Skilled Work Regional
Australia Subclass 491 Visa Overview
The Subclass 491 visa is a skilled regional visa that allows skilled workers and their families to live, work, and study in designated regional areas of Australia for up to five years. This visa category is part of the General Skilled Migration (GSM) program and replaced the Subclass 489 visa in November 2019. Here’s an overview of the Subclass 491 visa, including the application process, required documents, and points calculation:
- State Nomination: The Subclass 190 visa requires applicants to be nominated by a state or territory government agency in Australia. Each state and territory has its own list of eligible occupations and nomination criteria, which may include factors such as skills shortages and regional development needs.
- Permanent Residency: Successful applicants are granted permanent residency in Australia, allowing them to live, work, and study in the country indefinitely. Permanent residents have access to a range of social and economic benefits, including healthcare, education, and social security.
- Occupation List: Applicants must nominate an occupation that is listed on the relevant state or territory skilled occupation list. The nominated occupation must be assessed as suitable for skilled migration by the relevant assessing authority.
Documents Required for Subclass 491 Visa:
Applicants for the Subclass 491 visa are required to submit various documents to support their visa application. These may include:
- Identity documents, such as passport, birth certificate, and national identification card.
- Skills assessment from a relevant assessing authority for the nominated occupation.
- English language proficiency test results (e.g., IELTS, TOEFL, PTE Academic).
- Educational qualifications, such as degree certificates and transcripts.
- Employment references or evidence of relevant work experience.
- Health examination results and medical clearance certificates.
- Character references and police clearance certificates from every country where the applicant has lived for 12 months or more in the past 10 years.
- State or territory nomination certificate or letter of nomination.
Points Calculation for Subclass 491 Visa:
Applicants for the Subclass 491 visa must meet the minimum points requirement on the skilled migration points test. Points are awarded based on various factors, including:
Age: Applicants aged between 18 and 44 years receive points based on their age at the time of invitation.
English Language Proficiency: Points are awarded for achieving the required scores on an approved English language test (e.g., IELTS, TOEFL).
Qualifications: Points are awarded based on the level of educational qualifications held by the applicant.
Work Experience: Points are awarded for relevant skilled work experience gained in the nominated occupation.
State or Territory Nomination: Applicants receive additional points for being nominated by a state or territory government agency in Australia.
How to Apply for Subclass 491 Visa:
Check Eligibility: Determine if you meet the eligibility criteria for the Subclass 491 visa, including occupation requirements, skills assessment, English language proficiency, and regional nomination.
Submit Expression of Interest (EOI): Create an EOI profile in the online SkillSelect system and indicate your interest in applying for the Subclass 491 visa. Provide information about your skills, qualifications, work experience, and willingness to live and work in a designated regional area.
Receive State or Territory Nomination: If you meet the eligibility criteria, you may receive a nomination from a state or territory government agency in Australia. Each state and territory has its own list of eligible occupations and nomination criteria for the Subclass 491 visa.
Lodge Visa Application: Once nominated by a state or territory government, you can lodge your visa application online through the Department of Home Affairs website. Submit all required documents and pay the applicable visa application fee.
Provide Biometrics and Health Examination: You may be required to provide biometric information (such as fingerprints and photographs) and undergo a health examination as part of the visa application process.
Await Visa Decision: Once your application is lodged, wait for the Department of Home Affairs to process your visa application. You may be required to provide additional information or attend an interview if requested.
Receive Visa Grant: If your visa application is approved, you will receive a notification of visa grant, and your Subclass 491 visa will be issued. You can then make arrangements to travel to Australia and commence your new life in a designated regional area.
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