To qualify, applicants must nominate occupations on Australia's Skilled Occupation List and submit Expression of Interest through SkillSelect. Successful EOI submissions result in invitations to apply, enabling formal visa application lodgement. Applicants require nomination from Australian state or territory government agencies or sponsorship from eligible relatives to proceed with applications.
1 Key Benefits and Requirements
Visa Benefits: Live, work, and study in regional Australia for up to five years. Include eligible family members in applications, pursue educational opportunities, and establish pathways to permanent residency upon meeting all specified requirements after three years of regional residence.
Core Eligibility Criteria: Applicants must receive invitations to apply following EOI submission through SkillSelect. Secure nomination from state or territory government agencies or sponsorship from qualifying relatives. Be under 45 years of age at invitation time (turning 45 after invitation permits continued processing, but turning 45 before invitation disqualifies applications). Hold valid skills assessment obtained within three years prior to invitation, current at application time. Achieve minimum 65 points on the points test, though higher scores may be required based on EOI declarations and invitation rounds.
Language and Skills Standards: Demonstrate at least Competent level English proficiency for primary applicants. Family members aged 18 or older must show Functional English proficiency or pay additional visa charges. Nominated occupations must appear on the combined eligible skilled occupations list for subclass 491 visas.
Health, Character, and Financial Requirements: All applicants and accompanying family members must meet health requirements. Family members not accompanying you may also require health assessments if requested. All family members aged 16 years and over must satisfy character requirements regardless of whether traveling with you. Ensure no outstanding debts to the Australian Government exist, with repayment arrangements made if applicable. Immigration history undergoes consideration during assessments, with previous visa cancellations or refusals potentially impacting eligibility.
2 Points Test and Skills Assessment
Points-Based System: Australia employs points-based assessment considering age, English proficiency, educational qualifications, work experience, and other relevant criteria gauging potential economic contributions and adjustment capacity in regional areas. Minimum 65 points required for eligibility, though invitations typically issue to candidates with higher scores reflecting competitive selection processes.
Skills Assessment Process: Obtaining positive skills assessment proves crucial for 491 visa applications. Designated assessing authorities for specific occupations verify qualifications, expertise, and experience meet Australian employment standards. Each profession maintains designated assessing bodies evaluating credentials against industry benchmarks. Skills assessments carry expiration dates, requiring current validity at application time to ensure recent credential verification.
3 Application Process and Documentation
Expression of Interest: Lodge EOI through SkillSelect indicating state/territory nomination preferences or qualifying relative sponsorship. SkillSelect calculates indicative points scores based on provided information, with state and territory agencies reviewing EOIs for nomination consideration based on regional workforce needs and applicant qualifications.
Required Documentation: Applications require accurate supporting documentation including identity proof, relationship evidence, character references, English proficiency certification, partner documentation, dependent records (under and over 18), skills assessment papers, EOI materials, sponsorship documents, and nomination records. Accuracy in all provided information proves essential for application success.
Application Lodgement: Upon receiving invitation, applicants have 60 calendar days to submit complete visa applications online via ImmiAccount, regardless of whether located within or outside Australia. The Department of Home Affairs provides acknowledgment notifications upon application receipt, status updates throughout processing, and information requests when additional documentation required. Bridging visa approvals receive official notification when granted.
4 Visa Duration and Permanent Residency Pathway
Temporary Residency Period: The 491 visa grants five-year temporary residency for visa holders and eligible families. While direct extensions aren't available, the visa serves as pathway to permanent residency through subclass 191 applications after meeting specific criteria over three years.
Permanent Residency Requirements: To qualify for subclass 191 permanent residency, applicants must maintain valid 491 visas for minimum three years, meet established minimum taxable income requirements over this period, and adhere to all visa conditions including living, working, and studying in designated regional areas. Successfully meeting these requirements enables transition to permanent residency with families.
Application Outcomes: Approved applications receive unique visa grant numbers, visa start dates, and applicable conditions information. Refused applications receive detailed refusal reasons and review rights information. Application charges are non-refundable upon refusal. The 491 visa enables skilled workers and families to establish themselves within regional communities, contributing to economic growth and development while building foundations for long-term Australian settlement through permanent residency pathways.
Your Success Partner
AI Global provides comprehensive support for 491 visa applicants throughout the EOI preparation, state nomination liaison, and application process. From assessing eligibility and coordinating skills assessments through to EOI lodgement, securing nominations or sponsorship, and visa application submission, our experienced team ensures you receive expert guidance maximizing your regional residency and permanent residency prospects.
Contact us today to explore your options for the Skilled Work Regional visa subclass 491 and begin your journey toward regional settlement and permanent residency in Australia.