491 Visa
Home / Migration / Introduction:
Are you looking to live, work, and study in regional Australia? The Skilled Work Regional Subclass 491 Visa might be your pathway to making this a reality. Brasica Migration is here to guide you through this journey.
What is the Subclass 491 Visa?
The Subclass 491 Visa is a provisional visa designed to encourage skilled migrants to contribute to regional Australia. Valid for five years, it offers a pathway to permanent residency after three years of living and working in designated regional areas.
Key Requirements for Applicants:
Eligibility Criteria:
• Nomination: You must be nominated by a state/territory government agency or sponsored by an eligible family member residing in a designated regional area.
• Age Limit: Applicants must be under 45 years at the time of receiving an invitation.
• Occupation & Skills: Your occupation must be on the relevant skilled occupation list with a suitable skills assessment and competent English.
• Invitation & Points Test: You need to submit an Expression of Interest (EOI), wait for an invitation, and meet the points test threshold.
Application Process:
Steps Involved:
1. Skills Assessment: Obtain a positive skills assessment for your nominated occupation.
2. Expression of Interest (EOI): Submit an EOI via SkillSelect.
3. Wait for Invitation: Await an invitation to apply for the Skilled Visa.
4. Visa Application: Lodge your visa application upon receiving the invitation.
Visa Processing Times:
Processing times vary based on application volumes, complexity, and completeness. Estimates are available on the official Global Visa Processing Time page.
Costs Involved:
• Government Application Fee: Starting from AUD4,240, varying based on the number and age of dependents.
• Consultancy Fee: Dependent on individual circumstances.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
Addressing Common Concerns:
• Job Offer Requirement: A job offer is not mandatory for the visa application.
• Sponsorship Eligibility: Eligible relatives can sponsor applicants residing in designated regional areas.
• Application Location & Family Inclusion: Applications can be made both in and outside Australia, allowing inclusion of family members.
• Medicare Eligibility: Visa holders and their families are eligible for Medicare benefits.
• Moving Between States: Flexibility to move between regional areas without restrictions.
Pathway to Permanent Residency:
After three years of living and working in a designated regional area, holders of the 491 Visa have a pathway to apply for Permanent Residency.
Ready to explore regional Australia and embark on your journey? Contact Brasica Migration today for expert guidance on the Subclass 491 Visa.