Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Visa (Subclass 491)
The Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Visa (Subclass 491) allows skilled professionals to live and work in designated regional areas of Australia. This provisional visa grants you up to five years in a regional location and can pave the way to permanent residency through the Subclass 191 Visa, provided you meet set criteria.
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Why Choose the Subclass 491 Visa?
Whether you’re trying to boost your points for an invitation or exploring opportunities because your occupation isn’t on the MLTSSL, the Subclass 491 Visa is a versatile option tailored to regional Australia.
- If your occupation isn’t on the Medium and Long-Term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL), or the Short-Term Skilled Occupation List (STSOL), you can apply for this visa.
- The Subclass 491 Visa offers 15 additional points if you’re nominated by a state or territory government or sponsored by an eligible family member in a designated regional area. This is especially useful if you need extra points to increase your chances of receiving an invitation, even if your occupation is already on the MLTSSL or STOSL lists.
Key Benefits
- Stay in regional Australia for up to five years.
- Enroll in Medicare, Australia’s public healthcare system.
- After meeting the requirements, such as living in a regional area for three years, transition to the Subclass 191 Visa for permanent residency.
Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for the Subclass 491 Visa, you must:
- Have Competent English or higher.
- Nominate an occupation from any list.
- Obtain a positive skills assessment for your nominated occupation.
- Meet health and character requirements.
- Submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) through SkillSelect and score at least 65 points.
- Be nominated by a state/territory government or sponsored by an eligible relative in a regional area.
Points Test Overview for Visa 491 Australia
The points test for the Skilled Work Regional Visa (Subclass 491) assesses applicants on criteria such as age, English language skills, work experience, educational qualifications, regional nomination or sponsorship, and partner attributes. A minimum of 65 points is required to qualify for an invitation. The table below provides a detailed breakdown of the points system for Visa 491 Australia.
| Category | Details | Maximum Points |
|---|---|---|
| Age | 18–24 years | 25 points |
| 25–32 years | 30 points | |
| 33–39 years | 25 points | |
| 40–44 years | 15 points | |
| English Language Proficiency | Competent English (IELTS 6 or equivalent) | 0 points |
| Proficient English (IELTS 7 or equivalent) | 10 points | |
| Superior English (IELTS 8 or equivalent) | 20 points | |
| Skilled Employment (Outside Australia) | Less than 3 years | 0 points |
| 3–4 years | 5 points | |
| 5–7 years | 10 points | |
| 8 years or more | 15 points | |
| Educational Qualifications | Doctorate | 20 points |
| Bachelor’s or Master’s Degree | 15 points | |
| Diploma or Trade Qualification | 10 points | |
| Qualification or Award Recognized by Australian Assessing Authority | 10 points | |
| Specialist Education Qualification | Completion of Master’s or PhD in a STEM field in Australia | 10 points |
| Australian Study Requirement | Not applicable to offshore applicants | 5 points |
| Professional Year in Australia | Not applicable to offshore applicants | 10 points |
| Community Language | NAATI accreditation | 5 points |
| Study in Regional Area | Not applicable to offshore applicants | 5 points |
| Partner Skills | Spouse/partner has competent English | 5 points |
| Spouse/partner has skills assessment and competent English | 10 points | |
| Single applicant or partner is an Australian citizen | 10 points | |
| Regional Sponsorship | For Subclass 491 visa | 15 points |
Key Notes for Applicants
- Competent English (minimum IELTS 6 in each band or equivalent) is mandatory for all skilled visas, even if it does not earn points.
- Applicants must have a skills assessment in their nominated occupation, which aligns with Australia’s ANZSCO code.
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English proficiency in the Australian Skills Points
Here is a comprehensive table showing the points awarded for English proficiency in the Australian Skills Points Test, and their respective score requirements in IELTS, PTE, and TOEFL iBT:
| English Proficiency Level | IELTS (General or Academic) | PTE Academic | TOEFL iBT | Points Awarded |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Competent English | Minimum 6.0 in each band | Minimum 50 in each band | Minimum 12 Listening, 13 Reading, 21 Writing, 18 Speaking | 0 |
| Proficient English | Minimum 7.0 in each band | Minimum 65 in each band | Minimum 24 Listening, 24 Reading, 27 Writing, 23 Speaking | 10 |
| Superior English | Minimum 8.0 in each band | Minimum 79 in each band | Minimum 28 Listening, 29 Reading, 30 Writing, 26 Speaking | 20 |
- Competent English is mandatory for most skilled visa subclasses, even if it doesn’t award points. This is the minimum eligibility requirement.
