491 visa | Skilled Work Regional Visa

Skilled Work Regional Visa (491 Visa)

About the 491 Visa

The Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Visa (Subclass 491) is a points-based visa for skilled workers who are nominated by a state or territory government or sponsored by an eligible relative living in a designated regional area in Australia. This visa is valid for five years and allows you to live, work, and study in a specified regional area. You can also include eligible family members in your application. To begin the process, you must first submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) through SkillSelect.

What are the requirements for the 491 visa?

To qualify for the Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Visa (Subclass 491), you must:

Be invited to apply.
Be between 18 and 44 years of age when the invitation is issued.
Have an occupation that is on the relevant Skilled Occupations List.
Have a suitable skills assessment for that occupation.
Meet the English language proficiency requirements.
Satisfy health and character requirements.
Be nominated by an Australian state or territory government or sponsored by an eligible relative.
Achieve a minimum score of 65 points on the points test. CLICK TO TAKE THE POINTS TEST NOW!

How can you apply for the 491 visa?

If you receive an invitation to apply for the 491 visa, you will have 60 days to submit your online application. Your invitation letter will provide detailed instructions on the application process. It is crucial that your application reflects the information provided in your Expression of Interest and is supported by relevant documentation.

How long will the 491 visa process take?

The processing time for the 491 visa can vary based on several factors. The skills assessment process may take anywhere from 10 days to a few months, depending on the assessing authority. The time it takes to receive an invitation to apply can also vary, ranging from a few days to several months, depending on your occupation and points score. For the latest processing times, please refer to the Department of Home Affairs website.

What obligations do you have to meet if granted the 491 visa?

If granted the 491 visa, you must live, work and study in the designated regional area for at least three years.

Failure to comply with these conditions could result in:

Your visa, along with those of any accompanying family members, could be cancelled.
You may not meet the requirements to apply for permanent residency.

What are the costs associated with applying for the 491 visas?

The costs for applying for the Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Visa (Subclass 491) include several components. At Better Life Migration, we offer flexible service packages with generally fixed fees. However, these fees do not cover the visa application charges and other associated costs. Below is a breakdown of the typical fees (all amounts in AUD):

Department of Home Affairs (DHA) Visa Application fees: $ 4,910 (for primary applicant), $2,455 (for each secondary applicant over 18), $1,230 (for each secondary applicant under 18).
Other Costs: Fees for the skills assessment, English tests, health examinations, police checks, translations, etc., as applicable.
State/territory nomination fees: may be applicable for the 190/491 visa depending on the state or territory.
Our professional fees: As applicable.

Benefits of the 491 visa

The Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Visa (Subclass 491) offers several benefits for you and your family, including:

Temporary Residency: Live, work, and study in a designated regional area in Australia for up to five years.
Travel Flexibility: Travel in and out of Australia while the visa is valid.
Pathway to Permanent Residency: Apply for permanent residency through the Permanent Residence (Skilled Regional) Visa (Subclass 191) after meeting specific conditions.

How we can help you apply for the 491 visa?

Better Life Migration can assist you with the whole process from start to finish. This would include calculating your points score, preparing and lodging the skills assessment, state sponsorship, expression of interest, and visa applications. We can also provide useful insights on how you can improve your points score and increase your chances of being invited to apply for the visa.

Ready to take the next step towards your Australian dream? Contact Better Life Migration today to start your Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Visa (Subclass 491) application.

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