IT ALLOWS:

The 491 visa is a State / Territory sponsored, 5 year temporary visa designed to permit individuals to live, work and study in a designated regional area of Australia. It can lead to permanent residence, if eligible, through the Skilled regional (subclass 191) visa which will commence from 16 November 2022.

The applicant can be sponsored by an Australian state or territory government agency* or be sponsored by an eligible family member who currently resides in a designated regional area and be invited to apply for the visa.

The 491 visa is a skilled and a points-tested visa.

The applicant must be 45 or under at the time of invitation to be eligible for this visa.

*Each State and Territory Government publishes a list of occupations in short supply in their area. There may be specific requirements in terms of work experience, English language ability, or specialised skills which differ to the requirements for the Department of Home Affairs. It is very important to check the State/Territory requirements before commencing with an application.

ELIGIBILITY & CRITERIA:

  • have an occupation on the relevant skilled occupation list
  • have a suitable skills assessment for the occupation
  • be nominated to apply by a state or territory government agency, or an eligible relative must sponsor you
  • be invited to apply for this visa
  • be under the age of 45 if you are invited to apply for the visa
  • satisfy the points test (score 65 points or more, though higher ranking point scores will take precedence)
  • have competent English at the time of invitation
  • meet health and character requirements

WHERE CAN I APPLY FROM:

You can either be in Australia or overseas when you apply for a Subclass 491 Visa. To lodge from within Australia, you would need to hold a substantive visa or a Bridging A, B or C visa. Once you apply from within Australia, you would receive a bridging visa allowing you to remain in Australia during processing of your visa application.

CAN I INCLUDE FAMILY MEMBERs:

You can include:

  • Spouses, defacto partners and same-sex partners
  • Dependent children

PERMANENT RESIDENCY PATHWAYS:

It is possible to apply for a permanent Subclass 191 Permanent Residence (Skilled Regional) visa after living and working in a regional area for at least 3 years. Applicants must meet certain income requirements and be able to prove their residence in regional Australia for the 3-year period.