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Tel: +61-2-7257 7924
Email: info@sbsconsultant.com.au
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Email: ktm@sbsconsultant.com.au
GSM – Subclass 491
Introduction
The Subclass 491 Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa is a temporary visa for skilled workers who wish to live and work in designated regional areas of Australia. This visa is valid for five years and specifically targets professionals looking for opportunities outside major cities like Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane. A key benefit of the Subclass 491 visa is that it provides a direct pathway to permanent residency through the Subclass 191 visa after three years, making it an accessible route for skilled migrants in 2025.
Eligibility Requirements
Basic Criteria
- Age requirements: To be eligible, you must be under 45 years of age when you receive an invitation to apply.
- Nationality requirements: Open to all nationalities who hold eligible provisional visas, with special provisions for Hong Kong and British National (Overseas) passport holders.
- Health and character requirements: You are also required to meet Australia's health and character standards, which involve medical examinations and providing police clearance certificates from any country you have lived in for 12 months or more within the last 10 years.
Specific Requirements
- Occupation and skills requirement: Your occupation must be on a relevant skilled occupation list, and you need a successful skills assessment for that occupation. The eligible lists include the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL), the Short-term Skilled Occupation List (STSOL), and the Regional Occupation List (ROL).
- Point test requirement: A minimum of 65 points on Australia's points test is required, but a score of 75-80 or higher will significantly improve your chances of receiving an invitation more quickly.
- English Language: You must demonstrate competent English skills. However, citizens of the United Kingdom, the USA, Canada, and New Zealand are generally exempt from this testing requirement.
- Nomination or Sponsorship Requirement: You need to be nominated by an Australian state or territory government agency or sponsored by an eligible family member who resides in a designated regional area.
Application Process
Step-by-Step Overview
1
Preparation Phase
Confirm that your occupation is on a relevant Skilled Occupation List and obtain a skills assessment from the appropriate Australian authority.
2
Online Application
Lodge a free Expression of Interest (EOI) through the SkillSelect system. This is not a formal visa application.
3
State Nomination
Apply for nomination from a state or territory, or secure sponsorship from an eligible family member in a regional area.
4
Invitation
Once your nomination is approved, you will receive an invitation to apply for the visa.
5
Visa Application
You must submit your complete visa application within 60 days of receiving the invitation.
6
Assessment
If required, undergo medical examinations and provide biometrics.
7
Decision
The outcome of your application will be sent via email, including your visa grant number and conditions.
Key Tips :-
Invitation rounds are held throughout the financial year without set dates. To help ensure a smoother process, provide accurate documentation, complete medicals early, and aim for a high points score to increase your chances of a faster invitation.
Required Documents
Essential Documentation
- You will need your current passport, identity documents, educational certificates, and detailed evidence of your work experience, such as employment letters and payslips.
- Certified translations are required for documents not in English.
- You must also provide English language test results (if applicable), health examination results from approved panel physicians, and police clearance certificates.
Additional Documents (Visa-Specific)
- A valid skills assessment for your nominated occupation.
- Proof of state nomination or family sponsorship.
- Evidence of your relationship to the sponsor if you are on the family-sponsored pathway.
- Documentation for any point claims, such as for a regional study or partner skills.
Processing Time & Costs
Fee Structure
Mail Applicant
AUD $4,770
Additional Adult Applicant
AUD $2,385
Child Applicant (Under 18)
AUD $1,190
Processing timeframes: The visa processing time is estimated to be between 6 and 14 months, although this can vary depending on the completeness of your application and state nomination processing times. Some statistics indicate that 90% of applications are processed within 17 months.
Additional costs Structure
Skills Assessment
AUD $500–$2,000
English Language Tests
AUD $250–$400
Health Examinations
$350–$500 per person
Police Clearances
$50–$100 per country
State Nomination Fees
$200–$800 (on state)
Rights and Restrictions
What You Can Do:
- Live, work, and study in designated regional areas of Australia for up to five years.
- Travel in and out of Australia multiple times while the visa is valid.
- Work in any occupation for any employer, as long as it is within the regional boundaries.
- Apply for permanent residency after three years via the Subclass 191 visa.
- Access expanded medical benefits, including free medicals, surgeries, and health examinations covered by the government.
Limitations:
- You must live, work, and study only in designated regional areas, as enforced by the visa condition.
- You generally cannot apply for most other skilled visas until you have held the 491 visa for at least three years.
- You cannot apply for a partner visa (subclass 820/801) for the first three years of your visa.
Pathway to Permanent Residence
After holding the Subclass 491 visa for a minimum of three years, you may be eligible to apply for the Subclass 191 Permanent Residence (Skilled Regional) visa. To qualify, you must have lived, worked, and studied in a designated regional area and met the ongoing health and character requirements. As of 2024, the previous requirement to meet a minimum taxable income threshold has been removed, making the pathway to permanent residency more accessible.
Application Challenges & Solutions
Documentation Complexity
Challenge: High competition for state nominations.
Solution: Research the criteria for multiple states, focus on those with higher quotas, and check that your occupation is in demand in that region.
Challenge: Not meeting the 65-point minimum.
Solution: Aim for higher scores on your English test, gain additional skilled work experience, or claim points for your partner’s skills.
Pro Tips :-
Occupations in health, education (such as early childhood teachers), and social services are often prioritised in state nomination programs.
Frequently Asked Question
Can I live in Melbourne or Sydney with a 491 visa?
No. Designated regional Australia excludes Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane. However, cities like Perth, the Gold Coast, Adelaide, Hobart, and Canberra are considered regional areas.
How long must I wait before applying for permanent residency?
You must hold the 491 visa for at least three years and meet the residency requirements before you can apply for the Subclass 191 permanent visa. The previous minimum income requirement is no longer in effect.
Can I change jobs or move between regional areas?
Yes, you can include your spouse or de facto partner and dependent children in your application.
What happens if my state nomination is approved but a visa is refused?
Visa application fees paid to the Australian government are non-refundable. If your visa is refused, you typically cannot be nominated again by the same state in the same program year.