help.
  • Choose GIEC Global – The best Australia PR Agent for Skilled Work Regional Visa support.

FAQs-

The 491 Visa is a temporary work visa for skilled workers who want to live and work in a regional area of Australia.

You can stay in Australia for up to 5 years on the 491 Visa.

You must be invited to apply, have a job on the eligible occupations list, be under 45 years old, and have a positive skills assessment.

Yes, you must live, work, and study in a designated regional area of Australia.

Yes, after living and working in a regional area for 3 years, you can apply for the 191 Visa for permanent residency

You need at least 65 points in the points test, including points for state nomination.

The processing time is usually 6–12 months, but this can vary.

Yes, you can include eligible family members like your partner and children in your application.

The application fee is roughly AUD 4,640* (plus additional costs for family members, medical exams, and police checks)

No, you must have an eligible skilled occupation listed on the relevant state or regional list.