Skilled Work Regional Visa
(subclass 491)
Subclass 491
Main applicant for the Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa
The Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa allows skilled workers to live and work in regional Australia for up to five years, with a pathway to permanent residency.
Key Features
- Temporary Stay: Live and work in regional areas for five years.
- Permanent Residency Pathway: Eligible for permanent residency later.
- Regional Requirement: Must live, work, and study in specified regions.
- Flexible Employment: Work in your nominated or any occupation.
Eligibility Requirements
- Occupation List: Your job must be on the skilled occupation list.
- Skills Assessment: Positive assessment for your occupation.
- Sponsorship: Sponsored by a relative in regional Australia or nominated by a state or territory government.
- Age Limit: Must be under 45 at the time of invitation.
- English Skills: Adequate English proficiency required.
- Points Test: Minimum of 65 points on the points test.
Application Process
- EOI Submission: Submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) via SkillSelect.
- Invitation: Receive an invitation if eligible.
- Visa Application: Apply with necessary documents like skills assessment and sponsorship proof.
- Health and Character Checks: Complete health exams and police clearances.
Benefits
- Work Rights: Full work rights in regional Australia.
- Education Access: Access to educational facilities for you and your family.
- Healthcare: Access to Medicare, Australia’s public healthcare system.
- Family Inclusion: Include eligible family members in your application
Key Considerations
- Regional Commitment: Must stay in a regional area for the visa duration.
- Compliance: Follow all visa conditions including regional living and working requirements.
This visa is a great opportunity for skilled workers to contribute to regional communities while working towards permanent residency in Australia.
Subclass 491
Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa – Subsequent entrant
The Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa – Subsequent Entrant is designed for family members of current visa holders who wish to join them in regional Australia.
Key Features
- Stay Duration: Join your family member and stay in Australia for the remainder of their visa validity.
- Regional Living: Live, work, and study in designated regional areas.
- Travel: Travel to and from Australia multiple times while the visa is valid.
- Permanent Residency Pathway: Eligible to apply for permanent residence after the primary visa holder qualifies.
Eligibility Requirements
- Family Connection: Must be a family member of the primary visa holder.
- Current Visa Holder: Primary visa holder must have a Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa.
- Regional Requirement: Live in the same designated regional area as the primary visa holder.
Application Process
- Visa Application: Submit an application with required documents proving your relationship and the primary visa holder’s status.
- Health and Character Checks: Complete mandatory health examinations and provide police clearance certificates.
Benefits
- Unified Family: Stay together with your family member in regional Australia.
- Work Rights: Full work rights in regional areas.
- Education Access: Access to education facilities.
- Healthcare: Enroll in Medicare, Australia’s public health care system.
This visa allows family members to join their loved ones in regional Australia, supporting the primary visa holder and enjoying the benefits of living in these areas.