Subclass 491 Visa – An Overview
Subclass 491 is a provisional visa that aims to address skill shortages in regional areas of Australia. It is designed for skilled workers who want to live and work in regional Australia for 5 years. The candidates for this visa have to be either state-nominated or sponsored by an eligible family member who is a permanent resident of Australia.Â
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Each state or territory has its criteria for nominating candidates based on regional skills shortages. An additional 15 points are granted upon nomination by a designated regional area in Australia.
Eligibility Criteria:
To be eligible for a 491 visa in Australia, applicants must meet the following criteria:
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- Get a nomination from designated regional areas or be sponsored by an eligible family memberÂ
- Age under 45 years old at the time of invitation.
- Obtain a positive skills assessmentÂ
- Demonstrate proficiency in the English languageÂ
- Score a minimum of 65 points on the points test, a crucial factor for eligibility.
Advantages of the Subclass 491 Visa
- Can stay in Australia for 5 years
- Live, work, and study in a designated regional area of Australia
- Travel to and from Australia as many times as you want, while the visa is valid​
- Apply for permanent residence after 3 years from the time your visa is granted​
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Transition to Permanent Residency
After residing in Australia for the required period, Subclass 491 visa holders become eligible to apply for permanent residency through the Subclass 191 visa.
What is the processing time for the Subclass 491 visa?
Around 50% of the applications are processed within 9 months. However, for about 90% of the applications, the processing time extends to approximately 11 months. Prospective applicants need to take these timeframes into account and carefully plan their Australia PR visa process accordingly.
The application cost for the Subclass 491 visa
The cost for the main applicant is AUD 4,640. For the spouse of the main applicant, the cost is AUD 2,320, and Dependent Child less than 18 years AUD 1,160
At Migratex, we are here to offer our support and guidance to individuals who are interested in applying for visas such as Subclass 491. Our services go beyond just assisting, as we also offer a complimentary eligibility check based on the Australia PR points system. This allows us to thoroughly assess your qualifications and provide you with the necessary guidance. Our team of experienced immigration consultants is dedicated to providing tailored counseling to help you navigate through the complex Australian PR visa process.