When considering migration to Australia, it's essential to understand the various visa options available. Two popular pathways for skilled workers are the Subclass 491 - Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Visa and the Subclass 494 - Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (Provisional) Visa. While both visas aim to address skill shortages in regional areas, they have distinct eligibility requirements, benefits, and pathways to permanent residency.
Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Visa
The Subclass 491 visa is designed for skilled individuals who have received a nomination from a state or territory government. This visa allows them to live and work in regional areas of Australia for five (5) years, contributing to local economies and communities.
Visa Duration and Conditions
The Subclass 491 visa is valid for five (5) years from the date of grant, allowing holders to live, work, and study in designated regional areas of Australia, as well as travel to and from the country as often as they wish while the visa remains valid.
Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Visa
The Subclass 491 visa is designed for skilled individuals who have received a nomination from a state or territory government. This visa allows them to live and work in regional areas of Australia for five (5) years, contributing to local economies and communities.
Visa Duration and Conditions
The Subclass 491 visa is valid for five (5) years from the date of grant, allowing holders to live, work, and study in designated regional areas of Australia, as well as travel to and from the country as often as they wish while the visa remains valid.
Eligibility
You must have a suitable skills assessment for your nominated occupation, which should be listed on the relevant Skilled Occupation List.
You need to be invited to apply for the visa, following the submission of an Expression of Interest (EOI) through the SkillSelect system.
Applicants must satisfy the points test, achieving a minimum of 65 points based on factors such as age, work experience, qualifications, and English language proficiency.
You must be under 45 years of age to be invited to apply for the visa. However, you can still submit your application if you turn 45 after receiving the invitation.
You and any accompanying family members must meet the health requirements. Family members not traveling with you may also need to meet these requirements if requested.
If you or any family members (including those not applying with you) owe money to the Australian Government, you must have repaid or made arrangements to repay the debt.
Processing Time
Processing times for the Subclass 491 visa can vary significantly based on individual circumstances. Factors affecting processing times include:
Completeness of the application and supporting documents.
Response times to additional information requests.
Duration of necessary checks on the provided information.
Timeliness in receiving external agency information related to health, character, and national security.
Family Members
You can include family members in your visa application. They can be added when you submit the application or as dependents before a decision is made. All included family members must meet health and character requirements.
Cost
The application fee for the Subclass 491 visa starts at AUD 4,770 for the main applicant. Additional charges apply for each family member included in the application. For applicants over 18 with less than functional English, a second installment fee of AUD 4,890 may apply.
Obligations and Compliance
Visa holders and their family members must comply with all visa conditions and Australian laws. Non-compliance may result in visa cancellation.
Pathway to Permanent Residence
After holding the Subclass 491 visa for three (3) years, holders may be eligible to apply for permanent residency through the Permanent Residence (Skilled Regional) visa (Subclass 191), available since November 16, 2022.
Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (Provisional) Visa
The Subclass 494 visa allows regional employers in Australia to address skill shortages by sponsoring skilled workers from overseas. This visa is particularly beneficial for employers who cannot find appropriately skilled Australian workers to fill their vacancies.
Visa Duration and Conditions
The Subclass 494 visa is valid for five (5) years from the date of grant, allowing holders to live, work, and study in designated regional areas of Australia, as well as travel to and from the country as often as they wish while the visa remains valid.
Eligibility Requirements
You must show that you have the skills, qualifications, and work experience necessary to perform the nominated occupation.
A minimum of three (3) years of relevant work experience in your nominated occupation is required.
You must work only for your sponsor whose business is lawfully operating in Australia or an associated entity unless an exemption applies.
Applicants must be under forty-five 45 years of age at the time of application
You must meet minimum standards of English language proficiency.
If you or any family members (including those not applying with you) owe money to the Australian Government, you must have repaid or made arrangements to repay the debt.
Processing Time
Processing times can vary based on individual circumstances, including:
completeness of your application and necessary supporting documents.
promptness of your responses to additional information requests.
time needed for required checks on your provided information.
The duration for obtaining information from external agencies regarding health, character, and national security.
Family Members
You can include family members in your visa application. They can be included when you submit your application or added later before a decision is made. All family members must meet health and character requirements.
Cost
The application fee for the Subclass 494 visa starts at AUD 4,770 for the main applicant. Additional charges apply for dependents, with fees of AUD 2,385 for each dependent aged 18 and over, and AUD 1,190 for each dependent under 18.
Obligations and Compliance
Visa holders and their family members must comply with all visa conditions and Australian laws. Key obligations include:
Commencing employment within 90 days of entering Australia or from the visa grant date, depending on your location at the time of grant.
Working only in your nominated occupation for your sponsoring employer in a designated regional area.
Pathway to Permanent Residence
After holding the Subclass 494 visa for three (3) years, holders may be eligible to apply for permanent residency through the Permanent Residence (Skilled Regional) visa. It is important to note that unless you have held your Subclass 494 visa for three (3) years, you cannot apply for other permanent visas, such as the Subclass 820 (Partner) visa or the Subclass 186 (Employer Nomination Scheme).
Visa Comparison
Feature | Subclass 491 | Subclass 494 |
Nomination/Sponsorship | State/territory sponsorship | Employer sponsorship |
Age | Under 45 years old | Under 45 years old |
Visa Duration | 5 years | 5 years |
Work Requirement | Any eligible occupation on the Skilled Occupation List. | Specific job with sponsoring employer |
Pathway to PR | After 3 years in regional work | After 3 years with sponsoring employer |
Points Test | Yes (minimum 65 points) | No points test required |
If you’re still uncertain about the requirements or the application process, consider consulting a registered migration agent. Immigration regulations may change over time. To ensure you meet the current eligibility criteria and receive personalized guidance, we recommend consulting with Australian Portal Immigration. You can book your appointment here.
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