Types of 491

1. 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:

• Live in Australia for up to 5 years
• Work, study, and live in designated areas of Australia
• Travelling to and from Australia, till the visa is valid
• 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. 

1. Skilled Work Regional visa – Subsequent entrant

This type of visa is for those who are a family member of the person who has a Subclass 491 – Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa. With this visa, one can stay in Australia as long as the main visa holder’s visa expires. One can work, study and live lin in Australia until the visa expires. 

For the subsequent entrant, there is no age eligibility. You must be the family member of the visa holder. There are some requirements that need to be met like the character requirement, medical requirement and signing of the Australian values statement.

Eligibility for the Skilled Work Regional visa – Main applicant

• Be nominated or sponsored 

You must be nominated by the state or the territory government or the by an eligible relative.

• Age

You must be under the age of 45 to apply for this visa. Keep in mind if one turns 45 before getting the invitation then you will not receive the invitation.

• 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 requirements

You 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.

• Health requirements 
• Character 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. If you have any refusals and are not sure if you will receive this visa or not, please do not worry, GIEC Global will help you with an end to end assistance in applying for this or any other visa.

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.