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Important updates to our Australian emigration services
We have withdrawn our Australian emigration legal services as of April 2024 and are unable to assist with enquiries or advice about moving to Australia.
This information remains accessible to aid anyone wishing to make the move to Australia, however please note that this information was last updated in August 2023.
Emigrate to Australia is a London-based Australian emigration service who may be able to assist with any enquiries, however please note that we do not endorse any one provider's services. They can be contacted on 020 7427 5290.
The Subclass 491 Skilled Work Regional Visa is an option for workers looking to emigrate to Australia. It works slightly differently than the other popular routes. However, it is a great choice for people looking to move and work in a regional area of the country.
This guide will outline what the Subclass 491 Visa is, its eligibility requirements, and how you would go about applying for one.
What is a Subclass 491 Visa?
The Subclass 491 Visa is a provisional points-based visa that allows skilled workers to live and work in Australia. This allows them to stay in the country for up to five years.
It is for applicants nominated by an Australian state or territory government agency and with the necessary skills and qualifications to contribute to the Australian economy.
After three years of having this visa, holders can apply for permanent residence if they meet the eligibility requirements.
What are the benefits of a Subclass 189 Visa?
A Subclass 189 Visa provides several benefits to skilled workers seeking to move to Australia permanently, including:
- Work and study. This visa allows holders to live and work in regional Australia, which tends to have a lower cost of living and a slower pace of life than most major cities.
- Include family members. You can include family members within your visa application if you wish for them to accompany you to Australia.
- Unrestricted travel. Holding this visa gives you the ability to travel to and from Australia as many times as you want (permitting the visa is valid.)
- Potential permanent residency. After three years, migrants with a Subclass 491 Visa can apply for permanent residency.
For more information, visit our Skilled Migration Visas blog.
What’s the difference between Subclass 491 and Subclass 190?
Subclass 491 and Subclass 190 are both skilled worker visas that require a state to nominate the candidate. However, there are a few ways in which the Subclass 190 visa differs:
- It is a permanent visa that allows you to stay in Australia as a permanent resident.
- You can live anywhere in Australia as opposed to the designated regional area.
- Applicants receive only 5 points for nomination.
- This visa tends to be more competitive.
Find out more about the Subclass 190 Visa pathway by visiting our blog.
Eligibility requirements.
To be eligible for a Subclass 189 visa, you must meet the following requirements:
Skilled occupation
You must have a skilled occupation that is listed on the relevant state or territory skilled occupation list. The occupation must be relevant to your skills and qualifications.
Check out our Skilled Occupation List blog for more information.
Skill assessment
You must have your skills assessed by a relevant assessing authority. The assessing authority will determine if your skills and qualifications meet the Australian standard for your nominated occupation.
Points test
You must score at least 65 points on the points test to be eligible for a Subclass 491 visa. Points are awarded based on factors such as age, English language proficiency, skilled employment, education, and other relevant factors.
This visa pathway offers 15 points for nomination, as opposed to the 5 that Subclass 190 nominees recieve.
Check out our Australian Point System blog for more information.
English language proficiency
You must meet the English language proficiency requirements for the visa. This can be demonstrated through a recognised English language test such as IELTS, TOEFL, or PTE.
Age
You must be between the ages of 18 to 45 to be eligible for a Subclass 190 Visa.
Health and character requirements
You must meet the health and character requirements for the visa. This includes providing evidence of good health and character.
The Australian Immigration Experts
Our Australian emigration team are:
- Registered with the Australian government
- Dual-qualified in Australian and British law
- Experts in visa appeals and complex applications
How can I receive a nomination?
To receive a nomination for a Subclass 491 Visa, you’ll need to submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) to SkillSelect. Once done, states and territory governments can see your EOI and decide on if they wish to nominate you.
The process for receiving a Subclass 491 nomination differs from state to state. Each state and territory government has their own set of guidelines on which they nominate people.
Application process.
The application process for a Subclass 491 Visa involves several stages:
- First, you must first receive a nomination from an Australian state or territory government agency.
- Next, the assessing authority will provide you with a skills assessment report that you will need to include with your visa application.
- Then you must submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) via SkillSelect.
- Next, once the EOI has all of your relevant information, you’ll be given an automatic calculation of points based on your qualifications and skills.
- After submitting an EOI, you will be ranked against other intending applicants. This will determine if you will receive an invitation. Invitations are issued regularly through SkillSelect.
- Once you receive the invitation, you must now apply for the visa within 60 days. This is accomplished again via SkillSelect.
You may need to provide additional information about your application if asked, or simply receive a visa outcome.
How much does a Subclass 491 Visa cost?
The cost of a Subclass 491 Visa is AUD 4,240 for the main applicant. This equates to roughly £2,250.
Additional fees will apply for extra dependents included in the application.
How long does the visa take to process?
The processing time for a Subclass 491 Visa varies depending on the volume of applications received by the Australian Department of Home Affairs.
On average, it takes between six to twelve months to process this visa application. However, this timeframe can be longer if the Department of Home Affairs requires more information or if there are delays in processing the application.
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