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Skilled Work Regional Visa: Subclass 491
Who should apply for 491 visa?
The 491 Visa is designed for skilled individuals who wish to reside and work in regional Australia for a period of up to five years, offering a pathway to permanent residency. Unlike some other visas, this option does not require employer sponsorship; however, nomination by a State or Territory government or sponsorship by an eligible family member residing in regional Australia is essential.
Key Aspects of the 491 Visa
- Applicants must live and work in a designated regional area of Australia throughout the visa’s duration (up to five years).
The Pathway to Permanent Residency with the 191 Visa
The eagerly anticipated 191 Visa is set to be announced in November 2022. Eligible applicants who have accumulated three years of living and working in regional Australia, along with meeting the minimum employment and taxable income requirements (set at $53,900 per annum), however according to the new rule there is no minimum income requirement for the Permanent Residence (Skilled Regional) visa (subclass 191).
Primary applicants must provide notices of assessment issued by the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) for three income years out of the five years of their eligible visa. Primary applicants who have already lodged should ensure their application provides these three notices.
Why Is the 491 Visa So Popular?
- Broader Occupational Opportunities: Unlike the 189 Skilled Independent Visa, which mandates an occupation listed in the Medium and Long Term Strategic Skilled List (MLTSSL), or the 190 visa, which accesses both MLTSSL and Short Term Skilled Occupation List (STSOL), the 491 Visa provides access to an even larger skilled occupation list, including those in the Regional Occupation List (ROL).
- Medicare Eligibility: Although the 491 Visa is a temporary 5-year working visa with a pathway to the Permanent Residency 191 Visa, all applicants may be eligible for Medicare. Medicare helps cover doctor visits, medicines, and various health services, though it does not cover all health-related expenses, and coverage limits apply. Visa holders should review these limitations and explore private health insurance options before arrival.
- Simplified Regional Nomination: The Australian Government encourages skilled migrants to live and work in regional areas, making the nomination requirements for the 491 Visa significantly more accessible than those for the 190 Visa. While 190 nominations may require living and working in metropolitan areas like Melbourne, Sydney, or Brisbane, 491 nominations often involve shorter durations in regional areas, offering more permanent residency options.
- Lower EOI Points Requirement: Applicants for the 491 Visa need only achieve 50 points independently, as the state provides an additional 15 points for being nominated in the 491 Visa application.
The 491 Visa offers a compelling path for skilled individuals seeking to embrace regional opportunities in Australia, with a promising route to permanent residency.
The Skilled Work Regional Visa (Subclass 491) will grant you a temporary residency visa valid for 5 years.
The Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Visa (Subclass 491) replaced the 489 Visa and commenced on the 16th November 2019.
If you’re willing to migrate to Australia under PR then please fill in the details below for our experts to review and inform you if there’s any opportunity for your PR through Express Entry or any other category. We will call you back within 24 hours after receiving the inquiry form to discuss your opportunity in detail.