Australia Subclass 491 Visa

Are you a skilled professional ready to make a move to Australia and settle down there permanently? Then, you may consider applying for the Australia Subclass 491 Visa if you are ready to reside and work in a designated regional zone. This Australian Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Visa is commonly called Australia Visa (Subclass 491) and allows eligible skilled workers to live and work in Australia for a period of five years. Also, this visa comes with the possibility of getting permanent residency.

Indian candidates must understand the details of the 491 Visa requirements, point system and nomination process. Below is what you should know?

What Is Australia Subclass 491 Visa?

The Australia Subclass 491 Visa is a points-tested temporary skilled visa program meant for qualified skilled professionals who wish to live and work in designated regional zones of Australia. It includes two main streams -

• State or Territory Nomination - The government of an Australian state or territory nominates a skilled applicant who qualifies.

• Pathway through Family Sponsorship - An eligible relative residing in the designated regional area sponsors the applicant.

The visa is issued for up to five years. Those who qualify can later apply for permanent residence via Subclass 191 Visa upon fulfilling certain requirements. It should be noted that Subclass 491 is not permanent residence.

Australia 491 Visa Eligibility Requirements

For those who apply for Australia 491 Visa for Indians, the following conditions usually apply:

• Age under 45 at the time of invitation to submit application

• A skilled occupation according to the respective 491 Visa occupation list

• A positive skills assessment from the authorized authority

• At least Competent English

• Minimum score of 65 points in skilled migration points test

• An invitation to apply

• Either state nomination or eligible relative sponsorship

• Satisfactory health and character requirements.

Fulfilling the minimum score requirement does not automatically result in the receipt of invitation.

Australia 491 Visa Points System

The 491 Visa points system takes into account various aspects like age, language skills, qualifications, skilled employment, and partner information.

Points could be awarded for the following:

• Age - up to 30 points.

• Language skills - up to 20 points.

• Skilled employment overseas - up to 15 points.

• Skilled employment in Australia - up to 20 points.

• Qualifications - up to 20 points.

• Partner skills and other qualifying criteria.

 

• State nomination or qualifying family sponsorship - additional 15 points.

You should have a minimum of 65 points including the relevant nomination/sponsorship points to reach the required threshold. Refer to the official 491 visa points table.

Documents Required for Australia 491 Visa

Preparation of accurate documents is one of the major components of 491 Visa application process. Based on your profile, you may require -

• Valid passport and identification papers.

• Certificates of education and academic transcripts.

• Successful skills assessment.

• Results of English language test.

• Letters of employment reference and evidence of salary or taxes.

• Details about Expression of Interest (EOI).

• Evidence of state nomination or family sponsorship.

• Marriage and birth certificates, if applicable.

• Clearance certificates issued by police authorities.

• Health examination results, if necessary.

Final list of documents required depends on your occupation, nomination criteria, and family situation.

How to Apply for Australia Subclass 491 Visa from India

There are various stages involved in Australia 491 Visa application process -

Step 1 - Determine your eligibility. Analyze your age, occupation, qualification, work experience and English language score.

Step 2 - Conduct your skills assessment. Apply to the Australian assessing authority for your nominated occupation.

Step 3 - Provide your Expression of Interest. Generate an EOI in SkillSelect and supply the right points and information in your profile.

Step 4 - Make a nomination or sponsorship application. Comply with the application requirements of the selected state or territory or family sponsored stream.

Step 5 - Receive your Invitation. If you receive an invitation, file your visa application along with necessary documents in time.

Step 6 - Pass health and character checks. Follow the instructions by Department of Home Affairs.

491 Visa Fees and Processing Time

The Australian Government's current published primary applicant visa charge is from AUD 6,140, depending on concessions and changes. Other charges might apply for accompanying family members, English related second instalment and other services. To find out the latest price, use Visa Pricing Estimator.

There is no certain 491 Visa processing time which depends on the number of applications, selected occupation and many other factors. It is impossible to give an exact processing time, therefore it is advisable to check the latest processing-time estimates before moving to Australia.

Can You Get PR After a 491 Visa?

Yes. Applicants who meet certain criteria can lodge an application for the Permanent Residence (Skilled Regional) Visa (Subclass 191) after residing with an eligible regional provisional visa for at least three years while fulfilling the terms and conditions.

For proof of income, applicants are required to produce three Income Year Assessment Notices from the Australian Taxation Office during the five years that they were living with the eligible visa. The formal guidelines do not include any minimum income criteria for this particular route.

Why Choose Sernexuss for Your 491 Visa Application Process?

Selecting the appropriate migration route depends on careful assessment of the applicant’s profile and documentation. Our team assists candidates in understanding their Australia 491 Visa eligibility, point claim, skill assessment and nomination process. 

Sernexuss offers assistance to applicants with regard to profile assessment, documentations and migration pathways depending on individual needs. Read about Australia PR Visa or get in touch with our Australia Subclass 491 Visa experts in Delhi. 

Start with profile assessment to understand the skilled migration pathway that may be suitable for you.