- Higher proficiency levels (Proficient or Superior English) can help applicants gain additional points, improving their overall score in the points test.
- IELTS, PTE, and TOEFL scores must be obtained from an approved test center and should be within the validity period (usually 2 years) at the time of application.
- OET (Occupational English Test) is also accepted for skilled migration, particularly for healthcare professionals, and scores must meet the specified level for Competent, Proficient, or Superior English based on visa requirements.
- Cambridge C1 Advanced Test (CAE) is accepted as proof of English proficiency, with required scores varying depending on the level of English proficiency (Competent, Proficient, or Superior) for the points test.
Designated Regional Areas
Many areas across Australia are classified as regional, including cities like Perth, Adelaide, Canberra, Gold Coast, and Hobart. Cities like Sydney, Brisbane, and Melbourne are excluded. Check the Australian Government – Department of Home Affairs website for a full list of eligible regional areas and postcodes.
Application Process: Step-by-Step
1. Submit an EOI
Lodge your EOI via SkillSelect, indicating interest in state/territory nomination or family sponsorship.
2. Receive State/Territory Invitation
If eligible, you may be invited to provide documents for nomination. Some states require a Registration of Interest (ROI) and may charge an application fee.
3. Nomination Approval
Once nominated, you’ll receive an invitation through SkillSelect to apply for the Subclass 491 Visa.
4. Lodge Your Visa Application
Submit your application within 60 days of receiving the invitation, providing all necessary documents.
5. Await Decision
The Department of Home Affairs will assess your application and notify you of the outcome.
Cost of Subclass 491 Skilled Work Regional Visa
Applying for the Subclass 491 Skilled Work Regional Visa entails various costs that applicants should plan for. These include visa application fees for the primary applicant and dependents, along with additional charges for medical examinations, police clearance certificates, and potential English language tests. The specific amounts may vary, so it is advisable to check the latest fees on the Australian Department of Home Affairs website before submitting your application. The table below provides a breakdown of the main costs associated with this visa.
| Applicant Type | Visa Application Fee (AUD) |
|---|---|
| Main Applicant | $4,765 |
| Partner (Spouse/De Facto) | $2,385 |
| Child (Each Dependent) | $1,195 |
- These fees are applicable as of the most recent updates; check the Department of Home Affairs website for any changes.
- Additional costs may apply for health checks, police clearances, and English proficiency tests.
- Fees are typically paid at the time of visa application submission.
Pathway to Permanent Residency
After holding the Subclass 491 Visa and living, working, and studying in a designated regional area for at least three years (while meeting income requirements), you may become eligible to apply for the Subclass 191 Visa, which grants permanent residency.
Including Family Members
You can include your spouse, partner, and dependent children in your Subclass 491 Visa application. If your visa is already granted, your eligible family members can still join you later through the subsequent entrant stream.
Additional Resources
- Learn from real applicants who successfully transitioned from the Subclass 491 Visa to permanent residency.
- Find helpful articles on improving your points score, tips for regional living, and success stories from regional workers.
- Contact us and get personalized guidance tailored to your circumstances.
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- Choose the Right Occupation: We match your skills and experience with suitable occupations for a positive skills assessment and competitive points.
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FAQs
What is the Subclass 491 visa?
A provisional visa for skilled workers to live and work in regional Australia for up to five years.
What are the eligibility criteria?
State/territory nomination or family sponsorship, skills assessment, age under 45, and 65+ points.
Can I include family members?
Yes, spouses, partners, and dependent children can be included.
What are the benefits?
Live, work, and study regionally; Medicare access; pathway to permanent residency.
What are designated regional areas?
All areas except Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane.
How to transition to permanent residency?
Meet income and residency requirements for three years, then apply for Subclass 191.
What is the application process?
Get a skills assessment, submit an EOI, secure nomination, and apply for the visa.
