What is Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa Subclass 491?

Since 16 November 2049, the subclass 489 – 887 visa has been replaced by subclass 491 – 191. The Skilled Work Regional visa is also points-tested, the current immigration policy of minimum score is 65 points. After submitting your Expression of Interest (EOI) application, and be nominated by the regional of Australia, you can submit 491 visa application.

Skilled work Regional (Provisional) visa is a provisional visa for skilled workers who want to live and work in regional Australia for five years.

The nomination could be the designated region or territory government of Australia, or applicant’s eligible relative who lives in the regional Australia. There are two stream: regional area government guarantee and regional area eligible relative guarantee two categories.

After hold a subclass 491 or 494 visa for at least 3 years, you could apply for Permanent Residence (Skilled Regional) visa (subclass 191).

Application conditions:

You must be aged under 45 when the state or territory government invite you to apply for the visa.

Your occupation must be on the relevant list of eligible skilled occupations of region Australia or territory for this visa stream.

Have a suitable skills assessment.

At least 6 in each of the test components on the IELTS.

Obtain a score of 65 points on EOI assessment.

Visa adventure:

1. Allow applicants to work and study in Australia

2. The annual quota is much more than the 190 visa, so the applicant has a greater chance of being invited

3. More occupational categories, which can cover the occupations that are not covered by the Subclass 190 visa

4. 15 extra points for regional area sponsorship

5. Temporary residents are also eligible for Medicare;

6. After meeting the conditions, 491 visa holders can convert to subclass 191 permanent residence.

Application process:

Contracting -- Job positioning and job assessment -- Documents review -- EOI submission -- Receive the invitation -- Submit visa application

Processing time: （https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/getting-a-visa/visa-processing-times/global-visa-processing-times ）

Visa application fee: （https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/getting-a-visa/fees-and-charges/current-visa-pricing ）