Subclass 491 – Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa

This visa allows the holder to live, work and study in regional area. The subclass 491 is a points-tested visa.

About the Visa

You can stay in Australia for 5 years from the date we grant you the visa
This visa allows you to live, work and study in a designated region of Australia You may travel to and from Australia as many times as you want, while the visa is valid You will be eligible to apply for permanent residence (Skilled Regional) visa (subclass 191) – which commences on 16 November 2022.

Designated regional area

• You and all members of your family unit who are also holders of the visa, will need to live work and study in a designated regional area of Australia. Your nomination must not be withdrawn, or you will not be granted the visa.

Who are eligible (Eligibility and the requirement)?

You must be invited to apply
You must be either nominated by an Australian state or territory government agency or sponsored by an eligible relative.

Sponsorship by an eligible relative

Your sponsor must be:

• 18 years old or older
• usually resident in a designated area of Australia
• be an Australian citizen, an Australian permanent resident, or an eligible New Zealand citizen
• be your or your partner’s eligible relative

An eligible relative can be:

• a parent
• a child or step-child
• a brother, sister, adoptive brother, adoptive sister, step-brother or step-sister
• an aunt, uncle, adoptive aunt, adoptive uncle, step-aunt or step-uncle
• a nephew, niece, adoptive nephew, adoptive niece, step-nephew or step-niece
• a grandparent, or
• a first cousin

You must be aged under 45 to be invited to apply for the visa.
Must have a suitable skills assessment.
Be able to score 65 points or more
You must have competent English. (IELTS or equivalent -Minimum 6 in each band)

What visa lets you do?

• • stay in Australia for 5 years from the date it is granted.
  • live, work and study in designated areas or specified regions of Australia in line with your visa conditions
  • travel to and from Australia as many times as you want, while the visa is valid
  • apply for permanent residency, if eligible, through the Permanent Residence (Skilled Regional) visa (subclass 191)
  • work in any occupation and for any employer in line with the work and residence conditions attached to your visa.

Cost*

Main Applicant: $4045
Additional applicant (18+): $2025
Additional applicant (<18)- $1010
Secondary applicant – additional costs
The second instalment charge for family members is AUD4,890 (If your family member 18 years or older but has less than functional English.)

Processing time: It may vary depending upon the application. You may refer to immigration website for the update.