Australia 491 Visa Guide: Subclass 491 Requirements & Process

The 491 Visa, officially known as the Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Visa Subclass 491, is one of the most popular migration pathways for skilled workers who want to live, work, and study in designated regional areas of Australia. This visa provides incredible opportunities for migrants to gain valuable experience, build a career, and eventually transition to permanent residency.

What is the Subclass 491 Visa?

The Visa Subclass 491 is a 5-year provisional visa designed for skilled workers who are either:

• Nominated by a state or territory government, or
• Sponsored by an eligible family member living in a designated regional area.

By choosing this pathway, applicants contribute to regional development while gaining access to permanent residency options after meeting specific requirements.

491 Visa Requirements

To qualify for the Subclass 491 visa, applicants must meet certain conditions:

• Be under 45 years of age.
• Have an occupation listed on the Skilled Occupation List.
• Obtain a positive skills assessment.
• Meet English language requirements (IELTS, PTE, or equivalent).
• Be nominated by a state/territory or sponsored by an eligible family member.
• Score at least 65 points in the points test.

491 Visa Conditions

Holders of the 491 visa must follow specific visa conditions:

• Live, work, and study only in designated regional areas.
• Provide updates to the Department of Home Affairs regarding address and employment changes.
• Maintain income and employment records for future permanent residency applications.

Skilled Work Regional Provisional Visa Subclass 491 Streams

1. State/Territory Nominated Stream – You must be nominated by a regional state or territory.
2. 491 Family Sponsored Visa – Requires sponsorship from an eligible relative living in a regional area.

491 Family Sponsored Visa Requirements

For applicants opting for the 491 family sponsored visa, the sponsoring family member must be:

• An Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen.
• Aged 18 or above.
• Usually residing in a designated regional area.

491 Family Sponsored Visa Points

Applicants receive 15 additional points under the points test if sponsored by an eligible family member. This significantly boosts their chances of receiving an invitation.

491 Application Process

The 491 visa application involves several steps:

1. Check eligibility and occupation on the Skilled Occupation List.
2. Complete a skills assessment from a relevant authority.
3. Submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) via SkillSelect.
4. Obtain nomination/sponsorship from a state/territory or family member.
5. Receive an invitation to apply.
6. Lodge your visa application with all required documents.

Bridging Visa & Medicare Access

While waiting for the outcome of your 491 application, you may be granted a bridging visa. The 491 bridging visa conditions generally allow you to stay in Australia lawfully until a decision is made. Depending on your circumstances, 491 bridging visa, Medicare eligibility may also apply, giving you access to healthcare during the interim period.

491 Income Requirements

To transition to permanent residency via the Subclass 191 visa, you must show that you have earned a taxable income threshold (currently AUD 53,900 per year) for at least 3 years while holding the 491 visa. This requirement ensures that migrants actively contribute to the regional economy.

491 Regional Visa Conditions and Requirements

The 491 regional visa conditions ensure that visa holders genuinely live and work in designated regional areas. Meeting these 491 regional visa requirements is crucial to maintaining visa validity and progressing towards permanent residency.

491 Spouse Visa Requirements

If applying with a partner, the 491 spouse visa requirements include providing relationship evidence such as marriage or de facto proof, shared financial documents, and joint commitments. Partners must also meet health and character requirements.

491 Visa Application Cost

The 491 visa application cost is currently around $4,640 for the main applicant, with additional charges for partners and dependent children. It’s important to note that this does not include additional expenses such as health exams, biometrics, or skills assessments.

491 Investment Visa

Some states/territories may offer additional nomination pathways for applicants willing to make a regional investment or contribute to local business activities. This is often referred to as the 491 investment visa stream, which boosts local economies.

491 Visa Extension

The Subclass 491 visa is valid for 5 years. Extensions are not typical, but applicants who meet the 491 income requirements and regional conditions can transition to the Subclass 191 Permanent Residence (Skilled Regional) visa after 3 years.

Why Choose Professional Guidance?

Applying for the Visa Subclass 491 involves detailed paperwork, strict compliance, and knowledge of migration law. Mistakes or missing information can cause unnecessary delays. This is where an Immigration Agent can provide step-by-step assistance to maximize your chances of approval.

Final Thoughts

The 491 Visa is a golden opportunity for skilled workers aiming to settle in regional Australia. With pathways to permanent residency, family sponsorship options, and regional benefits, it has become one of the most sought-after visas.

If you are planning to apply, seek help from a Registered Migration Agent Perth for a seamless application experience. With the right guidance from a trusted Immigration Agent, you can successfully make Australia your new home.