Skilled Visa Australia Subclass 491 Visa
The Skylark team has a combined 57+ years of experience helping people apply for the 491 Skilled Regional Visa, and proudly maintains a 100% success rate for 491 Visas since 2019 when the subclass commenced.
From our Melbourne | Australia HQ, we have helped customers from over 106 countries and counting.
Here’s everything you need to know about the Australian Subclass 491 Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa.
No obligations.
What is a Subclass 190 Skilled Visa?
The Subclass 491 Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Visa, commonly known as the ‘regional visa’, is a temporary visa for skilled workers to live and work in a regional area for up to 5 years. There are direct pathways to permanent residency via the 191 visa.
Similar to the 190 visa, it is a points-based visa that requires applicants to earn points based on various criteria, including age, English proficiency, work experience, and education (see other requirements). The 491 visa also requires you to be nominated by an Australian state or territory government. You can also be sponsored by an eligible relative residing in a regional area.
Here at Skylark Migration, we can help guide you with the best way to get state nomination and the 491 visa.
What is the 491 Visa application process?
What makes the 491 Visa different from 189 and 190 visas?
The 491 visa is more similar to the 190 visa than the 189 visa because it requires state nomination.
There are 3 main differences between the 491 and the 190 visa:
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You must be living and working in a designated regional area
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This is not a permanent visa - You will have a direct pathway to PR via the 191 visa
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It uses a different occupation list - You will have access to more occupations than both the 189 and 190 visas
What are "designated regional areas"?
They are areas outside of metropolitan Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane. Here is Immigration's list of postcodes for designated regional area postcodes.
Right now (2024) is still the best time for migrants to consider the 491 visa. The points cut-off for invitations have been the lowest for 5 years and with the labour shortage in Australia, it is highly prioritised by the Australian government.
What is the processing time for a 491 Skilled Visa?
Here are the average processing times for 491 Skilled Nominated Visa according to the Department of Home Affairs (eff. Sep 2024):
50% of applications processed in: 17 Months
90% of applications: 21 - 23 Months
The state nomination process itself also adds additional time. The average processing time varies from state to state. In our experience, it usually takes ~2 - 3 months.
This is an approximate processing time and it can be longer in some cases, particularly if the application is incomplete or requires further assessment.
Since 2019 when this subclass commenced, we’ve been able to help many start their Australian migration journey via the 491 Visa, stress-free. Hear it from our customers directly:
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What are the 491 Skilled Visa Requirements in Australia?
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Designated regional area: Once granted the 491 visa, applicants must live and work in a designated regional area.
Failing to do this would affect your permanent residency pathways (such as the 191 visa, which requires regional work for a certain period).
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State/Territory nomination: Every state/territory government has their own requirements and processes which can be very different. Our 1:1 PR Strategy Sessions are specially designed to help you determine the state/territory nomination that is most suitable for you. You must be nominated by an Australian state or territory government or sponsored by an eligible family member who lives in a designated regional area of Australia
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Right occupation: Applicants must have a nominated occupation that is listed on the MLTSSL or STSOL. See our Ultimate Guide to Immigration Occupation Lists for exactly which occupations are eligible for the 491 Visa.
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Positive skills assessment: Applicants must have their skills assessed by a relevant assessing authority, which determines whether their skills and qualifications meet the standards required for their nominated occupation.
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65 points: Applicants must score 60 points on the Points Test, state/territory nomination itself adds 5 points, bringing the total to the required 65 points. The points test takes into account factors such as: Age, English language proficiency, work experience, qualifications, and other relevant factors.
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Maximum age: Applicants must be under 45 years of age at the time of invitation.
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Minimum English Language Proficiency: Applicants must have at least Competent English at the time of invitation, which means a minimum of:
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IELTS: 6 in each band
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PTE Academic: 50 in each component
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TOEFL iBT: 12 for listening, 13 for reading, 21 for writing and 18 for speaking
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Health and Character Requirements: Applicants must meet health and character requirements, which include undergoing a medical examination and providing a police certificate from each country they have lived in for more than 12 months in the past 10 years, since turning 16 years old.
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Expression of Interest (EOI): Applicants must submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) through the SkillSelect online system, which allows the Australian government to assess their eligibility for the 190 Visa.
Have questions about your eligibility or application? Don't worry, we are here to help!
Our 491 Visa Application Process
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1. 1:1 consultation with a skilled visa expert to discuss your PR strategy and answer any questions
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2. Pay a small deposit. Our agents will do a eligibility assessment before you make any commitment
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3. Once we get back your signed agreement and payment, it's time to get started!
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4. We'll help you apply for your Skills Assessment
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5. Once we've received a positive assessment, we'll prepare your ROI or state nomination application, as well as your EOI
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6. We'll send you a customised EOI + 491 document checklist for the strongest application
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7. We'll update you and follow up with the state/territory until you get your invitation
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8. Once we've received an invitation, we'll prepare your 491 Visa application
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9. As you collect your documents, we'll be here to provide advice and recommendations
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10. Our experts will complete your application (we don't make you fill the forms!)
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11. We'll make sure your application is strong before we submit to Immigration
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12. We'll keep you updated and follow up with Immigration until you get your visa!
Consultations are 100% redeemable with future services!
(terms & conditions apply, see booking link for more)
Why Choose Us as Your Australian Skilled Visa Agent?
Former-Department of Immigration
With a former Immigration officer on our team, we have unique insight into what a strong application looks like and red flags you should avoid.
100%
491 Visa Success Rate
Yes, every single Subclass 491 Skilled Regional Visa application of ours has been successfully granted.
100% Money-back guarantee
...Which is why we are confident enough to offer you 100% Money Back Guarantee - We get your visa, or you get your money back*
Competitive, all-inclusive fees
We are transparent with our pricing and are fiercely against charging exorbitant fees.
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100s of 5-star reviews
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