Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) - subclass 491 is a Provisional Visa. It enables eligible professionals and their family members to live, study and work in the designated regional areas of Australia for 5 years. The validity of the visa is 5 years. However, visa holders may be eligible to apply for a Permanent Residence visa which is Subclass 191 after 3 years, provided they fulfil all the requirements.
To be eligible for the visa, you must be -
Designated regional areas are Perth, Adelaide, Canberra, Gold Coast and Hobart. Sydney, Brisbane and Melbourne do not fall in the list.
Like any other General Skilled Migration Visa, Subclass 491 Visa Application is also based on point test. Generally, these points are based on visa applicant’s age, qualification, overseas and Australian work experience, English and Australian study. However, there has been a revision of point-system for all the Skilled Migration Visas and additional points can be gained under following categories.
For invitation purposes, you are awarded a ranking in case you are a -
If you are a 491 visa holder, you cannot apply for other visas that are part of the General Skilled Migration program.
Subclass 491 visa is for five years, however, you can apply for PR SC 191 visa provided you meet the criteria.
Subclass 191 can be applied after meeting conditions such as: