Frequently Asked Questions
What is the 491 visa?
The subclass 491 visa is for applicants invited to apply for the visa and who are either nominated by a State or Territory government or sponsored by an eligible family member who resides in a designated regional area.
The main features of the subclass 491 visa are:
- It is a temporary visa (five-year visa)
- It is a points-based skilled visa (it requires a minimum of 65 points)
- It can be lodged onshore or offshore
- It has an age limitation
- Requires sponsorship by either a state or territory government agency or an eligible relative
- Live, work and study in a designated regional area of Australia
What are the eligibility requirements for the 491 visa?
The main eligibility requirements for the Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa (subclass 491) are:
- Applicants must have an occupation on a relevant skilled occupation list
- Applicants must have a suitable skills assessment for the occupation
- Applicants must be invited to apply for this visa
- Applicants must be aged under 45 to be invited to apply for the visa
- Applicants must satisfy the points test
- Applicants must have at least Competent English (IELTS – at least band 6 for each of the four components; PTE – at least 50 for each of the four components)
- Applicants must meet the health requirements
- Applicants must meet the character requirements
- Applicants must be nominated to apply by a state or territory or sponsored by an eligible relative
- Nomination by an Australian state or territory: All state and territory government agencies have their own criteria for deciding who they will nominate. Therefore, applicants must check the relevant state nomination requirements
- Sponsorship by an eligible relative: The eligible relative must be:
- 18 years or older
- Usually resident in a designated area of Australia
- An Australian citizen, an Australian permanent resident, or an eligible New Zealand citizen
- Applicant’s or applicant’s partner’s eligible relative
How can I apply for a permanent visa?
The Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa (subclass 491) is a temporary visa. If you hold a subclass 491 visa, you would need to apply Permanent Residence (Skilled Regional) visa (subclass 191) in order to receive a permanent visa.