Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Visa (Subclass 491)
Subclass 491 Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) is a provisional visa for skilled workers desiring to live and work in regional Australia.
Most locations of Australia outside major cities (Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane) are classed as designated regional areas for migration purpose including Perth, Gold Coast, Sunshine Coast, Lake Macquarie, Illawarra, Geelong, Newcastle, Wollongong, Adelaide, Hobart and Canberra.
491 visa holders can stay in Australia for 5 years and they can apply for permanent residence after 3 years.
They must meet the income threshold requirement and live/work in a regional area.
Eligibility
To become eligible, the candidate must be:
- Be nominated to apply by a state or territory government agency, or an eligible relative must sponsor the candidate
- Be under 45 years
- Have an occupation on a relevant skilled occupation list
- Have a suitable skills assessment for the occupation
- Satisfied the points test
- Be invited to apply
- Meet health and character requirements
Skilled Work Regional (Provisional visa) – Main Applicant
Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa – Subsequent entrant
Independent Migration
No
Employer Nomination
No
State/Territory Government Nomination
Yes
Family/Relative Sponsorship
Yes
Permanent Migration Pathway
Yes
The visa holder will be eligible to apply for a permanent visa after having worked for three years on 491 visa.
Employment Prospects
491 Visa (Skilled Work Regional Visa) Provisional replaced the 489 family and state sponsored visas