Introduction
Australian Skilled Work Provisional Visa (Subclass) 491 is an exceptional way towards getting permanent residency in Australia, especially for those who have been living and working in Regional Australia and usually those people who are working for 3 years or more become eligible for the 191 Visa. Though there are lengthy procedures and requirements to be fulfilled but it is of paramount importance that all your paperwork is in order to give you the best chance of success in your application.
What is Visa 491 Subclass?
The Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Visa Subclass 491 allows professional immigrants to live, work & Study for a period upto 5 years in Australia, in furtherance to permanent residency through the Subclass 191 Visa which can be applied after 3 years from the time visa is granted. It is a part of Australia’s ‘General Skilled Mitigation’ program.
491 Visa Requirements
For applying for visa Subclass 491, the applicant shall follow the below-mentioned requirements in order to live, work and study in designated areas of Australia.
- The applicant shall not have any cancelled or refused Australian Visa neither should have any outstanding debts to the government;
- The applicant shall be below the age of 45yrs and possess skills as per eligible occupation list;
- The applicant must have achieved at least 65 points on Australian Government’s points test for Expression of Interest;
- The applicant must acquire proficient English through tests like IELTS or TOEFL.
- The applicant has to go through medical test conducted by Australian Immigration Department.
- The applicant be nominated by a state or by an eligible relative residing in regional Australia.
491 Visa Processing Time
There are two variations while processing your Visa (Subclass 491). They are as follows:
- Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Visa Subclass 491 for State/Territory as nominated by Regional Government are processed within the time frame of 16 months on an average.
- Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Visa Subclass 491 as sponsored by Regional family are processed within time frame of 29 months on an average.
Must Read: The Differences Between Australian Visa 189, 190, And 491?
491 Visa Conditions
The conditions to be followed before applying for Visa (subclass 491) are as follows:
- Check the eligibility for the 491 Visa
- Determine occupation’s status.
- Calculate your point score
- Submit your Expression of Interest
- Gather Evidence & Documents
- Submit your ROI
The conditions to be followed before applying for Visa (subclass 491) are as follows:
- Fill in Visa Application Online
- Await Response from the Department.
491 Visa Fees
- Visa application Fee: Initially starts at AUD $ 4,640 Approx.
- Language Exam: AUD $330-$363 Approx.
- Police Verification: AUD $222.50 – $265.70 Approx.
- Budget: $200 Approx. including other costs.
491 Visa Income Requirements
As per the announcement made on 1st July, 2023 by the Minister of Home Affairs, Temporary Migration Income Threshold will be increasing from $ 53,900 to $ 70,000 p.a.
As per present scenario, there is no legislation that bind $53,900 number to the income threshold required for 491/191 visa. But the number is operationally used for 491/191 visa threshold but not legislatively approved. Soon it is expected that a new legislature will be introduced in upcoming months to govern the same. It is expected that it will higher than $53,900 but not as high as $ 70,000.
491 Visa Benefits
There are many benefits attached to the Visa Subclass 491. A few them are stated below:
- The applicant can stay in Australia upto the validation of the visa i.e. 5 years from the date it is granted.
- The applicant can work, live and study in the designated areas or specified regions of the country in line as per visa conditions.
- The applicant can travel to and from Australia as many times as required and as long as the Visa is valid.
- The applicant can apply for permanent residency via Permanent Residence (Skilled Regional) visa (Subclass 191) within 3 years of Visa Subclass 491.
- The applicant can work in any occupation and for any employer employed in the line of work attached and residence requirements attached to the visa.
Related Blog: 491 Visa Processing Time: A Comprehensive Guide
Conclusion
In order to obtain Visa Subclass 491, one must comply with all the necessary documentations and all the other required formalities. This Visa will enable the applicant to live, work and study in Australia for upto 5 years in designated and specified regions of Australia with certain conditions. Also, one can apply for permanent resident Visa Subclass 191, if eligible. Applicant and his/her family members must comply with all such visa conditions and territorial laws. If you want to apply for 491 visa or any other visa, you can consult our MARA Registered Migration Agent Perth.
