Overview of Subclass 491 Visa (Skilled Work Regional – Provisional)

The Subclass 491 Visa is a temporary visa designed for skilled workers who are nominated by an Australian state/territory or sponsored by an eligible family member in a designated regional area. It provides a pathway to permanent residency after meeting certain work and residency conditions for 3 years.

Key Features:

  • State/Territory nomination or family sponsorship required.
  • Applicants must live and work in regional areas.
  • Temporary visa (5 years) with eligibility for permanent residency after 3 years.
  • Provides full work and study rights in regional areas.
  • Fast-track to Subclass 191 (Permanent Residency) after fulfilling requirements.

Process Flow and Timeline for Subclass 491 Visa

Step 1: Skills Assessment (2-3 Months)

  • Identify the ANZSCO occupation code that matches your skills and experience.
  • Apply for Skills Assessment with the relevant authority (e.g., ACS, Engineers Australia).
  • Submit your educational and employment documents.
  • Processing time: 8-12 weeks.

Step 2: English Language Test (IELTS/PTE) (2-4 Weeks)

  • Take the IELTS, PTE, or TOEFL test to prove English proficiency.
  • A higher score (Proficient or Superior English) gives more points.
  • Results are usually available within 1-2 weeks.

Step 3: Submit Expression of Interest (EOI) (Immediate)

  • Create and lodge an EOI via the SkillSelect platform.
  • Select Subclass 491 and indicate the regional state or territory for nomination, or specify family sponsorship.
  • Include your skills assessment, work experience, and English test details.
  • EOIs remain valid for 2 years, and you can update them anytime.

Step 4: State/Territory Nomination or Family Sponsorship (1-6 Months)

  • Apply for nomination from a regional state/territory or obtain family sponsorship if you have a relative in a regional area.
  • States/territories may require:
    • Commitment statements to live and work in the region.
    • Proof of funds and settlement plans.
  • Processing time: Varies from 1-6 months, depending on the state or family situation.

Step 5: Receive Invitation to Apply (1-2 Months)

  • Once nominated or sponsored, receive an invitation to apply for the visa through SkillSelect.
  • Invitations are issued based on points score and occupation quotas.
  • You must submit your application within 60 days of receiving the invitation.

Step 6: Submit Visa Application (Within 60 Days)

  • Lodge your visa application via ImmiAccount within 60 days.
  • Submit the required documents:
    • Passport and ID
    • Skills assessment report
    • English test results
    • Police clearance certificates
    • Health check reports

Step 7: Health and Police Checks (4-8 Weeks)

  • Complete a health examination with an authorized Australian panel physician.
  • Obtain police clearance certificates from any country where you’ve lived for 12+ months.
  • Processing time: 4-8 weeks.

Step 8: Visa Processing (4-10 Months)

  • The Department of Home Affairs processes your visa application.
  • Additional documents may be requested during processing.
  • Processing time: 4-10 months, but can vary based on the workload and complexity of the case.

Step 9: Visa Grant and Travel (1-3 Months)

  • Upon visa grant, you receive a grant notification with the first entry date (usually within 6 months).
  • Plan your move to a regional area to comply with the visa conditions.
  • You are required to live, work, and study in regional areas only.

Step 10: Pathway to Permanent Residency (After 3 Years)

  • After holding the 491 visa for 3 years and earning at least AUD 53,900 per year, you become eligible to apply for the Subclass 191 Permanent Residency visa.
  • You must continue to meet the residency and income requirements until applying for the 191 visa.

Summary Timeline

  1. Skills Assessment: 2-3 months
  2. English Test: 2-4 weeks
  3. Submit EOI: Immediate
  4. State Nomination/Family Sponsorship: 1-6 months
  5. Receive Invitation to Apply: 1-2 months
  6. Submit Visa Application: Within 60 days
  7. Health and Police Checks: 4-8 weeks
  8. Visa Processing: 4-10 months
  9. First Entry or Relocation: 1-3 months after visa grant
  10. Apply for Subclass 191: After 3 years of meeting residency and income requirements

Estimated Total Timeline

  • Best case: 8-12 months
  • Longest case: 18-24 months (if nomination or processing is delayed)

The Subclass 491 visa offers a pathway to permanent residency through regional living. It encourages skilled migrants to settle in regional areas and provides full work and study rights. After 3 years of meeting residency and income requirements, you can apply for Subclass 191 Permanent Residency. This visa is ideal for those looking for regional opportunities with a clear path to permanent residency.